c of u events th eh ar tb - horseshoes from the...

WANTED

V O L U N T E E R S & B E N E F I C I A R I E S T O L E A R N M O R E A B O U T

V O L U N T E E R I N G O R P A R T I C I P A T I N G , P L E A S E G I V E U S A C A L L A T

7 1 3 - 7 2 6 - 0 6 8 9

5118 Redstart Houston, Texas 77035

Baytown Special Rodeo Sept 13th

Call Deborah 713-533-0007

Pasadena Rodeo Parade Sept 20th


Charity Meeting

Oct 15th 7-9 pm

Call Lori 713-726-0689

Museum of Natural Science

Nov 16th Hosted by

Congregation Emanu El Call Deborah 713-533-0007

1st Annual Horseshoes Cowboys & Indians

Trail Ride Spring 2009

Call Lori 713-726-0689

For the most current event information please go to our website at

WWW.HORSESHOESFROMTHEHEART.ORG or call 713-726-0689.

Thanks for contributions to this edition: Chris Crawford, Kent Crawford, Rhonda Exley, Deborah Filip, Brianne Getz,

and Lori Waldo-Torrez.

Art Contest! Entry Due

by

Oct 1 th

Chronic Illness

& Disability Conference

Nov 13-14 Texas Medical Center

Houston, Texas


C A L E N D A R O F U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

Pasadena Little Wranglers

Rodeo Oct 4th


A & E Graphics has generously donated printing to honor long-time employee

Troy Husmann.

The Arc of Fort Bend

Oct 25th 2008 Special Needs

Conf. & Resource Fair Call Deborah 713-533-0007

Fundraiser at

Wi ld West O c t 2 3 r d

6-9 pm

Call Lori 713-726-0689

Zoo-Boo Fieldtrip

Houston City Zoo

Oct 18th

Call Chris 832-559-8881

1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4

Signature Events

Annual Campfire *

Annual School Trail Ride *

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Day Parade

Special Events

Shop with a Cop

* Thanksgiving Day

Parade *

Soar with Eagles *

Fishing Trips *

Camping Trips *

Halloween Zoo Boo *

Easter Egg Hunt

& More...

The Heartbeat

Inside This Issue

A Horseshoes Tradition…… 13th Annual Campfire…….. Alabama-Coushatta Indians… Annual School Ride………... Singing Robyn………………. Los Vaqueros Ride…………. Gentle Giants ………………. Houston Rodeo Parade……. Beneficiary Highlight……... Volunteer of the Year …….. Galveston County Fair……. Israel’s 60th Anniversary… Fishing Tournament………. Calendar of Events………...

First Edition 2008

The 2008 Horseshoes From The Heart and Los Vaqueros Annual Campfire, School Ride and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Day Parade were all a huge success. These yearly signature events reflect our mission to include disabled individuals in any and all outdoor activities, while creating a unique opportunity for participants to learn of Texas history and the trail ride traditions. Through the hard work of its dedicated volunteers and supporters, Horseshoes From The Heart has dedicated two custom made wagons specially designed to accommodate wheelchairs and children with special needs for our events.

The 13th Annual Horseshoes & Los Vaqueros Trail Ride Campfire had the largest attendance in years! The weather was beautiful — just cold enough to really appreciate our do-nated firepots, wood and hay bale chairs. When the chow bell rang, the hungry riders and guests lined up for sausage on a stick and BBQ sandwiches with all the fixin’s; beans, potato salad and fresh rolls all served by loyal volunteers. It was evident the meal was lip smackin’ good seeing that our volunteers steadily served hungry guests, trail riders and Indians for over two hours!

