“Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt” – Special Olympics Oath

On Thursday, June 4, the riders of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Perkasie, PA came to the 46^th Annual Special Olympics at Penn State with one thought in mind:

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Ivy Hill marched into Medlar Field with athletes and coaches from every county in Pennsylvania under the Bucks County flag. Ivy Hill was one of only two therapeutic riding programs representing Bucks County, among the 20 therapeutic equestrian teams entered for competition statewide.

“We are so proud of our riders, their hard work and dedication, and their enthusiasm,” said Program Director and Special Olympics coach Megan Hance.

“This is such a special moment for them, and for all of us.”

Nineteen riders, accompanied by a team of staff, coaches and volunteers, competed in 70 classes on five horses on Friday and Saturday. Their Olympic medal tally told the tale of their individual and collective determination: 18 Gold, 17 Silver and 13 Bronze medals.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games are held each year at Penn State University in State College. The event brings together over 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches from across the state – the largest event of the year. Summer Games features three days of intense competition in aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian dressage, equitation and trail riding, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis. Every race, every game, every competition held at Summer Games represents many weeks of training, preparation and dedication on the part of athletes, coaches and volunteers.

Since 1999, Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has been providing equine-assisted activities and therapies for special needs children and adults in Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Philadelphia counties. The Center’s riders have been competing in the State Games since 2004.

The mission of Ivy Hill Foundation is to utilize the equine experience in building pathways for personal growth, in strengthening supporting relationships and in broadening community involvement for individuals with special needs. Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is located at 1811 Mill Road in Perkasie. To sponsor a horse or a rider, to make a donation or for more information, visit our website at www.ivyhillequestrian.org.

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its first “Rein in the Harvest” Craft Fair on October 11, 2015 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at its new facility located at 1811 Mill Road in Perkasie.

The day-long event will feature crafters and food trucks from the Bucks County area, along with family activities. The winners of the Yamaha Grizzly 350 quad, a Samsung 60” LED TV, and $500 cash prize will be announced at the live raffle drawing at 3:00.

In its 16^th year, Ivy Hill remains committed to utilizing the equine experience to build pathways for personal growth, strengthen supporting relationships and broaden community involvement for individuals with special needs.

Proceeds from the craft fair will help to support Ivy Hill’s riders, families and caregivers and develop its therapeutic programs.

A 10’X10’ space is available in Ivy Hill’s indoor arena for $55. For further information about the event, interested vendors should email Volunteer Director Hilary Woronik at Hillary.woronik@yahoo.com for an application.  The application deadline is September 1, 2015.

A new and very special event was held on May 2, 2015 at our new home on Mill Road.  It was the Grand Opening of the new facility with a fun Kentucky Derby theme.  Great Derby food was provided by Lederach Tea Room and fun was had during a small silent auction and race game betting.  Tours of the new facility were given and a contest was held for the best bow tie and hat.  The winners were Denise Moran with her fancy pink feathered hat and our own rider Mathew Knouse with his rainbow colored tie and they looked fabulous!  This event raised over $9,000 to fund programs at Ivy Hill.  Thank you to everyone who came out to support!

Check the Photo Gallery at   ivyhillequestrian.org  for photos of riders and events!

North Penn High School seniors’ Junior Achievement Economics in Practice class celebrated their success on Thursday, June 4th with a pizza party, cupcakes and a check presentation to Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

Ken McLarnon has been teaching the JA class for eighteen years, and expressed pride in his class’s effort.

“They are responsible for the product, production method, marketing, IPO and sales,” stated McLarnon.

“They learn to run a small business, and help a local non-profit in the process.”

The class of 25 students presented representatives of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center with a check for $1000 to help fund equine programs that benefit children and adults with special needs in Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Philadelphia counties.

Ivy Hill board member Grace Emmell-Leister, a retired teacher and former administrator at North Penn, congratulated the class and thanked them for the donation.

“Our riders and families thank you, our horses thank you and I thank you,” said Leister.

Nele Kanzer, an exchange student from Salzgitter, Germany, sold 21 cups and 9 bucket hats to win the top prize in sales. She was presented with a check for $100 and an Ivy Hill t-shirt by McLarnon and Leister.

“The students really came together to help raise money for Ivy Hill,” said McLarnon.

“It’s really great to see their enthusiasm grow as the sales went on.”

Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement is an after-school program where teens form student companies, sell stocks, produce a product and sell it in their communities. Volunteer advisers from the business community oversee the student companies. Students develop an understanding of economic principles that prepare them for college learning and future employment.

The mission of Ivy Hill Foundation is to utilize the equine experience in building pathways for personal growth, in strengthening supporting relationships and in broadening community involvement for individuals with special needs.To sponsor a horse or a rider at Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center, to make a donation or for more information, visit our website at www.ivyhillequestrian.org, or contact development director Donna Carlson at dcarlson@ivyhillequestrian.org.