Ron Bernstein, Executive Director, and Caroline Sinton, Associate Director of Foundations Community Partnership, presented the Ivy Hill Foundation with a Bucks Innovative Improvement Grant for $7,500 on December 11, at the new facility located at 1811 Mill Road.

The grant will be used to fund the 4-Gait Project, a collaborative effort with the Penn Foundation’s REACH and Wellspring Clubhouse programs, designed to improve communication, relationship and job skills for young adults with cognitive and emotional challenges.

“We are excited about creating innovative and collaborative partnerships with Bucks County organizations that will have a synergistic impact on the young adults in our community who face personal challenges every day,” said Ivy Hill Foundation President Chris Brockett.

“We are so grateful for this grant.”

Foundations Community Partnership (FCP) is a nonprofit foundation formed to improve the quality of life for special needs children, youth and families in Bucks County, by establishing collaborative partnerships linking public agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, colleges and young adults within our community, and providing grants and technical assistance to non-profit organizations.

Since 1999, Ivy Hill has provided equine-assisted activities and therapeutic programs for children and adults with special needs as well as financial, social and emotional support for their families and caregivers. Services include therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-facilitated learning and summer camp. Ivy Hill also provides competition training for participation in Special Olympics, off-site competitions and Home Shows. Lessons are customized to the needs and goals of each individual rider.

To sponsor a horse or a rider at Ivy Hill, or for donation opportunities, contact Development Director Donna Carlson at dcarlson@ivyhillequestrian.org , or visit our website www.ivyhillequestrian.org.

 l-r: Ron Bernstein, Executive Director, FCP; Caroline O’Connell Sinton, Associate Director, FCP; Donna Carlson, Development Director, Chris Brockett, President, Ivy Hill Foundation;   Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

The riders of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center rode in their first Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 5, as a part of the Souderton-Telford Holiday Parade.

The theme was celebrating 100 years of service for Harleysville Savings Bank, and each float was asked to have a number theme.

Ivy Hill’s theme was “16 Years of Horses, Love and Hope!” The float was populated by riders, parents, caregivers and instructors.

“It was a great time,” said World Games Olympic Champion Lisa Berlin, who wore her three Olympic medals and rode in the front of the float, waving at the crowds.

“This is a great way to share our story, and reach out to our neighbors and community,” said development Director Donna Carlson.

“It’s a great time for our riders as well – it’s so exciting to be in a parade,” she added.

The mission of Ivy Hill Foundation is to create therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs utilizing the equine experience. At Ivy Hill, Horses + Love = Hope.

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.

Alex, Geena and Briana get ready to practice their waving technique.