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(184 KB)Celebrating Horsemanship At Three Gaits Annual Student Show
The emphasis was on the "horsemanship" part of "therapeutic horsemanship" at the Student Horse Show and Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 21. The horses were groomed to the nines, riders were prepared to show their stuff, and families and friends were on hand to cheer the riders on. Busy volunteers took time out to encourage the participants, especially those they've gotten to know during lessons.
More than 40 riders competed in 15 classes on a perfect, sunny day. The classes presented a variety of challenges, including Trail/Obstacle, Judge's Command, English Equitation, Musical Flags, and more. Some classes brought all the participants into the show ring at once, while others required one horse and one rider to go in alone-a challenging situation for any competitor. Judge Nicki Butler was always serious, but never stern. Some students were in their first competition, such as adult rider Lori. She practiced with a friend the day before in her living room (her friend called out the commands while Lori played both horse and rider). Lori didn't know exactly what to expect at a show, so she arrived early and watched carefully as other riders took their turns.
Another adult rider, Julie, is a more seasoned competitor. Still, she concentrated hard as she put Howdy through his paces in the show ring. Her parents were there to provide support and enjoy refreshments in the beautiful setting of Three Gaits. While the riders demonstrated their skills, children got their faces painted, made stick horses from yardsticks, and bounced in the Moonwalk. Ribbons were awarded to the happy, accomplished riders, and a day of "serious fun" went perfectly from start to finish.
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Welcome To Three Gaits, Chris Ziemba
Three Gaits is pleased to welcome Chris to our new position of executive director. Chris brings more than ten years of experience in nonprofit and development positions including successful project management, event planning, and fund raising. He held positions at Stoughton Community Hospital, Madison Community Foundation, and, most recently, with HospiceCare, Inc. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Stoughton Seniors in Need Committee. Chris and his wife, Kathy, live nearby with their four horses.
A Message From
Chris:
Being here at Three Gaits
every day, I've gained a tremendous appreciation for all the work
needed to keep our program running smoothly for our students. The
staff, board, volunteers, and horses form a team that allows hundreds
of our riders to enjoy time in the saddle and learn skills that go
far beyond horsemanship. Each student's story is one of courage and
determination, which makes our mission very clear. Just ask a
participant or family member and they will relay their pride about
reaching a goal or the progress they've made. Thanks, again, to those
of you who support our work through time and gifts. You are a very
important asset, and I look forward to meeting you in the coming
months.
Many Thanks, Snuffy, For A Job Well Done
Our old equine friend, Snuffy,
recently retired after 13 years at Three Gaits. Thanks to program
coordinator, Dena Duncan, and occupational therapist, Stephanie
Bruschi, Snuffy has a permanent home on Stephanie's property. We are
glad to report that he is very well, loves his new friends, and has
fit right in. 
Throughout his life, Snuffy, a handsome unspotted chestnut Appaloosa, has willingly done all that's asked of him. Once a family's 4-H horse, he expanded into hunt seat shows and also dressage. With his experience, training, and pleasant disposition, Snuffy was a terrific match for a therapeutic horsemanship program. Snuffy came to live and work at Three Gaits in 1992 and his owner, Leanne Hake (to whom we are extremely grateful), eventually donated him to us.
At times playful, yet always calm, sensitive, and steady, Snuffy became the most-loved horse of many a rider at Three Gaits. Snuffy was very well respected among his fellow lesson horses. He was also a great favorite among the many volunteers who have worked with him over the years.
Snuffy recently turned 30 years old, and although he is still bright-eyed and active, we knew that some health and condition issues were beginning to take a toll as far as the daily work required of a program horse. And though he's missed around the barn, we know the decision to retire him to his wonderful new home was the right one.
Many
Projects Completed Thanks To
United Way of Dane County Days of Caring
Since its inception in 1993, the Day of Caring has brought in an impressive number of volunteers. This year was no exception! On August 25, 26, and 30, more than 230 volunteers representing 21 companies came out to Three Gaits to lend a hand. This was a chance for them to learn more about us and give their time to complete a long list of projects we had waiting. Staff members Chris Ziemba, Dena Duncan, and Missy Landphier, and board members Cindy Frank and Dan Oakland assisted.
