Sunday Lessons Cancelled

Due to the inclement weather, there will be no lessons on Sunday, December 19th. Lessons will resume on Monday, December 2oth.

Reminder:
There will be no lessons this week on Thursday, December 24th or Friday December 25th.

Have a safe & Merry Christmas!

Snow Cancellation - No Lessons Today

Due to the inclement weather, all lessons are cancelled today, Saturday, December 19th.

Sunday, December 2th Lessons - Cancellation decisions will be made by 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning - please check back here tomorrow morning before driving to the barn.

Reminder: There are no lessons:
Thursday, December 24th
Friday, December 25th

Thank you!!

Open Slots for Lessons Beginning in January

The following days and times are available for new riders beginning January 1, 2010:

Monday 9:30-10am
Monday 11-12
Monday 2-3
Monday 2:30-3
Monday 4-5

Tuesday 10:30-11:30
Tuesday 12:30-1:30
Tuesday 1:30-2:30
Tuesday 2:30-3:30

Wednesday 10:30-11:30
Wednesday 11:30-12:30
Wednesday 3-4
Wednesday 4-4:30

Thursday 12-1
Thursday 3-4
Thursday 5:30-6:30
Thursday 6-7

Friday 4-5
Friday 5-6
Friday 6-7

Saturday 9-10
Saturday 1-2

Sunday 1-1:30
Sunday 1-2

If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our program, please let them know of these days & times. Please have them contact Megan Strychowski at (215) 822-2515 ext. 1 or mstrychowski@ivyhillequestrian.org

New Fencing In Store for Ivy Hill

Drive past Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center within the next few weeks and you will notice a big change. New fencing is being installed in our big pasture, stall run-out paddocks, the outdoor show ring and side pasture. The new fencing has been made possible through the donation of PVC horse fencing from Merck & Co. and a grant from The Longacre Family Charitable Fund. The grant from the Longacre Family Charitable Fund will cover the majority of the cost of replacing the fencing.

The current fencing will be replaced with electric fencing instead of the post and rail fencing already in place. The donated PVC horse fencing will replace the outdoor show ring fence and one of the side pastures. Electric fencing will prevent our horses from pushing out boards and escaping from their pastures. Currently, our program is using eleven program horses to provide our therapeutic horsemanship programs.

The Longacre Family Charitable Fund was originally established in 2001 as an expression of the family's common vision of being aware of the responsibility they have to share their success and blessings with others. The fund's goals are: to support organizations that have a positive impact on the world, to support events/activities which have value, to support Christian schools and other Christian organizations and ultimately to make a difference.

Thank you Merck & Co. and The Longacre Family Charitable Fund!!

The Clemens Family Corporation Awards Grant to Ivy Hill

The Clemens Family Corporation awarded Ivy Hill $1,000.00 towards the purchase of building supplies for a new run-in shed in one of our pastures. Run-in sheds provide a place for our horses to get out of the elements when they feel like it. Although we keep our horses in the barn during inclement weather, horses like to use run-in sheds when they are grazing in the pastures.

Originally founded in 1895 by John C. Clemens, The Clemens Family Corporation continues to operate as a corporation deeply rooted in values. Since its beginnings, the corporation’s values have been its strength. These values can be seen in the quality products and services offered by each company within the corporation. While not forgetting where it came from, The Clemens Family Corporation continues to look ahead by operating as a good steward of the community and the environment while offering innovative products and services to its valuable customers.

United Way Days of Caring - THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

On September 22nd, Ivy Hill had over 28 volunteers mostly from Univest and Hatfield Quality Meats come and spend the day at our facility as part of the United Way's Days of Caring.



They helped with a variety of tasks including:
~removing sawdust/manure, removing and cleaning stall mats, leveling the stall grit, replacing the mats and adding new sawdust.
~all run outs were cleared of manure
~two stall doors were repaired
~flower beds were weeded and fall mums planted.
~property was weed whacked or mowed.
~indoor ground hog holes were repaired and more grit added.
~white fence at driveway entrance was secured from leaning.
~indoor ramp was supported ~cobwebs were removed from ceilings.
~barn stalls were painted
~round pen was moved as requested
~one stall window repaired.

These volunteers did an amazing amount of work in one day & really helped to make Ivy Hill shine. The barn is so much brighter with the stalls freshly painted. Thank you for help!

4th Annual Golf Outing a Success!!

On September 22nd Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center hosted its 4th Annual Golf Outing at the Indian Valley Country Club, Telford, PA. Under cloudy but warm skies, 28 golfers teed off in a shotgun start. After several hours of great competition the winners were determined. The first place team was comprised of players Mark Smolij, Jim Walker, Kevin Hunt and Dave Shaw Close behind in second place were Bill Shelow, Russ Talone, Fred Dunhour and Janice Dunhour. To add to the excitement Dennis Keating won the men's long drive competition and Janice Dunhour won the women's long drive competition. Bill Donnelly won the closest to the pin competition.

