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:: in the news ::SIRE presents Therapeutic Education for Special Students Horse Therapy Helps Kids with Disabilities How Horses are Used in Therapy Rodeo Spirit Part of Unusual Therapy Fort Bend Cares Charitable Foundation Partners with SIRE Hunting Announces $126,000 Contribution To SIRE Hunting Announces $100,000 Contribution to SIRE SIRE Receives $29,960 Leadership Grant from CVS/pharmacy Charitable Trust SIRE Chosen as 2006 Hunting Art Prize Charity Help for the Horses and Those They Help Horses Offer a Special Brand of Therapy ......................................................................................................... The Magnolia Potpourri ......................................................................................................... Students looking to bring mini therapy horse to school, routinelyBy TANA ROSS Dalton Young a first grader in Sarah Berry's Life Skills class at Nichols Sawmill Elementary School could not resist hugging Tess, a miniature therapeutic horse who visited the campus last year. It did not follow them to school but students at Nichols Sawmill Elementary want Tess, a miniature horse, to visit them on a regular basis. The little horse that can, one of a stable full of equine therapy horses at S.I.R.E. in nearby Hockley, has a hoard of fans at NSE since visiting last December as part of a Gifted and Talented Community Problem Solving Program. "My students choose this project after visiting S.I.R.E. (Self Improvement Through Riding Education)," fifth grade gifted and talented teacher Cherrie Edwards said. "When Tess comes into a school she becomes quiet, responsive and she knows she is a teacher." S.I.R.E. is a therapeutic riding center that uses horses to help children with disabilities. Tess was selected by Edward's students to interact with eight students in NSE's Life Skills class, and the results were remarkable. "It was amazing. It was the gifted and talented group that did everything to bring her here," Sarah Berry who teaches the class said. "And, we were fortunate to be on the receiving end." Edwards and Berry said interacting with Tess can help each child with special needs reach their full potential. In addition, Tess "listens" to students read and even helps them turn the pages with her nose. "She can be used to teach all the TEKS for special needs kids," Edwards said. TEKS is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills identified by the Texas Education Agency for each grade level and program in state's public school. "Tess helped my students learn how to fasten a buckle and groom themselves," she said. "Brushing her mane and tail gave them a chance to work on their motor skills. She also helped them relax and had a calming affect as well." The gifted and talented students even named their project after Tess using the acronym T.E.S.S. for Therapeutic Education for Special Students. Project almost did not happen: But before finding Tess, the gifted and talented project almost did not happen. Although the students were set on adopting the equine therapy program, more than 200 S.I.R.E. clients were already booked. Then someone told them about Tess. "If we hadn't learned of her we wouldn't have known where to go," Edwards said. "There are other projects but nothing that meant as much to the students." The miniature horse proved to be a custom fit from the very start. Because Tess is small, she is not intimidating and easy to hug. In fact the only problem encountered on her first visit to the NSE Life Skills class last year happened when one student veered from his tasks, opting to hug Tess instead. "All the students did every thing their teacher asked of them when Tess visited, but one little boy," Edwards said. "Halfway to his seat he ran back, threw both arms around Tess and kissed her on the forehead." Looking at photos of Tess' visit last December, Dominic Hawkins a kindergartener in Berry's class recalled the day. "With Tess I'm happy," he said. Students raising funds: Visits from Tess cost an average of $350 per hour and students involved with Project T.E.S.S. are working to raise funds over and above the grant monies they have already earned. This Thursday, Feb. 12, a fundraiser, Showdown at the Magnolia Corral, will pit staff of Magnolia West High School against staff from Magnolia Junior High School on the court. The basketball benefit game event from 6 to 8 p.m. will take place at Magnolia Junior High School. Former Harlem Globetrotter Paul "Showtime" Gaffney will be the guest referee for the game and Tess will make a special appearance. A live half-time auction will feature a signed guitar from Clay Walker. Edward's students contacted the country-western singer for the event. "You could say that Tess is only affecting a small population of students, but the truth is my gifted and talented students who have worked on the project will never be the same," Edwards said. "In truth, the whole school has been affected by her visit." For video related to this report, visit TheMagnoliaPotpourri.com. ......................................................................................................... SIRE Press Release ......................................................................................................... 