Holiday Greeting and a new Program

This free slideshow created with Smilebox We have had a hectic but joyful summer at  Dream On Curls Riding Center --  with many fundraisers and  two Rider Appreciation Days !! We ran a very successful and full of giggles Girls' Group ~   Photo's will follow before the New Year. We have implemented a new group -- actually - this is a group  we have offered in the past- but it has a fresh and official name ~ We are excited about this group -- it will run every 8 weeks starting in January.  Our riding group for children and young adults on the spectrum has been a  very successful group we ran in the summer months. Now ~ it runs all year !  Along with your registration -- each rider receives a shirt with our new program logo.  It's cold at Dream On Curls Riding Center -- but the riders  keep braving the weather to ride their favorite Curly horse --   we are proud of each and every one of them ! Hope everyone had a super holiday and we look forward to seeing you  back in the saddle after the New year !

AAMFEST !!

Autism Awareness Music Festival - the second annual gathering. This is the first year the festival was held at the property of Top O' The Hill farm and location of Dream On Curls Riding Center. What an exciting day for us ! Crowds attended to relax under the tent to hear super music from 5 different bands and learn more about the resources available for those on the spectrum.




John Sullivan, Team Leader for HCRS’ Developmental Services program at HCRS and lead singer/guitar player of the John Sullivan Band says it all in his original music and lyrics -- Autism Speaks ~ and it's up to us to hear.




John Sullivan has also introduced a music program for HCRS clients called The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP). TRAP is an educational program for individuals with disabilities which uses percussion instruments to teach basic life skills. The program has supported HCRS clients in achieving their rehabilitative goals and has made a difference in the lives of those participating.


We had a brief shower and some threatening winds during the festival -- the horses played and enjoyed the music as well.. our two little lesson ponies put on a show

More samples of the great music -- just so you can experience what you missed by not attending this year's AAMFEST !! :)

The festival was not only all about the music however -- as the acronym suggests.. it is all about raising awareness. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.

One is never prepared for a diagnosis of autism. It is likely that you will experience a range of emotions. It is painful to love so much, to want something so much, and not quite get it. You desperately want your child to get better and you may feel some of the stages commonly associated with grieving. One goal of the festival is to provide families with information and available resources to assist in coping and supporting.

Dream On Curls Riding Center is one of those resources. We have been providing a summer riding camp specifically focused on the needs of those children and young adults who are diagnosed as being 'on the spectrum' . This is a highly successful program with some very happy engaged riders. Mothers and Fathers are thrilled to see their children smiling and focused during their lesson.

Dream On Curls Riding Center is excited to have had the opportunity to help host this event ~ if you missed this year's festival.. watch for news of next year's date !

If you are interested in learning more about our therapeutic riding activities - please visit the web site or e-mail us.

Enjoy ~

Our Participation in the World Record Trail Ride !

Sunday, June 13th - Dream On Curls Riding Center and Top O' The Hill Farm hosted a judged obstacle ride working with ACTHA -- the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. ACTHA donates up to 50% of its proceeds to eligible horse charities annually. On the 13th -- a trail ride was held in every state so there were thousands of riders and their horses trying out the same obstacles all across the nation. This ride was held to help fund Horse rescues every where. It was a bit of a dreary day but we had a great turn out and everyone had FUN ! ACTHA gives out some super awards and ribbons, provides all the judging sheets and does all the registration on-line... so Zoe and I only had to gather up volunteers for judging the 6 obstacles, place the obstacles along the route. We provided a breakfast and BBQ lunch with all the proceeds going toward the riding center. We will definitely host another ACTHA ride !!

Once the riders had all arrived and parked, with a yummy breakfast under their belts and the ride briefing -- they headed out to tackle the obstacles. The obstacles were placed along the ride - each one a few miles apart.. 2 judges at each obstacle. At registration time the riders had the option of signing on as either Open or Pleasure.... and the obstacles and judging criteria was based on the category - one being slightly more difficult than the other. The obstacles are kept secret until the pre-ride briefing .. no practicing at home beforehand !

Photo's from the last obstacle of the day - 4 cones set up. 2 and 2, 40 feet apart. For the open class - the horse had to canter or lope in 3 strides or less at the 'starting gate' -- for the pleasure class -- trot in 3 strides. Stop at the end 2 cones, squarely.. the horse standing on loose rein for 3 seconds.

Here's a couple of video's ~

Candids of the horses and their riders.

