SARI Therapeutic Riding

Thank you to everyone who bid on our 12 days of Artisan Auction - we raised over $6,000! If you were the successful bidder, you should have received an email notification and can pay directly through Bid Beacon. We will be in touch with you to arrange curbside pickup of your items this week. For any who missed out but were hoping to support SARI, there are still tickets available to our gift card tree raffle - prize valued over $1,000! Tickets are $10 each, on sale until Tuesday at noon (or sell out). Send your e-transfer to [email protected], noting the gift card tree and your contact information in the memo, and make up an easy password. Good luck to all who enter - winner will be announced by live stream Tuesday at 3pm and contacted immediately after.

It's our last day, DAY 12, of our Artisan Auction online! Here is today's SPECIAL FEATURE ITEM that has just been added... Thirteen year old Carter Mechefske, brother of a SARI rider, has been taking photographs and creating greeting cards all in support of SARI’s programs. Already Carter has raised over $650! For the Artisan Auction Carter has donated a selection of six horse-themed and nature-themed cards that you can bid on. Also included are two coffee mugs that fea...ture Carter’s images. Show some appreciation for Carter’s efforts by bidding up this item! Click here to login, place your bid and browse the other fantastic items available: https://app.bidbeacon.com/invite/#DWXN4Z BIDDING ENDS TONIGHT AT 10PM!

As London and Middlesex enter the RED "Control" Framework on Monday, SARI will implement new safety measures. There will be no drop-in or non-essential visitors permitted in order to ensure the tally of our participants, volunteers and staff stays lower than 10. If you are a participant or a volunteer, please check your email for more detail on what to expect next week - the final week of lessons for 2020.... For questions please contact the office at 519-666-1123.

We had a fun reunion this morning as volunteer leader Faye re-connected with rider Julia; these two first met at SARI over 30 years ago and were caught giggling over shared memories! Although things are looking a little different now with their masks on, these two were all smiles underneath with Head Instructor Karen nearby. We recently surveyed our volunteers, like Faye, to get a sense of how we are managing with our new COVID-19 protocols in place. We were so pleased to h...ear all the positive feedback, including this volunteer who gave us all warm fuzzies about their SARI experience: "Still familiar, warm and welcoming! COVID is at the top of many people’s mind but when you follow the rules in place, it’s the best place to be. Every step has been taken to assure everyone’s safety and health is taken seriously. Most importantly everyone is still the same great heart and familiar joy to be with. Thank you for going above and beyond to deliver the excellent benefits therapeutic riding gives to so many students and families. We are all in this together.

It is DAY 11 of our Artisan Auction online! Here is today's SPECIAL FEATURE ITEM that has just been added... Connect with your inner kid at Laughing Goat Yoga Studio in Thorndale. Highest bidder will enjoy a one hour goat yoga class for two, as well as book a playful opportunity for the whole family with an UnforGOATable Experience. Click here to login, place your bid and browse the other fantastic items available: https://app.bidbeacon.com/invite/#DWXN4Z

**UPDATE - TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT! Good luck to all who entered!** Wine Basket Raffle Tickets are On Sale Now! Tickets are limited and will be on sale until next Friday at noon. ... Accepted payments are cash or etransfer to [email protected]. Get your tickets today to be entered into the raffle for this amazing wine basket - valued at $500!

Everyday we remember the brave soldiers, including those with four legs, who gave their lives at war so that we could live ours. Lest we forget.

Hi Friends! With the weather getting colder, we are looking for donations of blankets (new or lightly used). Specifically looking for: - 66" rain sheet... - 74 or 75" rain sheet - 76" rain sheet - 74 or 75" winter blanket Because we know that some of our barn friends may ask "what else do you need for the stable?" Please visit our Website Wishlist - we update it regularly! sari.ca/wishlist Please message us here if you'd like to check anything off the list!

It is merchandise season at SARI! Order forms can be submitted in hard copy to the SARI office, or emailed to [email protected]. Accepted payment methods include cash, cheque, debit/credit (all in our office), credit card over the phone, or etransfer to [email protected]. Deadline for all orders is Wednesday November 25. All proceeds from our merchandise sale go to support the United Way (SARI is a UW funded agency.)

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that, early Thursday morning we said an impossible goodbye to our cherished pony Vixen. Vixen has proudly and loyally served our program since 2010, a true accomplishment for any therapy horse. Vixen was a barn favourite, easily handled by volunteers and as easily snuggled by the kids who loved her. Over the past decade Vixen has given thousands of lessons, always trusted to take careful steps under her precious cargo. She knew... her job so well, never put a foot out of line and often was counted upon to take brand new riders for their first ride, or train new volunteers. She was safe for beginners but knew when she could have fun with our independent riders too! She loved to go for hacks, dress up in costumes, do demonstrations (that put our rookie horses to shame!), kick up her heels free lunging, or eagerly jump on the trailer for an adventure in support of her beloved human friends. After a sudden onset of an unknown neurological issue, our team together chose to lay Vixen to her well-deserved rest while she dined to her heart's content on a stack of apples. We wish to thank Vixen's generous sponsors at the London-Middlesex Civitan Club for providing for her care throughout her decade of service. We also would like to thank Henderson Equine Services for their exceptional care of Vixen and support of our team. Although our hearts are tremendously heavy, we know the memories of Vixen and her impact on our program will lighten our load in the weeks to come. We are so blessed to have great teachers like Vixen in our lives and will ensure her legacy is not forgotten. Rest in peace, sweet Vixen.

