Seniors Program

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” 
― Sophia Loren

I get many calls from elderly people, I don't look at numbers but if I had to say it would be 65 to 85 who want to reconnect in their own way with horses. Maybe its a memory they have as a youth with a pony they had, maybe its just that "country" atmosphere & living. They tell me on the phone how other places don't want them there, I hear a sadness in their voices. The stables, the rescues, tell them that they are "too old, too slow". I shake my head in disbelief that our greatest resource is pushed away, disposable as our society has become. I welcome them with open arms.. Literally and figuratively.

One of my memories that I have left from childhood was of my grandmother. She was a large woman but the innermost feeling I have of peace and contentment was laying in her lap, my face buried in her bosom, she was using her foot to push the metal glider, rocking back and forth, back and forth. The slight squeak it made, it was late summer, the warmth of the sun mixed with the crickets humming in the distance, the smell of Fall coming in the light breeze. I never wanted to leave there. It comes to me at times now as I sit with those elderly volunteers who come here and I see in their faces that smile, that feeling of peace. As an adult it brings me healing. To reconnect with that part of myself.

I found myself reflecting back to what an old Indian man told me one day at Pine Ridge while living there with his family. He told me, "RT(my nickname) You have to look at things through both eyes". Suffice to say the conversation was much longer but although my rational mind understood his words, I wasn't able to internalize it for many years. As I've grown older I have begun to see those things in life through both eyes. It has broadened my love and respect for my elders which we are taught to do. This has transpired into those elder horses that come to our facility.

I thank Grandfather for bringing me to this point where I felt it was time to honor those elders in our Community and lives by giving them that outlet.

Sometimes "thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough when it comes to thanking people who do tremendous things to help. After writing to this company and explaining how we desperately needed the AC/Heat for the Seniors Program, they have generously donated the MRCOOL System for us to install. 

This system is important as we want our Seniors to be comfortable and in an environment that they can be healthy and safe. 

Beginning in June 2018 we will have our Old Timers' Club Day. Every Wednesday 10am to 1pm will be segregated for you to come to be a part of what we do here. At 12noon to 1pm will be the Social Hour where we will have a light lunch where everyone can just enjoy each others company. We want you to feel a part of this community so feel free to bring something you would like to share for lunch. It could be a plate of cookies or a salad you just love to make. We will provide the drinks (non-alcoholic). You don't have to have any special skills to participate, just an open and loving heart. If you don't feel led to work with the horses we have so many other areas that you can assist even if its just to chit chat with those who are!