2008 SIRE Silver Star ShindigOn the evening of Saturday May 10th, more than 500 Texas gentlemen and their ladies will crowd the Downtown Hyatt Regency to kick-up their heels for SIRE, Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, at the 2008 Silver Star Shindig. This annual black-tie gala celebrates SIRE's 25th Anniversary of therapeutic horseback riding that benefits children and adults with disabilities. The 2008 Silver Star Shindig honors: long-time volunteer, Peggy Wagner, with the SIRE Lifetime Humanitarian Award for her significant dedication to client advancement; Baker Concrete Construction, with the Community Investment Award for generous donations to construction projects in the development of the SIRE-Spring arena, and Paige Kinkade of Medcare Pediatric Group in Fort Bend County, with the Medical Award, in recognition of the extraordinary health care services provided to area disabled children. The generous contributions of time and resources given by these amazing partners enable SIRE to grow and expand their therapeutic riding programs to serve more people with special abilities throughout the Greater Houston Area. For example, Larke Dampeer was born with a zero Apgar score, which means she had no breathing nor did she have a heartbeat. Therapeutic riding at SIRE has had such a dramatic improvement on her life, that in less than two years, Miss Larke can walk independently, has more fluid movement in her upper body, and feeds herself. All of the physical improvements have allowed Larke to now be able to interact and play with other children her age. The ability to communicate with her SIRE horse, Jessie, is a great boost to her self-confidence and overall has brought Larke a greater level of joy and quality of life. Another young client, Emily Hughes, has difficulty walking, but can independently ride her horse. Although, it takes great focus for her to quiet her muscle spasms, she can complete a trail course each year at the Top Hands Horse Show at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. While riding on the back of a horse, Emily can leave her limitations on the ground and experience freedom of movement and confidence of self. Now beautiful young woman, Emily Lund, who has ridden with SIRE for six years, progressed from a very frightened child with three volunteers at her side to a confident, independent equestrienne. Emily will now be leaving SIRE to head off to college on a full scholarship that covers her studies through her Masters degree!......................................................................................................... SIRE Press Release ......................................................................................................... Fort Bend Cares Charitable Foundation Partners with SIRE – Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian ProgramSmiles abound on the faces of the riders, volunteers, and families at Sienna Stables as children with disabilities participate in an amazing and rewarding therapeutic riding program. SIRE, a beneficiary of a 2007 grant from Fort Bend Cares, is getting positive results through the use of the motion of and partnership with the horse. Individuals with most mental, physical and/or emotional disabilities can benefit from equine-assisted activities. The physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding have been known for several hundred years. The movement of the horse provides sensory stimulation to the body and Central Nervous System of the rider that affects a variety of muscle groups. The movement of the horse simulates in the rider the motion of the pelvis in the normal human walking gait. For people who have lost that natural movement, or have never had the benefit of this stimulation, horseback riding serves to "inspire" their bodies to achieve this motion and improve coordination. In addition, the warmth of the horse's body and its rhythmic movements help to normalize muscle tone. Building self-esteem, confidence, and balance are just a few additional benefits of this area program. SIRE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and gratefully accepts donations of monetary support, horses, tack, farm and office supplies, but most particularly appreciates the donation of your time as a volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering for SIRE, please call 281-778-0202 for more information, visit www.siennastables.com or www.sire-htec.org. The next volunteer training will be held January 16th and 19th at all sites. Fort Bend Cares supports this and other Fort Bend area charities. Make plans to attend our major fundraising events: the Dinner Party on March 8, 2008 at Fluor Daniel and the March 10, 2008 Golf tournament at Sweetwater Country Club. Call 281-491-0020 to get involved with Fort Bend Cares. ......................................................................................................... SIRE Press Release ......................................................................................................... SIRE - Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, is hosting its 15th annual Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-A-ThonSIRE, Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, is preparing for the 15th annual Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-A-Thon trailride to be held Saturday, October 13 at 7il Trails in Cat Spring, Texas. This very important fundraiser helps support our programs of equine-assisted therapy for people with disabilities in the Greater Houston Area. Horseback riders will enjoy a 12 or 6 mile unguided ride at 7IL Trails; just 50 miles west of Houston near the old German town of Cat Spring. Registration is $60 ($75 after October 9). Your registration includes the trailride, lunch provided by the award-winning BBQ cook-off team, The More or Less Cookers, and a special edition 2007 Ride-A-Thon t-shirt. Guests sat down to a five-course dinner surrounded by glittering table decorations and a backdrop of twinkling white stars. As the auction progressed, patrons danced to music by ‘Sound Advice' . We'll keep the "fun" in fundraising with prizes for top fundraisers. An exciting part of the Ride-A-Thon has always been the Team Competition. And you don't have to ride a horse to win! Form a minimum 2-person team of riders or non-riders and compete for top fundraising prizes. The top fundraising SIRE clients also get to ride our SIRE therapy horses on a specially designed trail and compete for prizes of their own! Underwriter packages are available at $250, $500, $1000 and $5000 levels. The mission of SIRE is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities using horseback