The evening wrapped up with a fantastic dinner and awards ceremony in the Indian Valley Country Club ballroom. Ivy Hill Board members Chris Brockett and Bill Shelow presented awards to the winners and spoke about Ivy Hill's continued growth and benefit to the community which it serves only with the help of friends and donors like those in attendance.

In the end it was a great day for Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Ivy Hill would like to thank all of the golfers, sponsors and the friendly staff at Indian Valley Country Club for making our annual golf outing and fundraiser a success!

Can You help Us?

If you have ever been interested in volunteering here at Ivy Hill, now is the time. Ivy Hill has an immediate need for volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00 - 1:00 to assist with lessons. No experience is needed - we will train you! If you are able to volunteer from 9-1 or just part of those hours on either day, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (215) 822-2515 ext. 4. To assist with lessons, volunteers must be 11 years old or older. Thank you!!

Wawa Hoagie Certificates Still Available

Don't forget, as part of an ongoing fundraiser with Ivy Hill, we have Wawa hoagie certificates for sale. These are great for hot summer nights when no one feels like cooking!

Due to an increase by Wawa, we are now selling certificates for $4.00 each. These are good at any Wawa location and on any shorti hoagie. For more information please see Megan Strychowski at (215) 822-2515 ext. 1 or mstrychowski@ivyhillequestrian.org

Thank you for your continued support!!

Congratulations Special Olympians!!!!

Ivy Hill would like to congratulate all of our students who participated in Special Olympic State competition this past weekend. Out of the 13 students from Ivy Hill who went, they earned the following medals:

First- 12
Second- 10
Third- 5
Fourth- 7
Fifth- 3
Sixth- 1

Classes included Showmanship, equitation, dressage and trail classes as well as team relays. We couldn't be more proud of your accomplishments! Way to go!!!!

Best Wishes Special Olympians!!

Ivy Hill Board Members and Staff would like to wish "Best of Luck" to all ours students participating in Special Olympic State Competition right now at Penn State University! Thirteen students & four horses earned SO spots this year. Students left yesterday & will be competing until Saturday evening.

Best of luck Sean, DJ, Drake, Justin, Abby S, Hailey L, Sophia L, Regan, Kieire, Krista, Crystal, Nicole and Gia.

A Special thank you to all staff and volunteers who are also at Penn State this weekend as well. Without your help, our students would not be able to participate in such a rewarding experience.

REMINDER: There are no lessons today or tomorrow due to Special Olympics. Thank you!

The 30th Annual Handicapped Riders Division

On Memorial Day weekend, students from Ivy Hill competed in the Handicapped Division of the Devon Horse Show. In all, thirteen Ivy Hill students competed in dressage, equitation, and trail classes. Eight different programs from PA, MD, DE brought 198 students to compete. The event was held at Thorncroft, Inc., Malvern, PA.

In addition to ribbons awarded to each student, perpetual trophies are awarded in a variety of categories. Those nominated for perpetual trophies are invited to ride on Sunday at the Devon Showgrounds in the Ann Dixon Oval. This is a great honor for riders. This year, Ivy Hill had two students chosen for additional awards. This is the third year in a row, Ivy Hill has had students or horses (yes even the horses are honored at Devon) receive awards at the showgrounds!! For the past two years, Ivy Hill horses, Blue & Bean, won The Francis P. Hayes Championship Cooler For Champion Therapeutic Horse.

Crystal Rhodes and Sean O'Brien were honored to ride on Sunday at the Dixon Oval. Crystal was awarded Champion for the Anne Joyce Cocharne Perpetual Memorial Trophy- Awarded to the rider with the highest trail score, Reserve for the Francis de Ruschi Perpetual Trophy- Awarded to the rider with the highest combined score in division II and Reserve for the Brushwood Trophy- Awarded to the rider with the highest combined score in Equitation and Dressage in Division I, II, III, or IV.

Sean O'Brien was awarded Champion for the Thorncroft Perpetual Trophy- Awarded to the rider with the highest combined score in Division III and Reserve for the Anne Joyce Cochrane Perpetual Memorial Trophy- Awarded to the rider with the highest trail score.

Congratulations to Crystal, Sean and all Ivy Hill students for participating in the show! You all did a great job & should be very proud of yourselves!!

Trenton Thunder Fundraiser

Ivy Hill is selling tickets to the August 23rd Trenton Thunder game. The game starts at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $11.00 each and Ivy Hill earns $3.00 for each ticket sold. Ivy Hill has blocked out 125 seats for this game. We can block out more if we sell tickets fast.