If I remember correctly- the grey horse rode as a "buddy" -- meaning they were there for the ride only. However, this rider did all the obstacles and did fine -- I think she said it was the grey horse's first time out away from his home. Great job !









There was a large representation of Rocky Mountain Horses.

This woman and her little buckskin "Bucky" made for a special pair. You can read about him on her blog here -

As judges, we saw a lot of great horsemanship and clearly a love between horse and rider.

Lunchtime and prizes !! ACTHA also had plenty of super free samples and discount coupons for horse "stuff " .. what a great day !!

Everyone was happy about their ribbons and prizes !

Despite the weather -- we all had lots of fun and Dream On Curls Riding Center looks forward to hosting our next ACTHA ride ! A big thank you to our volunteer judges !! If you are interested in volunteering for our next ride -- e-mail us

Enjoy ~

Open House and Global Campus Project

Within Dream On Curls Riding Center’s community there are numerous agencies that work with developmental disabled individuals to build upon both their physical and emotional well-being. One such agency is Lincoln Street Inc.

Recently, they contacted us to see if we would be willing to work with them and their Global Campus program. The Global Campus program provides an opportunities for their consumers which encourages them to investigate topics of interest and present their research and project to their peers. It is their hope that this opportunity will allow the participants to step out of their comfort zone, build their self confidence and of course learn new things. Each week one of the many Lincoln Street consumers teaches something new to his or her peers. Before the class, the presenter works with their case managers and providers to research information on the topic, write a small speech or talk and then present it to peers.

One young woman LOVES horses, so she chose to present a short talk having to do with this love of hers.

A few weeks before the set date, the “teacher” of the class visited the farm in order to plan out what she wanted to talk about and to see the space. She then went and researched all about curly horses and therapeutic riding, made a wonderful poster and provided all participants with handouts.

Friday, May 7th - a group assembled from Lincoln Street for the presentation. Dream On Curls Riding Center decided to offer a general Open House that day as well in conjunction with the Global Campus assembly.

Dream On Curls Riding Center INC was thrilled to be part of such an experience. What a great way not only to encourage growth, learning, and socializing but to let more people now about therapeutic riding and its many benefits.

Keri Orla -one of the many wonderful lesson horses at the center-- also got the chance to participate so that everyone could see a curly and have a chance to try out some of the brushes explained in the talk. She, of course, also received many kisses and scratches ~ her favorite.

After the young woman's speech, Zoe Lirakis - instructor - delivered a little speech about our program and also about the Curly horses. We ended the wonderful morning with coffee, snacks and hand outs.

We whole heartedly support programs such as this in our community and are always ready to assist and accomodate in any way we can.

We will be hosting 2 events in the month of June --

June 13th we be hosting a Judged Pleasure Ride in conjunction with ACTHA -- read all about it !! We will be joining in to set a World Record !! Contact us if you are interested in volunteering to help that day or wish to partake in the ride.

June 26th !! Save this day -- Dream On Curls Riding Center and Top O' The Hill Farm will be hosting the AAMFEST on the grounds -- Don't miss this fun and exciting music festival !! celebrating Autism Awareness .

I always like to add... your contributions/donations help us help others !!

Don't forget :)

Spring Fundraiser for Dream On Curls !

This will be our easiest and most FUN 'Fun'draiser yet !! All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself !!

There will be a $5.00 cover charge for each person attending which will go toward our fundraising pot. As you know, Dream On curls Riding Center INC is a 501(c)3 organization and depends on public support and fundraisers to help fill in the financial gaps in providing our service to the community.

The featured band for Friday night, April 2nd, will be a talented local band - HIGH WIRE .

High Wire is a hard rocking three piece band from southern Vermont. High Wire has a repertoire of hard rock hits spanning the last three decades, as well as playing the best in new rock. With veteran musicians Jon Fletcher on bass guitar and Dan Borden on drums, HighWire has tons of experience in getting a crowd up & rockin’. On lead guitar & vocals, Josh Adams is still belting out hits. High Wire will electrify you into a dancing frenzy and zap you out of your work-week blues!

We will be holding some 50/50 raffles through out the evening as well as some other surprises !

As a reminder -- our riding center has many 'invisible' behind the scenes expenses which are part of operating within certain safety regulations, one of these being helmets.

The center provides helmets for our riders, so we have an assortment of sizes- about 2 or 3 of each size available. Each rider is fitted by instructor Zoe to assure the proper fit and protection. We do have many groups which riders are on horseback at the same time.

The helmets must be replaced yearly -- and only with approved and certified head gear.