riding and related therapeutic activities, such as hippotherapy and carriage driving. SIRE offers programs for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, sensory impairments, and psychosocial disorders. For a registration brochure, information on becoming an underwriter or more details, call Harla at 713-263-1498, email her or visit www.sire-htec.org ......................................................................................................... SIRE Press Release ......................................................................................................... Shindig Gala Shines BrightlyOn the evening of Saturday, May 12th, more than 500 buckaroos in tuxedoes moseyed in to the Downtown Hyatt Regency ballroom to kick-up their heels for SIRE, Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, at the 2007 Shining Stars Over Texas Shindig. It's not a barn dance anymore! At this annual black-tie dinner-dance and auction, Bob Allen, Sports Anchor, KTRK ABC TV 13, returned as emcee for the evening, and shared his personal story about how SIRE benefits children and adults with disabilities. Guests sat down to a five-course dinner surrounded by glittering table decorations and a backdrop of twinkling white stars. As the auction progressed, patrons danced to music by ‘Sound Advice' . This year's Shining Stars Over Texas Shindig honored two of SIRE's brightest stars, Jackie and Bill McDonald, of Magnolia, Texas. The generous contributions of time and resources given by this amazing couple enable SIRE to grow and expand their therapeutic riding programs, serving more people with special abilities throughout the Greater Houston Area. Thanks to the continued support of volunteers like the McDonalds, children and adults with cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities are receiving the life-changing benefits of equestrian therapy. SIRE was established in 1983 to provide equine-assisted therapy for people with disabilities of all ages. Today, SIRE operates three premier accredited NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) centers in and around Houston, and is recognized as one of the nation's top therapeutic riding programs. Each week, approximately 187 clients ride at SIRE Hockley, SIRE Spring, and SIRE Fort Bend @ Sienna Stables. ......................................................................................................... SIRE Press Release ......................................................................................................... HUNTING ANNOUNCES $126,000 CONTRIBUTION TO SIREHOUSTON— Hunting PLC announced today that it has donated $126,000 to SIRE, a Houston-based charity that uses therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The gift includes a direct donation as well as proceeds generated from a live auction at the 27th annual Hunting Art Prize gala on April 28. "We're honored to once again have the opportunity to support the important mission of SIRE,” said Dennis Proctor, Chief Executive of Hunting, whose North American headquarters are located in Houston. "We hope this contribution will enable SIRE to expand its services and facilities so more people benefit.” This is the second year that SIRE, which stands for Self-Improvement through Riding Education, has been the recipient of contributions resulting from the Hunting Art Prize. The Hunting Art Prize relocated to Houston in 2006 after 25 years in London, where it emerged as one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious art competitions. Michael Tole's painting won the $50,000 prize for 2007. About SIRE About Hunting PLC ......................................................................................................... Hunting Press Release ......................................................................................................... Hunting Announces $100,000 Contribution to SIREHOUSTON— Hunting PLC announced today that it is donating $100,000 in proceeds from the Hunting Art Prize to SIRE, a Houston-based charity that uses therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The contribution includes funds generated from an auction at the April 29 Art Prize gala, as well as a donation based on sales of the finalists' work shown at the event. "We are pleased and honored to be able to show our support for SIRE in this way,” said Dennis Proctor, Chief Executive of Hunting, whose U.S. corporate headquarters are located in Houston. "We believe strongly in what the organization does, and are glad for the opportunity to help them grow and gain greater recognition for all that they do.” SIRE, which stands for Self Improvement through Riding Education, has served the Houston area since 1983. It is one of just 212 therapeutic riding centers to earn Premier Accreditation by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association out of 700 centers nationally. The Hunting Art Prize relocated to Houston in 2006 after 25 years in London, where it emerged as one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious art competitions. Houston artist Francesca Fuchs won the $50,000 prize, which is one of the most generous in North America. About Hunting PLC ......................................................................................................... SIRE Press Release ......................................................................................................... SIRE Wins Humana AwardWe are happy to announce that SIRE has been voted to receive the top prize of $100,000 in the Humana Houston Benefits competitive awards program to recognize the work of an outstanding non-profit organization in the Houston community. SIRE was selected from eighty-seven grant applicants as one of four finalists, along with The Arbor School (for Education), Habitat for Humanity/YMCA (for Community Development), and Talento Bilingua de Houston (for Arts and Culture). SIRE represented the Health and Human Services category. Presentations were made last