A H OR S E SH O E S T R A I L R I D E T R A D I T I O NA H OR S E SH O E S T R A I L R I D E T R A D I T I O NA H OR S E SH O E S T R A I L R I D E T R A D I T I O N

The LABAMA - OUSHATTA NDIANS captured our hearts again this year! We were blessed to have these wonderful guests share the rich history of their heritage by demonstrating their native

dances during a campfire lit dinner. For many years now, members of the tribe have been performing at the Campfire held the night before the School Trail Ride. Many parents in the neighboring communities bring their chil-dren to enjoy our outdoor campfire event year after year. The kids never seem to tire of watching the Indian dancers clad in the vivid colored outfits with beads, feathers and ancient songs into the moonlight. Specta-tors of every age are fascinated by the rhythmic move-ments set to the drummer’s beat. Some dances are like a vibrant living kaleidoscope of color and patterns while others tell an ancient tale through the dance movements. A “story dance” may have a clear lesson or moral and

other stories are just for fun! Each year, the Indians also join us on our trail ride through Bellaire and Houston. Together on horseback and in chuck wagons, we visit several schools in celebration of “Go Texan Day!” that provides a visual image of Texas History for students and teachers alike. The nearly 100,000 school children we visit not only get to see real “Cowboys & Indians” but also the accomplishments of our special needs riders as they ride by the crowds with pride. The smiles lasted for miles.

A C I

After many years of persistence and hard work, our hearts were filled with pride once again to see our own special Horseshoes From The Heart wagons roll down the street along-side the traditional wagons in the world’s largest Rodeo and Parade. Constructed

in late 2005, our wagon was believed to be the first wheel-chair equipped wagon of its kind. It debuted in the Houston Rodeo Day Parade held in Feb. 2006. Then in 2007, we dedi-cated our 2nd wagon, the “ Memorial Wagon,” to our fallen riders. Each year, during the campfire ceremony, a plaque with any fallen rider’s name is added to the side of the wagon in remembrance of their life. Several other trail ride associa-tions have recognized the efforts and accomplishments of our special needs riders and Horseshoes mission and they have expressed interest in coordinating future events with their rides to include our participants!

G E N T L E G I A N T S J O I N R I D E

H O U S T O N L I V E S T O C K S H O W & R O D E O D A Y P A R A D E

1 3 T H A N N U A L H I S D & B E L L A I R E T R A I L R I D E The purpose of our rides is to involve special needs children and adults in an out-door activity that most people would not believe possible. With this mission in mind our caravan of riders proudly blazed a trail from Westbury Little League field, through Bellaire and ended at the Williams Tower. We stopped at several HISD and private schools to provide an authentic Texas Trail Ride experience as we celebrated “Go Texan Day.” This year, a welcomed new addition to the ride was the Anderson Elementary School band—they filled the air with music and enthusiasm. Bellaire PD, HPD and Constable Pct 6 generously provided us with a safe passage through the busy streets. A big thanks from “the heart” to all who make the annual school ride possible each year!

Our very own yodeling sweetheart, Ms. Robyn Mundy, returned to entertain our Campfire guests on Thursday night and the children during the Horseshoes School Ride on Friday. Always a crowd pleaser, Robyn sings some of the old favorites and also some current hits on the country and western circuit. Thanks Robyn!

R O B Y N S I N G S L I K E A B I R D

The Los Vaqueros Trail Ride has the distinction of being the longest ride. They began in 1973 with Larry Ramirez as their President and Trail Boss. Larry brought the group of “diehard” riders in from Reynosa, Mexico into Texas. They make their way to Houston, traveling 386 miles! The Los Va-queros Trail Riders have strong family values. These values have been passed on from generation to generation. Larry passed those values on to his son Sal Ramirez who became

Trail Boss and passed the reins on to younger brother David Ramirez. Now, instead of leading our Annual School Ride as Trail Boss of the Los Vaqueros, Sal has become one of our Wagon drivers!

T H E L O S V A Q U E R O S T R A I L R I D E R S

A very special “Thank You” goes out to the Los Vaqueros and to the Ramirez Family!

David Ramirez

Sal Ramirez

We were honored to have the help of Mr. Wes Hardy and his son Dylan this year on our annual Horseshoes School Ride. Wes brought a matched set of flaxen Bel-gian draft horses that were excellent with the children at the schools. This team is equal to, or in some cases larger than the Budweiser Clydesdales, and they seemed larger than life to the wide eyed children as our cowboys rode by.

Eastside Honda holds a Kids Charity Fishing Tournament on their 34 acre private lake each year. The lake is stocked with big bass, catfish, crappie, brim and perch for a fun filled family day of fishing for all to enjoy.