Now many people think that you replace a helmet only if you have taken a fall of some sort but for those who operate a therapeutic riding center not so. Each year the helmets need to be replaced to ensure full safety of each of their participants. The reason being is that over time the Styrofoam that provides the safety to the rider wears down with normal on and off use, weather and just age. As an entity that provides lessons for those with disabilities, it is important to us, and all centers certified by NARHA, that every level of safety is taken so that we can focus on the rewards.

For those who are not horse people - a single helmet runs between $25-$30 for a basic, SEI/ASTM certified helmet, as a center we need to replace between 10-12 helmets a year all ranging in different sizes so that we have a variety of selections for our many ranges in ages and sizes. This adds up to around $400 a year. As our client base increases so does the need for more helmets. This is just one of our many behind the scene expenses that goes into maintaining a quality, safe, fun, enriching learning environment for all.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation spearheaded for helmet purchase can do so by going to our donation page on the web site and clicking the pay pal donation button. Or go here

Hope to see you all at our next event !!

Enjoy ~

Snow, Sleds and FundRaising

The Valentine's Day Poker Run had to be post-poned due to NO SNOW !! and it was not looking great for the new date ... until the Wednesday before the big day.... Vermont was visited by the Mother of all snowstorms and delivered several feet of new snow cover for the snowmobile trails. The Chester Snowmobile Club revved up their Tucker and started grooming for Sunday !


There was a good turn out and fun was had by all. Dream On Curls Riding Center packed all their gear and set up the food booth at the Chester Recreational Field. Hot coffee, hot cocoa, breakfast sandwiches, do-nuts, chili, venison stew, and the standard hamburgers and hot dogs.

Susan Lejonhud, one of our board members, drove from Maine to help out and it's a good thing she did !! After the snow sledders arrived back at home base -- they were a hungry crew and gathered around the two grills with hearty appetites.

Registration table manned by President Stan Chouniere.

We met our goal -- which was raising the funds for our yearly Membership fees for NARHA.. thanks to the Chester Snowmobile Club and their much appreciated support !



******Thank you Chester Snowmobile Club ***

Stay tuned for our next Fundraiser -- Band Night at KJ's in North Springfield !! There will be music and fun for a good cause !! April 2nd, 2010 --- a nice way to heerald in spring.. and hopefully the end of MUD season !!

Enjoy ~

Winter Carnival Fund Raiser

February 14th—the Chester Snowmobile Club is hosting their Annual Poker Run starting with the $10.00 registration fee at 9:00. Dream On Curls Riding Center will be manning the food booth with hot beverages before and after-- PLUS -- do-nuts, breakfast sandwiches, and a belly warming hot lunch when you return to home base, with water, sodas, dessert !! Food sales will benefit the therapeutic riding center, which is a non-profit organization.

MENTION YOU ARE RIDING FOR DREAM ON CURLS RIDING CENTER, CHESTER SNOWMOBILE CLUB WILL DONATE YOUR REGISTRATION FEE TO OUR CENTER !!!!

So remember, for a fun day on your snow sled -- head to the Chester Recreation field for the annual Poker Run and when you register.. remember to say you are there to ride for Dream On Curls !!

Unfortunately - only current VAST members can register and ride.

The Poker Run is just one activity of many which will be going on during the Chester Winter Carnival, so bring the family to enjoy Valentine's Day together outdoors.


2010 Chester Winter Carnival, taking place Feb. 12 - 14. The weekend will begin on Friday, with an outstanding bonfire at Cobleigh Field, accompanied by a skating party complete with lights and music.

Saturday’s activities will begin at 10 a.m. at the Pinnacle with the Sled Races, where you can win an Olympic-style medal for the top awards in each age group. A new addition this year, will begin at 2 p.m. with Snowshoe Softball at the Pinnacle Little League Field. Put your team together in advance, or show up to be included in a pick-up team.

Sunday, the American Legion Post 67 Women’s Auxiliary will kick-off the day, with breakfast from 8 – 10 a.m. Then meet at Cobleigh Field, where the Broom Hockey Tournament begins at 10 a.m. Please sign up your team by calling 802-875-2693 or e-mail cheshdwre@vermontel. net. If you prefer snowmobiling to broom hockey, the Chester Snowmobile Club’s Poker Run is also taking place on Sunday, with registration at 9 a.m. at the Pinnacle.

Please stop by our booth on Sunday to say hello -- have a bite to eat, learn more about our Riding Center, meet the instructor and some of our Board Members. We will have our T-shirts on sale in addition to a few other items.

See You There !!