week by these four organizations before a distinguished panel of twelve highly respected individuals representing the Houston Community. The Awards Presentation was made last night, April 6, at a banquet at the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel. Accepting the check for SIRE were, Executive Director, Jimm Williams, and client rider, Megan Fry. In attendance to cheer for SIRE were Megan's family, Andrea and Peter Fry and her sister Lauren; Jimm's wife, Linda Williams; SIRE staff, Harla Kaplan, Joelle Devlin; Karen McPhail and her husband, John Gardner; and Board Members, Pat Roddy and Molly Sweeney. This grant is restricted for the construction of a new full-sized arena at the SIRE Spring site. This will be the start of expanding this facility so SIRE will be able to accommodate more clients in the North/Northeast Houston area ......................................................................................................... SIRE Press Release ......................................................................................................... SIRE Receives $29,960 Leadership Grant from CVS/pharmacy Charitable TrustDonation to SIRE is part of the more than $1 million in grants the CVS/pharmacy Charitable Trust is making to 30+ non-profit organizations in 15 states HOUSTON, TX - SIRE announced that it has received a $29,960 leadership grant from the CVS/pharmacy Charitable Trust, the private foundation managed by CVS Corporation. SIRE will honor CVS/pharmacy Thursday, February 9th at the Houstonian Hotel (111 N. Post Oak Lane) at 12:00 Noon during the "Trail Blazer Luncheon". SIRE - Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Center has been in the Houston area for the past 22 years providing therapeutic horseback riding for people with both physical and emotional disabilities. Riders range in age from 3 to retired adults and each rider has a program designed to meet their particular disability. The CVS grant will enable SIRE to continue its mission by offering riding to many people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to benefit from this unique type of therapy. SIRE is accredited through the national therapeutic riding association- NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). Jimm Williams, Executive Director for SIRE, said, "The CVS grant will help provide scholarships to our children and riders with disabilities. All of Houston and the surrounding counties should be proud of CVS pharmacy's recognition of the need to support children and citizens with disabilities. CVS is truly a good neighbor to all of the communities they serve. Therapeutic riding has been recognized through research for the life-changing results it can have. The bond that develops between horse and rider is significant in the therapy process. People with disabilities experience new found freedoms every day through the movement of a horse. This program has to be seen to be believed." ......................................................................................................... Hunting Press Release ......................................................................................................... SIRE Chosen as 2006 Hunting Art Prize CharitySIRE Chosen as 2006 Hunting Art Prize Charity HOUSTON— Hunting PLC announced today that it will donate proceeds from the 2006 Hunting Art Prize to SIRE, a Houston-based charity that uses therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The competition is relocating to Houston next year after a quarter century in the United Kingdom, where it emerged as one of Great Britain's top arts awards. "This is a real honor for us," said Jimm Williams, executive director of SIRE, which stands for Self-Improvement through Riding Education. "There are a lot of charities doing a lot of really good things in Houston. We just feel proud and privileged – and really excited – that what we do has been recognized." Dennis Proctor, Chief Executive of Hunting PLC, whose U.S. corporate headquarters are in Houston, said his company was equally happy with the relationship. "Like any world-class company, we're committed to giving back to the community," Proctor explained. "I can't think of a better way to show that than by supporting an organization like SIRE, which gives so much back to the people and families it serves. They are everything we could ask for in a partner." Hunting chose to move the prize to Houston for four key reasons: Its diversity, standing as an international city, traditional commitment to the fine arts, and position as the center of the worldwide energy industry. The winner of the competition, whose $50,000 prize is one of the most generous in North America, will be announced in April 2006. About SIRE SIRE provides hands-on equestrian classes and activities to advance the lives of people with disabilities. For over 22 years, they have offered programs for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, sensory impairments, and psychosocial disorders. For further information, visit www.sire-htec.org. About Hunting PLC Hunting PLC is an international oil services company providing support solutions to the world's largest oil and gas concerns. Established in 1874, it is a fully listed public company, traded on the London Stock Exchange. For further information, visit www.hunting.plc.uk. For more information on the Hunting Art Prize, visit www.huntingartprize.com. ......................................................................................................... reprinted from ......................................................................................................... Help for the horses and those they helpSoon after Hurricane Katrina hit, a gentleman from the New Orleans area mentioned on one of our free post-hurricane fundraising calls that he didn't know what was going to happen to his nonprofit, a therapeutic riding center in Louisiana that was damaged in the storm. His call touched us because he spoke for probably