Results of the 35th Annual Handicapped Riders Division
of the Devon Horse Show, 2014
The Hope Montgomery Scott
Perpetual Memorial Trophy
The Hope Montgomery Scott
Perpetual Memorial Trophy
Sponsored by Friends of Hope Scott
For the Winner of the Championship Class held at
The Devon Horse Show Grounds
Champion: Riley Garrett of Thorncroft Equestrian Center
Sponsored by Friends of Hope Scott
For the Winner of the Championship Class
held at The Devon Horse Show Grounds
Reserve: Maya Smith of Capital Area Therapeutic
The Brushwood
Challenge Trophy
The HRD
Championship Cooler
Sponsored by Brushwood Stable
For Best Rider with Disabilities
Ashley O’Neil of Ivy Hill
Sponsored by Ronald I. Blair
For Champion Therapeutic Horse
Esten of Thorncroft Equestrian Center
The MacDermott
Perpetual Trophy
Sponsored by her Children
Winner of the Division for Mentally Disabled
Robert Breniser of Thorncroft Equestrian Center
The Thorncroft
Perpetual Trophy
The Stephanie Bennett
Perpetual Trophy
Sponsored by George & Lorraine Rubin and Family
Winner of the Division for Learning Differences
Reema Barakat Norford
of Hope Springs Equestrian Center
Sponsored by The Horse Show Committee
Winner of the Advanced Division
Riley Garret of Thorncroft Equestrian Center
The Anne Joyce
Cochran Trophy
The E.W. Garbisch Trophy
Ann Dixon Artistic Award
Sponsored by Joyce Lewis
Rider with the Highest Scoring Trail Class
Kaitlyn North of Special Equestrians
Sponsored by Gwynne McDevitt
For Outstanding Achievement
by a Rider with Disabilities
Ashley O’Neil of Ivy Hill
The Hilltop Trophy
Sponsored by Hilltop Farm
Winner of the Division for Physically Disabled
Maya Smith of Capital Area Therapeutic
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs.Wade McDevitt
For Artistic Expression in the Musical Freestyle
Seth Carter & Crystal Greco
of Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding
We can never say THANK YOU enough!
We can never say thank you enough! 28 years ago,
Thorncroft founder Saunders Dixon was chatting
with a new neighbor across the fence. That neighbor,
PrimePay owner Bill Pellicano, had just moved to the
area. Hundreds of employees and paychecks later, Bill
and his company continue to take care of Thorncroft’s
biweekly payroll. PrimePay is based out of West Chester,
PA and provides payroll, HR and benefits administration
to small businesses like Thorncroft!
Recently, Bill and a few of his PrimePay team
members stopped by and shot a video featuring
Thorncroft. You can watch it at PrimePay.com/
Thorncroft.
To Bill, and to all our friends who donate a portion
or all of their services... we thank you! Arader Tree Service - Care for all your tree needs
Artful Framer - Fine Custom Framing
Caleco Service Co. - Washing Machines
Complete Equine Health Service - Full Care
Equine Services
Fairview Design - Custom Web Design
Horse Tech - Custom Blended Supplements
Kevin Dengler, LLC - Paint and Wall Covering
Malvern Saddlery - Equestrian Products
“The Difference is Quality”
Mary Hunt Davis Photography - Professional
Photography Service
Prime Pay - Payroll and H.R. Services
Rick Clark - Farrier
Rick’s Heritage - Tack and Equestrian Products
Thorncroft
190 Line Road
Malvern, PA 19355
Spring | Summer 2015 Volume 29/No. 1
Thorncroft
er
summ
camp
2015
www.thorncroft.org
Printed on recycled paper
Thorncroft Summer Camp
Thorncroft Summer Camp introduces riders to the excitement, challenges and
responsibilities of horseback riding and care. While learning respect and cooperation
for each other, the campers’ days will be filled with fun horse related activities.
Campers will be grouped according to their ability. As needed “Counselors in
Training” are on hand to assist with riding lessons. Lessons are tailored towards the
individual needs of each rider and may include work on the flat, over fences and trail
rides.
QUESTIONS? Please call the office, 610-644-1963 or go to www.thorncroft.org
thorncroft
bits ‘n pieces
thorncroft
bits ‘n pieces
Spr ing|Summer 2015 Volume 29 | No. 1
Thorncroft is honored to be a part of a “Fresh Start”
Thorncroft is proud to partner
with Northwest Human Services
and the Fresh Start Foundation
to launch yet another program
serving our Veterans! In February
Thorncroft hosted a round table
lunch for 12 veterans from the
Fresh Start Program, a transitional
residential program for homeless
Veterans operated by Fresh Start
Foundation on the Coatesville
VA Medical Center campus. ALL
were enthusiastic about joining
Thorncroft’s program and all but
two commented that they had prior
riding experience. The future riders
all toured the Farm, visiting with
instructors and their future mounts.