If you are interested in taking the family or friends to a great baseball game or you would like to sell tickets for this game, please contact Megan Strychowski at (215) 822-2515 ext. 1. Checks should be made out to Ivy Hill. We hope to see you there!!!

Boy Scouts Help Ivy Hill

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center would like to thank Lucas Rogers and Boy Scout Troop 67 of Hilltown for their recent facility service project. Lucas is working towards an Eagle Scout designation and part of the requirement is to run a service project. Lucas chose Ivy Hill because several of his friend’s use Ivy Hill’s services. He wanted to say thank you for the service Ivy Hill provides to the community and his friends.

His troop, with the help of over 30 volunteers, built a shed for wheel barrels, shovels and pitchforks, installed fencing to divide a large pasture and built a display case for awards and Ivy Hill’s Horse of the Year Blankets. They accomplished the project by raising money for materials as well as finding help to complete the projects.

Megan Strychowski, Program Manager stated “We are very happy with the projects Lucas, his troop & volunteers worked on at our facility. Everything was done with pride and we have had lots of compliments on the display case which can be seen as soon as you walk into the barn.” She says it is always wonderful when service organizations offer their time and talents to Ivy Hill. As a non-profit, there is always more work to be done than funds allow. Ivy Hill would like to wish Lucas the best of luck in becoming an Eagle Scout!

Ivy Hill Receives Grant

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is pleased to announce it recently received a grant in the amount of $2,520.00 from KCI Servant’s Heart Foundation. The grant will provide six scholarships and the ability to purchase team building equipment for summer camp at Ivy Hill. Ivy Hill's Inclusion Based Summer Camp is a great way for children to develop riding skills as well as enjoy social interaction with children who share similar interests. Summer camp goals include increase self esteem, create responsibility, build confidence, team building, develop fine and gross motor skills and strengthening socialization/communication skills. Activities include horsemanship skills, arts and crafts, horseback riding lessons, and grooming, tacking and bathing the horses. Ivy Hill is more than just a riding school; we provide a well balanced equestrian program. During camp each child discovers the joy of horses. Ivy Hill provides a safe and fun learning environment for all participants who want to experience the magic of horses. For more information about our summer camp opportunities, please contact Megan Strychowski, Program Manager at (215) 822-2515 ext. 1 or via email at mstrychoski@ivyhillequestrian.org.

Lessons Cancelled Today

Please note due to the snow all lessons are cancelled for today & tonight. If you wish to schedule a makeup lesson, please contact your instructor & we will try to work out a make up. Thank you!

Have a safe day!!

Rider Openings Available

Ivy Hill has openings for clients/riders for the following time slots - please note some of these slots are immediate openings:



Mondays
Beginning after March 1st



Wednesdays
Beginning after February 1st
11:30-12:30 hour private lesson
1:30-2 private lesson
2:30-3 private lesson
7-8pm private lesson



Thursdays
Immediate openings for the following times:
1-2 private lesson
2-3 private lesson

Fridays
Beginning after February 1st
10-11am private lesson



Saturdays
Immediate openings for the following times:
2:30-3 private lesson (please note this is a half hour time slot)
3-4 private lesson



Sundays
Immediate openings for the following times:
10-11 private lesson
12-1 private lesson



Other group lesson slots may be available. Please call Megan for more information at 215-822-2515 ext 1.

LESSONS CANCELLED!!

Please note all lessons are cancelled for today & tomorrow due to the extremely cold weather. This is for the safety of our riders and our horses!!

Lessons should resume on Saturday morning, however, please dress extra warm!!

Wawa Hoagie Certificates

Just a reminder we are still selling Wawa hoagie certificates. These certificates are for a shorti hoagie & are $3.00 each. These coupons can be used at any Wawa store locations and they do not have an expiration date.

Please see your instructor for more information or call (215) 822-2515 ext. 3.

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year to everyone. We hope you had a safe & happy holiday season. As we look ahead in 2009, many exciting things will be happening.



2009 marks our 10th anniversary! Our year long celebration will kick off at our silent auction on March 14th at the Indian Valley Country Club. Stay tuned for more details shortly. We are looking for donations for the silent auction - donations can include gift certificates for local resturants & services, gift baskets, art, etc. If you can donate an item, please contact Wendy at (215) 822-2515 ext. 3. All donations are tax deductible.



For all riders: don't forget your updated medical & information forms are due to Ivy Hill by January 31st! If you need another copy, please speak with your riding instructor or contact Megan Strychowski at (215) 822-2515 ext. 1.



Special Olympic training has begun! This week kicked off our first week of SO training. The County show will be held at Ivy Hill on April 5th.

Paperwork for summer camp will being going out shortly. We are offering more weeks of camp this year!!