Dear Friends of Affinity Ranch,
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the vibrant colors of fall begin to unfold, I am filled with gratitude for this beautiful season. I am particularly excited about our upcoming Haunted Horses event on October 20th from 11 AM to 3 PM. I invite you to don your favorite costumes and join us for a day of family fun, featuring a trick-or-treat street, crafts, animal meet-and-greets, yard games, delicious food, and more. Tickets are available for purchase here, and I hope to see you there!
Additionally, I am thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual Horse Show on October 25th and 26th. This event presents a wonderful opportunity for our clients to showcase the skills they have developed through our Adaptive Horsemanship program this year. If you haven't yet signed up for a time slot, please reach out to your instructor for more details. This is a special occasion for our clients, their friends, and families. Our clients are also being challenged to raise funds to support the beloved horses in our care. I encourage you to reach out to your networks; many employers offer matching donations that can amplify your efforts!
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Iron Horse Equine and Merck Animal Health for their incredible generosity during “Unicorn Day.” We were fortunate to have a dedicated team of veterinarians and technicians provide comprehensive veterinary care for our entire herd in just one day. Their kindness resulted in over $16,000 worth of free veterinary services, including necessary injections, shockwave therapy, blood work, x-rays, ultrasounds, dental care, chiropractic adjustments, and tailored treatments for each horse. As a nonprofit organization, we rely heavily on such support, which has a profound impact on our ability to care for our equine partners. Healthy, happy horses, coupled with our exceptional instructors and therapists, truly change lives every day.
The ranch has been bustling with activity as our Equine Assisted Therapy Program (Hippotherapy) continues to grow. Witnessing new clients engage with horses for the first time is a joyous experience, filled with anticipation and excitement. The transformation I see in clients as they accomplish things they once thought impossible is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. It is only through the generosity of our donors, sponsors, partner organizations, and volunteers that we can continue to provide Unbridled Possibilities.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.
Warm regards,
Shannon Forslund
Affinity Ranch
Executive Director