Walking down thru the barn we heard… “I’m going to
be like in the John Wayne movies!”
Fresh Start Foundation operates two transitional
housing programs and one emergency housing
program for veterans on the campus of the Coatesville
VA Medical Center. These programs are partnerships
with the Coatesville VA Medical Center. All volunteers
on deck to help kick off this important program, call
the Farm to get started.
Photo credits Hannah Garthwaite
30th Annual Victory Gallop, Saturday April 18, 2015
We are pleased to welcome our Co-Chairs Bob
and Meghan Kraut of Malvern, Pa. This year’s theme
“Growing Together One Family at a Time” celebrates
and recognizes the power of the family unit.
Since 1969 Thorncroft has experienced firsthand
the power of families and as Pope Francis said about
the upcoming World Meeting of Families,
“The life of a family is filled with beautiful
moments... but if love is missing, joy is
missing…” For 45 years Thorncroft has
evolved and grown only through the
love, joy and beautiful moments of the
families it serves “growing together one
family at a time”.
This is hands down one of the BEST
parties in Philadelphia! New this year is
our band Bounce - dedicated to keeping
you on the dance floor for as long as
your legs will hold up! The Bellevue is
pulling out all the stops and thanks to
Chef Richard Hebben there is a personalized and
savory menu just for us. Electronic bidding is also
new this year... No more bid sheets - bid on line, bid
at the table or on your way home, instant check out!
You can preregister on www.bidpal.net/thorncroft,
however you MUST register to bid and WIN! Bring
your own smartphone fully charged or use the onsite
kiosks. Not computer savy... no worries our volunteers
will be on site to make your bidding easy!
The Victory Gallop has been
a mainstay of the Farm for 30
years. Thorncroft teaches 350
students a week with a staff of 30
amazing people, 32 horse angels
and 70 acres of rolling land. Our
operating budget is met not only
thru the lesson program, but
thru the generosity of friends
and events like the Victory Gallop.
YOU can join us this year as a
donor of silent auction items and
or a sponsor of the event itself. If
you have a great item you’d like to
donate, or a check to write... give a call and ask for
Sallie. Thanks to you Thorncroft will continue for
yet another 45 years!
Going to the Olympics
by Riley Garrett
“My name is Riley Garrett. I
am fourteen years old, and I am
part of the big, happy Thorncroft
family. I have been riding horses
since I was three years old. I
started riding at Thorncroft the
summer of 2012, then became
a working student. Carole Laulis
was my trainer and built me
into everything I am today. Now
my goal is to compete with the
2016 USA Paralympics team
in Rio. Another goal of mine is
to compete in Kentucky with
the Junior Young Riders Team. I
am currently riding with Missy
Ransehousen at Blue Hill Farm.
At the farm my new best friend and
only love is Hobbs. Hobbs is a Selle
Francais. He is also very warmhearted and a complete joker. In
the month of January my dad and I
went to Wellington, Florida where
I was classified for the Paralympics.
As a result, I was classified as a
level four rider. While I was in
Wellington, I learned so much and
also met a ton of new people. For
me this is a once-in-a-life-time
experience, and I would never be
in this position if it wasn’t for the
support, guidance and love given
to me at Thorncroft.”
Games Night at Thorncroft!
Break out of the winter doldrums! Does the winter
affect you? Not enough sunshine... are you a product
of “Seasonal Disorder Syndrome”? We have a cure
for that! Once a week we break out of the winter
doldrums with riders gathering for “Games Night”!
laughing and playing, horses and riders alike are in the
indoor arena playing tag, capture the flag, ring toss and
relay races. Fun and games for ALL... horses and ponies
with their ears up and riders grinning ear to ear!
Lachlan meets Paul and his entourage of knights and knaves.
Thorncroft grants his wish... “I want to meet a knight!”
Lachlan started riding in October of 2012, when
he was 6 years old. Mitochondrial disease can cause
muscle weakness and loss of coordination among many
other things, and because of his love of horses, riding
lessons seemed like the logical exercise of choice. His
first lessons were just short walks, and it was hard for
him to bend or reach forward. He spoke very little and
tired easily.
