September 2025

Just strolling along...

Message from the
Executive Director

Dear Affinity Ranch Family,

I hope you are enjoying the cooler weather, it has certainly put a little extra spring in our horses’ steps! August has been a month of both joy and reflection here at the ranch.

We experienced a heartbreaking loss as we said an unexpected goodbye to our beloved Dakota. Her gentle spirit touched so many lives, and she is deeply missed by all of us. We will carry her memory forward with gratitude for the love and calm presence she brought to our herd and our community.

Amidst our grief, we have also been filled with excitement as preparations for our inaugural Ponies with Purpose Gala are in full swing. This celebration is right around the corner, and we would love for you to join us. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, now is the perfect time—bring your friends, family, and neighbors to share in an evening that will highlight the incredible impact being made at Affinity Ranch. Buy your tickets today!

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Shanna and Brad with Parker Insiders for creating a beautiful video series that showcases the transformative work happening here. Their dedication to uplifting small businesses and preserving the spirit of Parker is inspiring, and we are honored to be featured. If you haven’t yet seen the first video, I encourage you to take a moment to watch it—and be sure to follow both Affinity Ranch and Parker Insiders on Facebook to catch the upcoming releases. Part one can be viewed here.

We are also celebrating a wonderful improvement to our facility—new pasture fencing thanks to the generosity of Small Charities Unlimited and EMR Enterprises! Our horses are thriving with this upgrade, which was lovingly dedicated to the memory of Barbara Rosenthal, a woman whose love for horses was profound. Her husband, Peter, chose to honor her legacy in a way that will enhance the quality of life for our herd for years to come. We are so very grateful.

Thank you for being such an important part of the Affinity Ranch family. Your support, encouragement, and love make everything we do possible. Together, we are creating a community filled with healing, belonging, and unbridled possibilities.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Gratefully,
Shannon Forslund

Affinity Ranch

Executive Director

Shannon@AffinityRanch.org

Upcoming Events

Affinity Ranch Ponies with Purpose Gala - September 25 - see invitation below
Client Annual Horse Show - Oct 11-12
Upcoming Break Weeks - this is the adaptive horsemanship schedule. If you participate in other programs, please check with your provider:
- October 13-18
- November 24-29
- December 22 - January 3

Changes at The Ranch

Personnel Changes:
- Mary Leeds has joined us as a new board member.
Animal Changes:
- We lost Dakota - she will be missed!

Affinity Ranch Gala Invitation

Affinity Ranch Gala Sponsors

We’re proud to spotlight the Rotary Club of Parker as an Impact Sponsor for our Ponies with Purpose Gala.

Since its founding in 1993, the Rotary Club of Parker has been committed to serving others, promoting integrity, and advancing goodwill both locally and globally. Through service projects, community initiatives, and international partnerships, they live out Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self every day.

Their sponsorship of the Ponies with Purpose Gala helps further our mission to provide inclusive, equine-assisted programs that empower individuals of all abilities.

Thank you, Rotary Club of Parker, for believing in Unbridled Possibilities and supporting inclusive, equine-assisted programs.

www.parkerrotary.org

We’re proud to spotlight Developmental Pathways as a Gold Purpose Partner Sponsor for our Ponies with Purpose Gala.

Developmental Pathways is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Serving Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties, they provide vital early intervention, case management, and community-based services that empower people to thrive.

Their mission—to enrich lives and strengthen communities—resonates deeply with our own purpose and vision here at Affinity Ranch. Through their commitment, they’re helping us create Unbridled Possibilities for individuals of all abilities.

Thank you, Developmental Pathways, for your generous support and for partnering with us to make this meaningful event possible.

www.dpcolo.org
303-360-6600 | info@dpcolo.org

We’re proud to spotlight Caprock Equine as a Bronze Purpose Partner Sponsor for our Ponies with Purpose Gala.

Founded by Head Trainer David Gerrish and his wife Mia, Caprock Equine serves Southern & Eastern Colorado and beyond, offering expert horse training, tune-ups, colt starting, and clinics—all rooted in trust and connection.

With over a decade of experience—including his time at Harmony Equine Center—David is a two-time PEAK Training Challenge Champion and was named one of Horse and Rider Magazine’s Top 10 Trainers of the Year (2023).

Based in Larkspur, the Gerrish family leads with faith, heart, and a deep commitment to community—sharing their passion for horsemanship with every horse they train and every client they serve.

Thank you, Caprock Equine, for believing in Unbridled Possibilities and supporting inclusive, equine-assisted programs.

www.caprockequine.com
806-470-3033 | david@caprockequine.com

August Volunteer Hours

We love our volunteers! Last month, 101 people volunteered 1198 hours broken out as follows:

Barn Help: 297

Board Members: 80

General Help: 43

Horse Handler: 749

Horse Partner: 3

Instructor Trainee: 0

Office Work: 13

Orientation: 11

Volunteers Groups

We just want to call out some of our Volunteers Groups last month. These folks came out with a specific task to do, and they got it done! Thank you so much for your help around the Ranch:

Parker Rotary

Have a group looking for a volunteer project? We can always use the help! Email: Volunteer@AffinityRanch.org

Volunteer Spotlight

This month's Volunteer Spotlight is Ryan Lokken

Animal Spotlight

Happy 19th birthday Rufus!

Employee Spotlight

Drew is one of our Supported Employees

Client Spotlight

Meet Oliver one of our Adaptive Horsemanship Clients

Ways to Donate

Do you shop at King Soopers? Did you know you can sign up for Community Rewards and a portion of your purchase will be donated to Affinity Ranch with no cost to you?

Just login to the King Soopers website and scroll to the bottom of the page and click King Soopers Community Rewards. In section 2, Click "Link your Card" to an Organization and then click Search and enter Affinity Ranch. Then click Enroll.

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11892 Hilltop Road
Parker, CO 80134
USA