No Boats! All fishing is bank fish-ing and all proceeds went to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at the annual Ride for Kids. The event was over at 5 PM but our crew stayed till dark and had a great time!

Our wagons joined the Sante Fe and Texas Independence Trail Riders on a ride down Hwy 146 to the Galveston County Fairgrounds to kick off the County Fair. The following week, we took our wagons, which are designed to accommodate wheelchair riders and participated in “Special Kids” day.

Wes Hardy and son Dylan brought their Belgians to pull one wagon. Louis Guidroz and his friend Rick joined us again this year with an extra wagon and team. The event hosted close to 1000 kids. Over 200 had the opportunity to be “Trail Riders” that day thanks to the efforts of our great volunteers!

Thank You

Deborah!

I S R A E L ’ S 6 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y

P A R A D E April 2008

2 0 0 7 V O L U N T E E R O F T H E Y E A R

It is never easy to highlight any one volunteer when so many make our work possible; but Horseshoes would like to give extra special thanks to one of its hard working volunteers, Deborah Filip. Deborah has brought new drive and vision to our organization. Her efforts were instrumental in pioneering our dream to participate in the Hous-ton Livestock Show and Rodeo day events. Until Horseshoes From The Heart joined the Rodeo Day Parade in 2006, no other parade of its scope included individuals with restricted mobility. Deborah is an excellent organizer, leav-ing nothing to chance (except for those eight feet tall tunnels.) It is her compassion for the kids that continues to drive her out into our community to join hands with supporters, volunteers and special needs families so that we can continue our mission. In 2007, Deborah’s efforts got our special ‘wheelchair accessible’ custom wagons in the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade– a first for the City of Houston!

B E N E F I C I A R Y H I G H L I G H T

Kids Charity Fishing Tournament

April 2008 * Baytown

Troy Husmann, one of our long-time special riders, has worn western boots, shirts and a cowboy hat since childhood and has always enjoyed Rodeos. In 2002, Troy was invited by a volunteer of our organization to attend our Annual “Los Vaqueros Campfire”. The dancing Indians, rough tough trail riders and an open interaction with other special individuals made Troy captivated! He has attended every year since and soon became loved by all. In 2004, he joined Los Vaqueros for a day ride with his new trail ride duster, donated by Horseshoes. This marked the beginning of a special tradition for Troy and his father. Troy has really stretched his abilities and goals to new levels! In 2005, father and son rode a few hours from Richmond into Houston. In 2006 and 2007, they went even further and made the 2 day ride in from Kendleton, TX with the Los Va-queros crew. This year Troy is the first to beat an all time record for our organization.

Our duo met up with Los Vaqueros in Victoria, TX where they rode all week and finished at the Annual Campfire! We are all so very proud of Troy and his accomplishments. Troy’s father says, “… these trail rides and the camaraderie that goes on around the late night campfires have really enriched and influenced my son’s life positively. These events have not only taught him about Texas Trail Rides, but have provided a sense of being accepted as a part of a group that has encouraged him to grow as a person.”

A very special thanks to the Los Vaqueros, Troy, his dad and to everyone who makes these moments possible.

G A L V E S T O N C O U N T Y A I R ~ A P R I L 2 0 0 8 F

Thanks to the efforts of Arriene Kaplan, mother of our long-time special rider Rachel, Horseshoes From The Heart was invited to participate in a parade honoring Israel’s 60th birthday. Parents and families of the riders walked beside the wagon with our volunteers while a posse of clowns kept the kids laughing. One brave clown jumped onboard for the ride. Enthusi-astic parade watchers along the 1 1/3 mile route cheered their support for our group. This proved to be a great opportunity to distribute brochures and talk to people who had not yet heard about us or our mission to see that the “little things in life” are accessible to ALL. Thanks “Houston Jewish Special Needs Group” for your invitation to participate in this spe-cial event and build memories that will last!