Fast forward to today... Lachlan is quite proudly
riding three times a week, and rides independently
at the walk, trot and canter, goes over small jumps,
and easily navigates our sensory trail course. One of
his dreams was to meet a real knight. No problem,
right? The request was sent out, and the response was
wonderful. For one special young man, three different
knights from three different companies came together
to make a dream come true. Lach got to show his
knightly skills at the games, and was judged more than
worthy of earning his spurs and the title of Sir Lachlan.
A special TEC thanks to Paul Hoerner, owner of
Heroic Knights of Old, Beth Brown of Round Table
Productions, and Al Morales from Noble Cause for
coming together to make this happen, Nina, Banjo
and Sweetheart for being good sports, and of course,
the Strautnieks family for being a special light in the
lives of so many people! If you would like more
information on “The Heroic Knights of Old”
www.heroicknightsofold.com
Welcome to our four-legged new comers...!
Noah
Look who’s new in the Barn this year! Welcome Noah a 15 hand
13 year old Haflinger who came to us kindness of Leslie Bulaga. Almost as round as he
is tall... and with a wonderful long blond mane he is gift to all our riders.
Andy
If you are looking for a critter of size and stature you
will find it with Andy! Andy is a wonderful almost jet
black 17 hand 12 year old Percheron cross... sent to us
by BB Equine... and Kate Hopkins. He has a particularly
strong fan club with some of our Veterans who enjoy
his tremendous stature!
Billy
Then there is Billy... a kind loving little Appaloosa
pony. He is only 13 hands and as a youthful 20 year
old has the heart of a giant! Billy gently takes his
charges around the arena and cross country...walk, trot, canter.
With a little time, he starts our younger riders over little fences.
And NOW you could be asking yourself...
what is a hand? The origin of measuring a horse
this way is old, but easy to understand. People
did not have the common measuring devices that
we do today. To measure a horse, they used what
was handy (no pun intended) – their hands. A “hand” was defined as the width
of a person’s hand using the fingers and the thumb. Somewhere along the way,
the measuring unit of a hand was standardized to mean four inches. Though the
origins are ancient, a hand is still the unit of measurement for horses that modern
horse owners use today. (Kindness of “Cowboy Way”).
All our horses are angels. If you have a safe and sound horse that you think
would enjoy the work at Thorncroft, give us a call. Because Thorncroft teaches
riders with and without disabilities, all of our horses and ponies must be able to
walk, trot, canter and jump a small fence.
Soldier Jam
Thorncroft is excited to be hosting another great event... an
afternoon of comradery and live music! The concert “Celebrating
the Healing Power of Nature” will be from 4pm-10pm in the Jimmy
Moran Arena at Thorncroft. The line up is amazing... performances
by Hezekiah Jones, Mason Porter, The Griz Band, Manatawny Creek
Ramblers, Tin Bird Choir, Kevin Killen, Ted The Fiddler and Hellsaddle.
Rain or shine you, your families and friends are welcome! This is a
rain or shine, BYO... chair, blanket and snacks event but just in case
there will be other great food available on site.
The benefit is to fund the new French Creek Fishing Preserve in
Chester County. This is an all-access, public fishing pier, specifically
designed with trails and pier access for physically disabled persons.
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is working in
collaboration with Thorncroft Equestrian Center and many of our local
veterans to produce and promote this event. Food & fun for all ages!
FMI contact our friend Sara at [email protected]
What’s Next?
Spring and Summer 2015
Every Wednesday night join us for Yoga! New and experienced students
welcome! Bring yourself, your mat and wear comfy clothes! Cost is $10.00 per session
and instructor Sharon Bennett is donating half back to the Farm for the Veterans Scholarship
program.
March 22: Agnes Irwin Horse Show, Combined Test at TEC
March 28: “Jam with the Vets”, French and Pickering Conservation Trust. Six
live bands will be in the north arena playing from 4:00 - 10:00pm. This IS a rain or shine
event... welcome friends, families and kids! “BYO” snacks, beverages and comfortable
chairs.
April 8: 1:00 4:00 pm Volunteer Training - Join us for a fun day of training.
With fellow volunteers you will be introduced to the ins and outs of the Farm, horses and
our riders. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the barn.
April 18: 30th Annual Thorncroft Victory Gallop, Co-Chairs Bob & Meghan
Kraut “Growing Together one Family at a Time”. This is JUST the best party in town and
if it is not on your calendar... book it today! New this year is electronic bidding. Come
prepared with your smart phone OR use the volunteers and kiosks at the dinner.
April 12: Komitor Healing Hands Clinic. FMI, healingtouchforanimals.com
April 12 – 18: Volunteer Party. Join us for a fun filled week long celebration.