hundreds of nonprofits uncertain about their futures due to hurricane damage. We've learned that approximately 23 therapeutic riding centers in the storm area were destroyed or heavily damaged by the two hurricanes. Other centers around the country are coming to their aid, including SIRE, Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Center (http://www.sire-htec.org/). SIRE, a Raising More Money alumni organization, has been providing therapeutic horseback riding for people with emotional and physical disabilities for the past 22 years. During the hurricanes, they were involved in the "hay relief drive" to provide hay for more than 700 stranded horses from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. And when Hurricane Rita hit, they helped shelter horses and staff from other centers. Now SIRE is taking on the task of hosting the National North American Riding for the Handicapped Association's annual conference, which was previously scheduled to be held in New Orleans. Instead, the conference Nov. 9-12 will now take place in Houston, and SIRE was given just eight weeks to pull it together. They are looking for at least 175 volunteers, as well as speakers, prizes, entertainment and auction items. They ask anyone who can help to call (281) 356-7588 for more information. ......................................................................................................... reprinted from ......................................................................................................... Horses Offer a Special Brand of TherapySIRE's programs help people with disabilities enhance their lives through riding, interaction By MELANIE MARKLEY HOCKLEY - Marissa Ceja, 15, rode the placid bay named Try around the covered arena as a team of adults kept pace alongside, offering steady hands and words of encouragement. Marissa had been diagnosed at age 5 with encephalopathy, a brain disorder, her mother said from the sidelines. And the horseback-riding has done wonders, even helping her to walk after years of confinement to a wheelchair. "She's a totally different person," Veronica Barraza said as she watched a therapist put her daughter through a series of exercises while sitting on the horse. "She loves coming here." Marissa is one of about 160 children and adults with disabilities who take part in weekly riding sessions at SIRE, a therapeutic equestrian center with two sites, one west and one north of Houston. SIRE relies on about 200 volunteers and a paid staff with five therapists, teaching riding skills and rehabilitating people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Their horses , all donated, are specially trained. Equestrian therapy, also called hippotherapy, is becoming increasingly recognized throughout the nation. Joelle Devlin, program director, said the movement of the horse simulates a person's gait, helping the rider with balance and posture and other skills that are developed when learning to walk. What's more, she said, riding improves muscle tone, coordination, circulation, motor development, even verbal skills, and it's something that people enjoy doing. "It's not walking into a clinic or a doctor's office," Devlin said. "They want to learn how to balance enough to pull a rein and turn their horse. They want to do that." Jimm Williams, the center's executive director, had been in the banking business for 30 years when he went to work for SIRE last year. A longtime horse announcer at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, he had never been to SIRE's equestrian center until he showed up to consider an interim job after the former director resigned. He saw Marissa riding her horse, all smiles, and was instantly sold. When he was later asked to take the job permanently, he didn't hesitate. " It's a passion," Williams said. " I spent my whole career working in the business world, and to come out here and see this, you just really realize how fortunate you are." The center, a nonprofit, gets part of its funding from corporate and individual contributions. Though sessions cost $30 each, Williams says people who can't afford the fee aren't turned away. They are asked to pay what they can, he said. Williams said they hope to expand SIRE to two other locations, including one in Fort Bend County, because some people have as much as a two-hour drive to the Hockley or Spring locations. Besides, he said, the center has a long waiting list." There are 700,000 children and adults with mental and physical disabilities in the Houston metroplex," he said. "The goal of SIRE is to service as many as our resources will allow." As part of SIRE's program, some of the riders will be taking part in the "Top Hands" Horse Show at the Livestock Show and Rodeo. The event is Friday and Saturday. Blaine Williams, who is wheelchair-bound with cerebral palsy, has been preparing for the event at SIRE with a sorrel called Ransom. One recent sunny day, the 26-year-old steered Ransom over a course that required the horse to step over logs, cross a bridge and weave around a cone and barrels before coming to a stop in a marked square. Williams, who works for Metro and is no relation to the executive director, said he has been riding about two years and has noticed a big difference in his condition. "I think it has really helped my posture in the sense I can sit up straighter, and it stretches out my legs," he said. "And it's also very fun to ride." Tina Roquemore started taking advantage of the program when her 8-year-old daughter, Martha, was 2. Sitting with a group of parents along the sidelines, Roquemore cheered as Martha, who has Down's Syndrome, trotted her horse, Dusty, across the arena. Roquemore said her daughter's therapy sometimes gets into precision moves, like twirling sideways and backwards while the horse is walking, or getting up on her hands and knees on the horse's back. "This is one therapy we will never give up," said Roquemore. "Never." |
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