the next Trail Boss. A few years ago, Sal retired’ as

After many years of persistence and hard work, our hearts were filled with pride once again to see our own special Horseshoes From The Heart wagons roll down the street along-side the traditional wagons in the world’s largest Rodeo and Parade. Constructed

in late 2005, our wagon was believed to be the first wheel-chair equipped wagon of its kind. It debuted in the Houston Rodeo Day Parade held in Feb. 2006. Then in 2007, we dedi-cated our 2nd wagon, the “ Memorial Wagon,” to our fallen riders. Each year, during the campfire ceremony, a plaque with any fallen rider’s name is added to the side of the wagon in remembrance of their life. Several other trail ride associa-tions have recognized the efforts and accomplishments of our special needs riders and Horseshoes mission and they have expressed interest in coordinating future events with their rides to include our participants!

G E N T L E G I A N T S J O I N R I D E

H O U S T O N L I V E S T O C K S H O W & R O D E O D A Y P A R A D E

1 3 T H A N N U A L H I S D & B E L L A I R E T R A I L R I D E The purpose of our rides is to involve special needs children and adults in an out-door activity that most people would not believe possible. With this mission in mind our caravan of riders proudly blazed a trail from Westbury Little League field, through Bellaire and ended at the Williams Tower. We stopped at several HISD and private schools to provide an authentic Texas Trail Ride experience as we celebrated “Go Texan Day.” This year, a welcomed new addition to the ride was the Anderson Elementary School band—they filled the air with music and enthusiasm. Bellaire PD, HPD and Constable Pct 6 generously provided us with a safe passage through the busy streets. A big thanks from “the heart” to all who make the annual school ride possible each year!

Our very own yodeling sweetheart, Ms. Robyn Mundy, returned to entertain our Campfire guests on Thursday night and the children during the Horseshoes School Ride on Friday. Always a crowd pleaser, Robyn sings some of the old favorites and also some current hits on the country and western circuit. Thanks Robyn!

R O B Y N S I N G S L I K E A B I R D

The Los Vaqueros Trail Ride has the distinction of being the longest ride. They began in 1973 with Larry Ramirez as their President and Trail Boss. Larry brought the group of “diehard” riders in from Reynosa, Mexico into Texas. They make their way to Houston, traveling 386 miles! The Los Va-queros Trail Riders have strong family values. These values have been passed on from generation to generation. Larry passed those values on to his son Sal Ramirez who became

Trail Boss and passed the reins on to younger brother David Ramirez. Now, instead of leading our Annual School Ride as Trail Boss of the Los Vaqueros, Sal has become one of our Wagon drivers!

T H E L O S V A Q U E R O S T R A I L R I D E R S

A very special “Thank You” goes out to the Los Vaqueros and to the Ramirez Family!

David Ramirez

Sal Ramirez

We were honored to have the help of Mr. Wes Hardy and his son Dylan this year on our annual Horseshoes School Ride. Wes brought a matched set of flaxen Bel-gian draft horses that were excellent with the children at the schools. This team is equal to, or in some cases larger than the Budweiser Clydesdales, and they seemed larger than life to the wide eyed children as our cowboys rode by.

Eastside Honda holds a Kids Charity Fishing Tournament on their 34 acre private lake each year. The lake is stocked with big bass, catfish, crappie, brim and perch for a fun filled family day of fishing for all to enjoy.

No Boats! All fishing is bank fish-ing and all proceeds went to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at the annual Ride for Kids. The event was over at 5 PM but our crew stayed till dark and had a great time!

Our wagons joined the Sante Fe and Texas Independence Trail Riders on a ride down Hwy 146 to the Galveston County Fairgrounds to kick off the County Fair. The following week, we took our wagons, which are designed to accommodate wheelchair riders and participated in “Special Kids” day.

Wes Hardy and son Dylan brought their Belgians to pull one wagon. Louis Guidroz and his friend Rick joined us again this year with an extra wagon and team. The event hosted close to 1000 kids. Over 200 had the opportunity to be “Trail Riders” that day thanks to the efforts of our great volunteers!

Thank You

Deborah!