Please join us in thanking our generous sponsors for our 2020 Ride-a-Thon! Despite COVID restrictions changing our event to a virtual one, we are immensely grateful for the amount of support across our equestrian community - we came together (but apart!) to raise much needed funds for our programming - approximately $28,000! We hope to see everyone in person next year. Be sure to save the date - Sunday October 3rd we are once again at Belvoir Estate Farm & Equestrian Centre!

Team SARI completed our Ride-a-Thon around the property this morning! Thank you to all who sponsored these amazing equines! There is still time to sponsor your fav SARI horse - link is in our bio! To all the other virtual Ride-a-Thon participants: make sure to use the hashtag #SARIRide2020 in all your photos! & Be sure to drop in to SARI tomorrow (Sunday) from 10-2 for our used tack sale, to drop off any donations, or purchase RAT 2020 shirt!

Tianna Evans - Program Instructor [email protected]

Did you know therapeutic riding has many incredible benefits? Megan is shown here walking with the assistance of a handrail on the left, and minutes later cantering away on Dickens on the right! Here are some of the ways riding a horse can challenge our riders:... Improvement of balance Development of coordination Mobilization of trunk and pelvis Strengthening of muscles Normalization of muscle tone Prevention of contractures Increased confidence Promotion of independence There are still two days left to fundraise for our annual Ride-a-Thon. Every dollar makes a difference in the lives of people like Megan. Visit our website to donate today! Shared with permission. #saritherapeutic #therapyhorse #arvaontario #ldnont #therapeuticriding #freedom

Between September 1 and December 31, Finch Auto is matching donations in the community to a maximum of $200,00 over the 4 months. If you or someone you know donates to SARI in these 4 months, just follow the link below to submit proof of the donation, and Finch Auto may match it! https://www.seefinchfirst.com/finch/match-my-donation/

We'd like to introduce you to our 2020 Ann May Dingwall Care & Commitment Award winner, Arnie Lindquist! Arnie was elected to the Board of Directors in September 2014, served as our Vice President from 2016 to 2018, and was President from 2018 to March 2020. He currently fills the role of Past President! Arnie is the Chair of our IT Committee and Day at the Derby fundraiser. He also sits on our Golf Committee, Property Development Committee and is a former member of our HR Co...mmittee. Arnie was instrumental in getting the funding for our popular Sensory Trail a few years back. Arnie supports ALL of our fundraisers through registrations and sponsorships, and recruits his family and friends to do the same! He routinely drops by SARI in support of our staff and always participates in our "inbetween" events like workplace campaigns and attendance at special gatherings. The nomination for Arnie to be considered for this annual award shared: "Arnie is SUCH a huge fan and advocate for all things SARI! He is a resource to me and the Board of Directors, routinely being looked to for guidance and to draw upon his vast experience in support of moving SARI forward. I think Arnie has gone above and beyond expectation and is well-deserving of the Care & Committment Award for 2020." Please join us in celebrating Arnie Lindquist!

We are less than one week away from our Virtual Ride-a-Thon! We are excited to share that the horses of SARI will be participating in their very own fun event here on the farm with some of our instructors and exercise riders - they are looking for sponsorships! Simply click the link below, find your favourite horse and sponsor them to raise much needed funds for our programs! ... Who is YOUR favourite? https://www.gifttool.com/athon/OurTeamPage

We have so many generous supporters in the community that often ask "what do you need for your stable"? If this is you, head over to our website to view our ongoing wish list, at sari.ca/wishlist

The Day at the Derby Online Auction will close tomorrow night at 11pm! Visit the link below to get your bids in while you can! https://app.bidbeacon.com/invite/#9WZX9V

Resident party animal Lewis hopes everyone enjoyed our Day at the Derby "Stay at Home" edition presented by Tim Hortons! Congratulations to "Authentic" on a remarkable race! He wants to remind you to send your party pics to us on social media and use #SARIDerby2020 to enter our photo contest! Dont forget - bidding on our silent auction is open for another week! ... Have a happy long weekend everyone #SARIDerby2020 #saritherapeutic #therapyhorse #fundraiser #kentuckyderby #arvaontario #ldnont

Some of our horses have been busy planning their Day at the Derby presented by Tim Hortons outfits, in preparation of tomorrow night! If you have not registered for the Derby meal, you are still able to participate in our online auction. Auction is open now and will close on Saturday September 12 at 11:00pm. On your computer you can log in to https://app.bidbeacon.com/invite/#9WZX9V or download the Bid Beacon app on your phone and enter the code 9WZX9V... Feel free to share the auction link with friends and family! And don’t forget, we will be hosting a Facebook Live pre-Derby show from 6-6:45pm this Saturday. Visit our Facebook page to listen to the music of the Dixieland Jazz Band and to be entertained by Steve Stax, radio personality and former SARI volunteer, along with our Executive Director, Janine Langley.

Even if you aren’t able to join us for Day at the Derby presented by Tim Hortons this year, you are still welcome to join in our Derby online auction! Bidding starts today and will close one week after the event on Saturday, September 12 at 11pm. On your computer you can log in to https://app.bidbeacon.com/invite/#9WZX9V or download the Bid Beacon app on your phone and enter the code 9WZX9V. Peruse the fantastic selection of items up for auction and start bidding! When... you are on the site please take note of the generous individuals and businesses that have donated items or sponsored this event. Feel free to share the auction link with friends and family! And don’t forget, we will be hosting a Facebook Live pre-Derby show from 6-6:45pm this Saturday. Visit our Facebook page to listen to the music of the Dixieland Jazz Band and to be entertained by Steve Stax, radio personality and former SARI volunteer, along with our Executive Director, Janine Langley.