Special thanks to the following companies for allowing employees time away from their jobs: Alliant Energy (volunteers shown in photo below), American TV, Certify, Dean, Famous Footwear, Forest Products, GE Healthcare, Kraft, MCD, Meriter, Mortenson, Matzelle & Meldrum, Rosenberry Society, Royle Printing, TASC, TDS, UW-Madison, Virchow Krause, VISTA, Wegner CPA, WHEDA, and Zimbrick. We appreciate all your help in tackling our to-do list. Here are some of the many tasks that were accomplished during these special days:
Trimmed
and weeded entire fence line
(five paddocks)
Dug burdocks from fields
Disposed of wood pile using a wood chipper
Leveled sand footing in indoor riding arena
Laid new footing in indoor arena
Watered indoor arena
Pulled weeds and spread wood chips
Cleaned windows, bathrooms, and carpet in office
Completed several painting projects
Cleaned driving cart
Cleaned and reorganized tack room
Took inventory of supplies for insurance
Organized donations for silent auction
Dismantled old shed
Hauled garbage to roadside for pickup
Youth Programs Stress Skills and the Value of Volunteering
Despite a busy summer schedule, Three Gaits introduced something new: Two day camps-one dedicated to volunteering and the other to riding.
The Youth Volunteer Day Camp gave young people between the ages of 9 and 11 an opportunity to volunteer at Three Gaits. The goal was to promote youth volunteerism as well as prepare campers to volunteer in our lesson program once they are old enough. Mornings were dedicated to many tasks, including scrubbing water tanks (a group favorite!), cleaning grooming kits, cleaning the office, pulling weeds, and other jobs. After lunch, groups were formed to help feed and bathe horses. When those jobs were done, campers participated in leading games involving steering, obstacles, and trotting-all things they would do as volunteers in regular lessons. Along with chores, campers played an important role in preparing the grounds for the Student Horse Show, doing everything from planning the obstacle course to painting the registration booth. Everyone worked hard, learned a lot, and had fun in the process.
The Summer Riding Day Camp was designed for participants to learn how to ride or to improve their existing skills. Through daily one-hour riding lessons and horse science sessions, campers learned about all aspects of horses. Riders first worked on earning the basics of steering and were soon completely independent at the walk, working on the two-point position, riding over ground poles, posting the trot, and going on trail rides. Campers were very eager learners and many were trotting independently by the end of the week. Horse science sessions taught them all about grooming, tacking, horse anatomy, colors, breeds, and markings. In the afternoon, much like the volunteer camp, this group helped feed the horses. After chores were finished they were given the option to do a number of horse-related activities like grooming contests, bathing, or learning how to braid. Everyone seemed sad to see camp end, and all the participants showed wonderful improvements in their horseback riding and other skills.
-Lindsay Capacio
Session 4 of our 2005 lesson program ends November 12. The registration deadline for Session 5 is November 19. Session 5 is a three-week session and runs from November 28 to December 18. Visit us online at www.3gaits.org for event and program updates and current information.
Please Make Your Contribution Today
Winter is Just
Around The Corner and the Horses Need a Few Flakes of Hay…
Please Make Your Contribution Today!
Support Three Gaits as we continue our mission to provide safe and effective horsemanship to children, youth and adults with disabilities and special needs. Please consider a tax-deductible donation today.
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Three Gaits Mission, Board Members, and Staff
Three Gaits, Inc., is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to provide a safe and effective therapeutic horsemanship program for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and special needs. Therapeutic horsemanship uses equine-oriented activities to promote and enhance the development of each participant's cognitive, physical, and communicative abilities, and positive self-esteem. Three Gaits strives to serve interested individuals within Dane County and the surrounding area. It is the policy of Three Gaits, Inc., to promote equal service and employment opportunities for employees, clients, board members, and applicants to the agency. Equal service and employment opportunity means the treatment of those categories of people mentioned above without regard to their age, race, sex, creed or religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, color, disability, ancestry, or political affiliation.
- President: Cindy Frank
- Treasurer: Mike Scholz
- Secretary: Lynn Hanus
- Directors: Jay Gunderson, Steve Link, Michelle Lonergan, Dan Oakland, Linda Wells
- Executive Director: Chris Ziemba
- Program Director: Dena Duncan
- Office Assistant: LaDelta Noyce
- Farm Manager: Missy Landphier
- Barn Maintenance: Roger Hanson
- Instructors: Sandra Faust, Angela Frank, Betsy Kelley, Patti DeMuri, Angie Cornell
- Occupational Therapist: Stephanie Bruschi
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Therapeutic Horsemanship Center