I S R A E L ’ S 6 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y

P A R A D E April 2008

2 0 0 7 V O L U N T E E R O F T H E Y E A R

It is never easy to highlight any one volunteer when so many make our work possible; but Horseshoes would like to give extra special thanks to one of its hard working volunteers, Deborah Filip. Deborah has brought new drive and vision to our organization. Her efforts were instrumental in pioneering our dream to participate in the Hous-ton Livestock Show and Rodeo day events. Until Horseshoes From The Heart joined the Rodeo Day Parade in 2006, no other parade of its scope included individuals with restricted mobility. Deborah is an excellent organizer, leav-ing nothing to chance (except for those eight feet tall tunnels.) It is her compassion for the kids that continues to drive her out into our community to join hands with supporters, volunteers and special needs families so that we can continue our mission. In 2007, Deborah’s efforts got our special ‘wheelchair accessible’ custom wagons in the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade– a first for the City of Houston!

B E N E F I C I A R Y H I G H L I G H T

Kids Charity Fishing Tournament

April 2008 * Baytown

Troy Husmann, one of our long-time special riders, has worn western boots, shirts and a cowboy hat since childhood and has always enjoyed Rodeos. In 2002, Troy was invited by a volunteer of our organization to attend our Annual “Los Vaqueros Campfire”. The dancing Indians, rough tough trail riders and an open interaction with other special individuals made Troy captivated! He has attended every year since and soon became loved by all. In 2004, he joined Los Vaqueros for a day ride with his new trail ride duster, donated by Horseshoes. This marked the beginning of a special tradition for Troy and his father. Troy has really stretched his abilities and goals to new levels! In 2005, father and son rode a few hours from Richmond into Houston. In 2006 and 2007, they went even further and made the 2 day ride in from Kendleton, TX with the Los Va-queros crew. This year Troy is the first to beat an all time record for our organization.

Our duo met up with Los Vaqueros in Victoria, TX where they rode all week and finished at the Annual Campfire! We are all so very proud of Troy and his accomplishments. Troy’s father says, “… these trail rides and the camaraderie that goes on around the late night campfires have really enriched and influenced my son’s life positively. These events have not only taught him about Texas Trail Rides, but have provided a sense of being accepted as a part of a group that has encouraged him to grow as a person.”

A very special thanks to the Los Vaqueros, Troy, his dad and to everyone who makes these moments possible.

G A L V E S T O N C O U N T Y A I R ~ A P R I L 2 0 0 8 F

Thanks to the efforts of Arriene Kaplan, mother of our long-time special rider Rachel, Horseshoes From The Heart was invited to participate in a parade honoring Israel’s 60th birthday. Parents and families of the riders walked beside the wagon with our volunteers while a posse of clowns kept the kids laughing. One brave clown jumped onboard for the ride. Enthusi-astic parade watchers along the 1 1/3 mile route cheered their support for our group. This proved to be a great opportunity to distribute brochures and talk to people who had not yet heard about us or our mission to see that the “little things in life” are accessible to ALL. Thanks “Houston Jewish Special Needs Group” for your invitation to participate in this spe-cial event and build memories that will last!

WANTED

V O L U N T E E R S & B E N E F I C I A R I E S T O L E A R N M O R E A B O U T

V O L U N T E E R I N G O R P A R T I C I P A T I N G , P L E A S E G I V E U S A C A L L A T

7 1 3 - 7 2 6 - 0 6 8 9

5118 Redstart Houston, Texas 77035

Baytown Special Rodeo Sept 13th


Pasadena Rodeo Parade Sept 20th


Charity Meeting

Oct 15th 7-9 pm

Call Lori 713-726-0689

Museum of Natural Science

Nov 16th Hosted by

Congregation Emanu El Call Deborah 713-533-0007

1st Annual Horseshoes Cowboys & Indians

Trail Ride Spring 2009

Call Lori 713-726-0689

For the most current event information please go to our website at

WWW.HORSESHOESFROMTHEHEART.ORG or call 713-726-0689.

Thanks for contributions to this edition: Chris Crawford, Kent Crawford, Rhonda Exley, Deborah Filip, Brianne Getz,

and Lori Waldo-Torrez.

