Past Fundraisers and Appearances
*Note: all proceeds donated to the program either through private donations or fundraising events are used to help the fund the therapy of veterans. With your help, our veterans are able to continue getting the therapy the need as well as participate in shows. These shows and other appearances the veterans participate in are essential to their wellness and growth as many of them suffer from Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD. With your support, these veterans are able to continue doing what brings them joy to their every day lives.
2018
Mark Rashid Clinic
On May 25 - 27, A Helping Hoof sponsored to Mark Rashid to hold a clinic in Utah. The clinic took place over Friday - Sunday, with a dinner and Aikido demonstration and participation event hosted by Mark Rashid himself. We started off each day with a three hour group lesson for three participants. Each participant was able to work with Mark one on one to improve their own horsemanship. In the afternoon, Mark offered 1 hour individual lessons for participants who wanted more interpersonal time. While Mark was working with his participants, Crissi McDonald, Mark's wife) held her own lessons or body work sessions. Luckily a couple of veterans were able to work and ride with Crissi McDonald. The donations and proceeds made through the fundraisers were able to sponsor one of the veterans to take a once in a lifetime lesson.
20th Annual Wild Horse and Burro Festival
Due to scheduling conflicts, we were only able to have one veteran participate in the Utah Wild Horse and Burro Festival located in Farmington, UT. This veteran was able to participate in Showmanship (where she placed 2nd) and Trail. We are so proud of our veterans that are able to participate and show off the horses they have been working with all year.
1st Annual Western Show Series
This year A Helping Hoof put on their first annual Western Show Series. We put on a total of 5 western shows throughout the course of the year. Each show we had a variety class and a specialty class that changed each time. At the end of the series, we awarded the highest scoring participant who competed in at least 3 shows an overall year-end prize. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and participated!
2016
Extreme Horseman's Challenge
We had multiple veterans participate in the six Extreme Horseman's Challenges, many of them ranging from just schooling with a buddy, to completing the course by themselves. All of them had lots of fun and enjoy being able to strengthen their bonds with the horses as they complete these multiple obstacle courses.
Scavenger Hunt
In 2016, we did our first ever scavenger hunt at Pegasus Event Center. People rode out in groups using clues to find places on the course where they collected ribbons to show they were there. Some points were also a judged obstacle. After the scavenger hunt people were invited over to another arena to compete in a Gambler's Choice obstacle race. They were given two minutes to complete as many obstacles as possible. Points from both things were added and prizes awarded. There were three adults groups, a youth group, and a driving group.
After all of the riding, competitors were invited to stay for dinner, music, and prizes.
The scavenger hunt did not have as many participants as we had hoped. However, the people who did come said it was fun and they would do it again. They also enjoyed the prizes and the lunch. Thanks to Pegasus Event Center for their support.
After all of the riding, competitors were invited to stay for dinner, music, and prizes.
The scavenger hunt did not have as many participants as we had hoped. However, the people who did come said it was fun and they would do it again. They also enjoyed the prizes and the lunch. Thanks to Pegasus Event Center for their support.
18th Annual Wild Horse and Burro Festival
This year we had 5 veterans participate in 3 of the classes at the 18th Annual Wild Horse and Burro Festival. The veterans had the opportunity to show in Showmanship, Trail, and completed their own freestyle going over veteran homelessness and substance abuse. We are so proud of these veterans and how far they have come!
Pre-2016
Parades
A Helping Hoof was able to spread awareness of the program through the participation in a variety of parades. With the help of the A Helping Hoof team and its veterans, we were able to show off the horses and the good work they do for these veterans
Utah Wild Horse and Burro Festival
The veterans from A Helping Hoof have been participating in the Utah Wild Horse and Burro Festival Since 2008. It is one of our biggest events the veterans get the opportunity to participate in.