Volunteer of the Month, March 2014: Nicole Snider

"I am a senior at UCSB, graduating this spring with a degree in biology and a certificate in personal training.  I am doing an internship as a student athletic trainer where we help athletes recover from injuries and help prevent them from getting new ones. When I am not in class, at my internship, or at Hearts, I can often be found around the gym, out surfing, ballroom dancing, country dancing, rock climbing, or riding the mustang I am half-leasing!

 I love people, animals, and being active outdoors, so naturally I love Hearts!  I finally discovered Hearts just in time to start volunteering in my junior year. Hearts is a place where everyone is appreciated for their individuality: riders, volunteers, and staff alike. It is an encouraging environment,  fostered by a community of good-hearted people who want each other to reach their full potentials. The relationships built here are beautiful and I feel fortunate to be a part of this positive and loving community.

Volunteer of the Month, February 2014: Shannon McGraw

I am humbled to be chosen for Volunteer of the Month but am excited because it is a reflection of all the wonderful and dedicated volunteers and co-captains I get to work with on Thursdays. They are the ones that really deserve the recognition because without them I would just be known as Grit's Gravel Girl (I'm happiest working a shovel behind the scenes)  So on behalf of Team Thursday, I graciously accept this recognition and will gladly share the parking spot with my team-mates (unless it's dark out and then we will draw straws). 

Before becoming a volunteer, I used to practice law and served in the United States Marine Corps as a Staff Judge Advocate. I have an LLM in Intercultural Human Rights and International Law and spent most of my career working Latin American civilian and military issues and post 9/11 legal assessments. 

The 2 sassy boys in my life are --Luke (stall #9) and Peyton, a precocious 3 year old.

Volunteer of the Month, April 2014: Sandy Lovett

I have been a volunteer and Team Captain for four years on Tuesday afternoons, and was invited to join the Board of Directors last year.  My daughter, Autumn, and I are proud to be Horse Sponsors also.  We have sponsored Star for the last two years and love being able to care for and spend additional time with her. I love the peaceful atmosphere at Hearts, and enjoy being outdoors and working with the horses. My biggest joy is to see the riders accomplishments and the giant smiles on their faces! After moving to Santa Barbara, I wanted to find something meaningful to get involved in and I certainly found that at Hearts! When I’m not at Hearts, you can find me at La Cumbre Country Club where I’ve been the Dining and Banquet Manager since 1983.

An Eagle Scout Beautifies and Protects

Taylor Lund exemplifies the best of the Eagle Scout tradition in Boy Scouting.  He came to Hearts with a desire to contribute and an eagerness to do something challenging for his final Eagle Scout project.  The result was a beautifully designed and constructed shade structure by the large riding arena. The structure is a lovely addition to our riding facility and provides protection from the sun so that families and visitors can view riding lessons in comfort.  Taylor was gracious, generous, responsible, creative and professional in his management of this project.  His thoughtfulness has left a legacy at Hearts. 

Taylor shared his thoughts about the project: “I picked Hearts, because it is a program that not enough people know about, and you guys do such great work for the community. I never knew about Hearts until I started my project. I hope this project it will help increase the awareness of the program. Throughout the building process I learned many valuable lessons, and I loved the opportunity to help.”

On behalf of the Hearts riders and their friends and families, we thank you, Taylor, and everyone who contributed to this wonderful project.

Meet Heather

Heather discovered Hearts when she was 4 ½ years old.  She and I came to a Visitor’s Day, hosted by the Foster Family Association, and Heather fell in love immediately.  The next day, and every weekend thereafter, Heather wanted me to go to Hearts with her, to visit the horses.  

 At the age of 5, she received a scholarship to ride at Hearts and began what has become her life’s passion – horseback riding.

Like many adoptive parents, I had some difficulties bonding with my daughter when she was an infant.  When Heather began to ride, I soon realized that the horses were providing a way for us to connect with each other. Heather lives and breathes horses. She collects them, she draws them. Everything she owns is decorated with horses. If she is feeling sad or scared or withdrawn, she will ask me to go see the horses with her.  Being with them gives her a sense of belonging and peace.  At Hearts, Heather is OK with herself and with the world.  I am grateful that she wants to share “her horses” with me.  This is one way I know we can always connect.

Now Heather is 11 years old and has become a very proficient rider.  Her instructors have remarked on her talent and suggested that she consider graduating to a barn where she could receive more advanced training or learn to jump.  Perhaps some day she will, but for now, Hearts is “Home” for Heather.  This is a safe haven for her. It’s where she wants to bring her friends. She spends all her free time here.  I am certain that she will become a Hearts volunteer when she turns 14.  Her heart is here at Hearts.

-        --  Heather’s Mom

Come to the Student Horse Show: Focused on Abilities!

Sunday, May 18th, from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm

Riders of all ages will showcase their abilities as they proudly demonstrate their equitation skills before a cheering crowd of family, friends and supporters. A salute to honor US Veterans, a tribute to Hearts supporters and a celebratory lunch will round out the exciting day.  

I hope you will come celebrate with us and witness the joy, friendships, and accomplishments that you have helped make possible.

A parent told us recently, “Riding at Hearts gives my son the courage to try new things, especially things that are difficult for him.  By riding, he has discovered that he can do more than he ever thought was possible.”

We also invite you to become a Sponsor of the 2014 Hearts Horse Show. If you are interested in contributing to this wonderful event, please click HERE for sponsorship information.

We hope to see you at the Horse Show!

 Click here to download flyer