Art Contest! Entry Due

by

Oct 1 th

Chronic Illness

& Disability Conference

Nov 13-14 Texas Medical Center

Houston, Texas


C A L E N D A R O F U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

Pasadena Little Wranglers

Rodeo Oct 4th


A & E Graphics has generously donated printing to honor long-time employee

Troy Husmann.

The Arc of Fort Bend

Oct 25th 2008 Special Needs

Conf. & Resource Fair Call Deborah 713-533-0007

Fundraiser at

Wi ld West O c t 2 3 r d

6-9 pm

Call Lori 713-726-0689

Zoo-Boo Fieldtrip

Houston City Zoo

Oct 18th

Call Chris 832-559-8881

1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4

Signature Events

Annual Campfire *

Annual School Trail Ride *

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Day Parade

Special Events

Shop with a Cop

* Thanksgiving Day

Parade *

Soar with Eagles *

Fishing Trips *

Camping Trips *

Halloween Zoo Boo *

Easter Egg Hunt

& More...

The Heartbeat

Inside This Issue

A Horseshoes Tradition…… 13th Annual Campfire…….. Alabama-Coushatta Indians… Annual School Ride………... Singing Robyn………………. Los Vaqueros Ride…………. Gentle Giants ………………. Houston Rodeo Parade……. Beneficiary Highlight……... Volunteer of the Year …….. Galveston County Fair……. Israel’s 60th Anniversary… Fishing Tournament………. Calendar of Events………...

First Edition 2008

The 2008 Horseshoes From The Heart and Los Vaqueros Annual Campfire, School Ride and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Day Parade were all a huge success. These yearly signature events reflect our mission to include disabled individuals in any and all outdoor activities, while creating a unique opportunity for participants to learn of Texas history and the trail ride traditions. Through the hard work of its dedicated volunteers and supporters, Horseshoes From The Heart has dedicated two custom made wagons specially designed to accommodate wheelchairs and children with special needs for our events.

The 13th Annual Horseshoes & Los Vaqueros Trail Ride Campfire had the largest attendance in years! The weather was beautiful — just cold enough to really appreciate our do-nated firepots, wood and hay bale chairs. When the chow bell rang, the hungry riders and guests lined up for sausage on a stick and BBQ sandwiches with all the fixin’s; beans, potato salad and fresh rolls all served by loyal volunteers. It was evident the meal was lip smackin’ good seeing that our volunteers steadily served hungry guests, trail riders and Indians for over two hours!

A H OR S E SH O E S T R A I L R I D E T R A D I T I O NA H OR S E SH O E S T R A I L R I D E T R A D I T I O NA H OR S E SH O E S T R A I L R I D E T R A D I T I O N

The LABAMA - OUSHATTA NDIANS captured our hearts again this year! We were blessed to have these wonderful guests share the rich history of their heritage by demonstrating their native

dances during a campfire lit dinner. For many years now, members of the tribe have been performing at the Campfire held the night before the School Trail Ride. Many parents in the neighboring communities bring their chil-dren to enjoy our outdoor campfire event year after year. The kids never seem to tire of watching the Indian dancers clad in the vivid colored outfits with beads, feathers and ancient songs into the moonlight. Specta-tors of every age are fascinated by the rhythmic move-ments set to the drummer’s beat. Some dances are like a vibrant living kaleidoscope of color and patterns while others tell an ancient tale through the dance movements. A “story dance” may have a clear lesson or moral and

other stories are just for fun! Each year, the Indians also join us on our trail ride through Bellaire and Houston. Together on horseback and in chuck wagons, we visit several schools in celebration of “Go Texan Day!” that provides a visual image of Texas History for students and teachers alike. The nearly 100,000 school children we visit not only get to see real “Cowboys & Indians” but also the accomplishments of our special needs riders as they ride by the crowds with pride. The smiles lasted for miles.

A C I

5

10am - 2pm

Horseshoes From The Heart A 501.c.3 Charity

Run by Volunteers Cherished by Participants

Supported by You

Phone (713) 726-0689

Fax (713) 726-1328

email [email protected]

Website www.horseshoesfromtheheart.org

c of u events th eh ar tb - horseshoes from the...

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