Meet volunteers and staff that you would otherwise not see! Beverages will be served and
special prizes for our volunteers will be awarded thru out the week!
May 3: 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Volunteer Training. Watch our web site or call our
Volunteer Coordinator Jessica 610.644.1963 to schedule a different training session.
May 17: Komitor Healing Hands Clinic FMI, healingtouchforanimals.com
May 23 & 24: The 36th Annual Handicapped Riders Division of
the Devon Horse Show. Join over 125 competitors as they gather at Thorncroft
to compete in classes on the flat and over fences AND for the much coveted “Hope
Montgomery Scott Championship Trophy”. Sponsored by Brushwood Stable, Brushwood
also presents a trophy for “High Point Champion”. Entry packets are on line at www.
thorncroft.org.
May 30: Malvern Parade, Thorncroft Mainstreamers. Join us in Malvern for the
borough’s annual Memorial Day parade.
June 4 & 6: Special Olympics State Games, Penn State. The more the
merrier so if you can give an evening to volunteer with these extraordinary athletes call the
Farm.
June 22: Summer Camp, 8 weeks. This camp - touted as one of the best equestrian
camps in town - invites young blossoming equestrians ages 7 - 12 to come for an action
packed day of riding, swimming, arts & crafts and new friends. Camp fills quickly so visit
our web site or call the office to register your camper.
Aug 20 - 23: PATH OSWS (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
- On Site Workshop). For experienced instructors, please call Maire Guggenheim at
610.644.1963 to see if this certification is right for you.
Sept. 11 -13: Radnor Concours d’Elegance. A world class display of classic
automobiles. A black tie dinner Saturday night is followed Sunday by the Show itself which
is presented on the scenic Radnor Hunt grounds. FMI radnorconcours.org.
Thorncroft
Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc.
Corporate Officers
Saunders Dixon, President
Susie Dixon, Vice President
Sallie F. Dixon, Secretary
Susan R. Murray, CPA, Treasurer
Board of Directors
George F. Rubin, Chairman
Thaddeus Bartkowski
Dr. Stephanie Bennett
Barbara Blydenburgh
Jeffrey P. Brown
Sonia H. Churchman
Saunders Dixon
Sallie F. Dixon
Susie Dixon
Kathryn C. Grentzenberg, MS, LPC
Frank W. Guthridge, Jr.
Advisors
Joseph Coradino
Richard E. Fried, M.D.
Terri Long, L.P.T.
Mark Hansler
E. Martin Heldring
David W. Kirby
G. Craig Lord, Esq.
Grace Mengel
Percival B. Moser, III
Susan R. Murray, CPA
Dolores Z. Rouse
Michael Ryan
Michael G. Tillson, III
Klaus Naudé
Ben Nolt, Jr.
Mark Willcox, III
Staff
Executive Director: Saunders Dixon
Director: Sallie F. Dixon
Office Manager: Amy K. Davis
Financial Management: Diane Smith
Development Consultant: Jamie Comiskey
PATH Liaison: Maire Guggenheim
Volunteer/Admin.Coordinator: Jessica Timlin
Instructors
Head Instructor: Kersten Flodin
Pam Albright
Heather Mayer
Debbie Anderson
Natalie Miller
Sallie Dixon
Angela Niven
Saunders Dixon
Alesha Polles
Carolyn Dunkel
Ray Shelling
Maire Guggenheim
Shelley Shultis
Mackenzie Haverdink
Amy Swanson
Zoe Henry
Monique Vandestolpe
Jane Higgins
Susan Walker-Russo
Carole Laulis
Missy Zepca
Kristen Malandrucco
Summer Camp
Drew Wicas
Charlotte Reuben
Barn Staff
Maria Nozzi, Manager
Rick Clark, Farrier
Margo Baldwin
Irene Vicki Cahill
Tal Dorfman
Ingrid Canterella-Fox
Gary Graham
Morgan Greathouse
Nancy Johnson
Sept. 27: 6th Lobster Party from 4:30 - 7:30. A rain or shine event in the Jimmy
Moran North Arena. Watch our web site for the invitation.
Farm Staff
Oct 25: Maire’s Fall Horse Show for riders with disabilities. Call the Farm is you
would like to volunteer to help prepare before the show and or with riders the day of.
Newsletter
Saunders Dixon, IV
Richard Johnston
Maddie Oliver
Mikaela Potrako
Kelly Rubin
Chelsea Savant
Nancy Terramin
Emily Wells
Chris Watts
David Klucznik
Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc.
190 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355
610-644-1963
Thorncroft is a 5012c3 nonprofit organization
www.thorncroft.org