FUN WEEKEND WITH HORSES!

"The Sword in the Stone" at Camelot

The Scottsdale, Arizona Mounted Police Unit:

renowned throughout North America

Saturday, I spent the day attending a fundraising event called "Hooves & Heroes" benefiting Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship. Some of you will recall a fairly recent BLOG Post I wrote on this incredible non-profit organization where students--children and adults alike with physical disabilities learn how to harness their strength with the help of eight horses on a beautiful 14.5-acre rural ranch with stables and a covered arena. Students who attend the program year-round pay nothing. Instead, they are encouraged to pass on their knowledge from their experience to the world through volunteer efforts, school or returning to mentor other Camelot students. Arizona Historian Marshall Trimble was Master of Ceremonies and the day was filled with live music, food, a "dog agility" demonstration, a special presentation from the Scottsdale, Arizona Police Mounted Patrol Unit, and a silent auction. This was an opportunity for me to catch up with some very good friends, see the horses again up close and even help restock the hay barn and clean up after the event. I loved every minute of it!

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The reason Camelot can exist and reach out into the community even in these challenging economic times is due to the talent and dedication of Mary Hadsall, Camelot's Executive Director and Michelle Harrison Director of Community Relations & Head Riding Instructor. Together with a team of dedicated volunteers, Mary's leadership and focus has secured Camelot as one of the most admired and wisely managed non-profits in the country. With 22 students in the current class, many dreams that were once thought to be out of reach are actualized with a well trained staff that is attentive and dedicated to each students specialized needs. The average annual cost to maintain one horse is $2,000. Founder Ellen Szychowski, who is herself physically disabled worked for a similar program called The Dragon Slayers in California. After leaving California for Arizona, she acquired the land where Camelot was eventually built. For more information on Camelot, go to: http://www.camelot-th.org/. If you would like to contribute to Camelot, here are two ideas:

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If you have a person or a loved one in your own life that you wish to Honor or Memorialize here's a wonderful way to do that: Send a donation via Check or Money Order to:

CAMELOT THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP, INC.

23623 N. Scottsdale Road #D-3 PMB 259

Scottsdale, AZ 85255-3471

(Camelot is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization)

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Camelot also has a Wish List for the following items:

• Gift Certificates to Home Depot or another home repair store, PetSmart, Pampered Horse & Rider, Tack Etcetera or Greenway Saddlery

• (2) 50 Ft. Garden Hoses $50 each

• Suede bareback pad $80

• 75 Ft. Heavy Duty Extension Cord $100

• Leaf Blower $100

• Grooming Tray (body brush, dandy brush, mane and tail combs, fly spray, Cowboy Magic coat conditioner etc.) $150

• (2) “Natural Ride” bareback pads $200 each

• Horse Body Clippers $210

• Plus blades - $25 each

• Small 2-speed clippers $210

• Plus blades - $25 each

• Fly Masks for Seven Horses $100

• Australian Saddle $800

• Dressage Saddle 18-inch $1,000

• Annual Student Sponsorship $2,000

• Aluminum Two Horse Slant Load Horse Trailer – Used or new $10,000 to 17,000

• Annual Funding for an Intern $27,500

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Questions? Please call our office at: (480) 515-1542.