Many of you have wondered out loud, and also left me notes, asking if you had fallen off the GNOTRC mailing list. Truth is, we haven’t had any time to put a newsletter together, but hope that with this one, we become regular once again, and hope that you may also appreciate the goings-on at the center. Though not an excuse for not providing a newsletter, it may offer an explanation…

Much has happened between now and the last newsletter from the spring of 2004. The center has had four major fundraisers, and lost two tremendous therapy horses. In addition, Let the Show Begin, “Showtime”, and our pygmy goat Mardi Gras were shot with .22’s. Showtime survived, but Mardi was killed. We lost “X”, the great fat barn cat, and Duckie Pate lived way past the average lifespan at the age of 8 years. The barn manager at the time decided this job didn’t fit, so during the last four months of 2004, Anita had to do the feeding and stall cleaning in addition to taking a full-time load of classes at UNO and working full time, as well as tending to “regular” center business and conducting classes.

There was also the failed attempt to evacuate from Hurricane Ivan with eight horses, one donkey, three chickens, one duck, three goats and five dogs. Yes, we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies on the road to nowhere. After 8 hours in traffic and not even making it to the I-10/I-12 split in Baton Rouge, Anita and Stephen gave up for the sake of the health of the animals, who had been without water for more than nine hours, and headed back to the farm, singing the theme song to Gilligan’s Island: a three hour tour.

New Orleans was selected by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, (NARHA) to be the host site for its Annual Meeting and Conference in November, 2005. Together with Dr. French, DVM, Diplomate, at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Anita is co-chairing the conference to be held November 7 - 12.

Valero made a $15,000 donation to GNOTRC in the fall of 2004. A number of other nonprofits also received checks. Rider Rebecca Downey accepted the check with Ms. Anita at the breakfast hosted by Valero. The funds have been set aside for a capital campaign.

GNOTRC hosted its first Horse Show at the farm in May 2005. Seventeen riders with disabilities competed.

GNOTRC has a new board of directors for 2005, and is humming along with plans for the future of the riding center. The center very recently acquired an office, and with that, will finally have a central place for all its records and activities.

2004 was an expensive year for our horses. Vet care for Showtime and the unsuccessful surgery to remove the .22 lodged in his side and lots of aftercare, together with a 4-day stay at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for Po’ White Smoke, “Smoke”, and his ultimate death, put a huge financial strain on the checkbook.

This year is similarly difficult, as the center is already incurring large veterinary bills. Showtime had a sinus infection, which required surgery, as was the cost to euthanize Cherokee due to a leg fracture. Annual inoculations and bills for blood tests for Equine Infectious Anemia, which is required annually according to Louisiana State Law, regularly fill our mailbox with bills.

Life has not been all doom and gloom. We had a great time in 2004 with our Harley for Horses Benefit Motorcycle Run. We had 100 bikes ride in the annual fundraiser. In order to raise monies for Smoke’s vet bills, GNOTRC held a Plop Drop. Four hundred squares were drawn in the arena and each square was sold for $10. We sold out of tickets in 6 days!

GNOTRC receives a lot of phone calls every day at the riding center. Many are for riders, donations of horses, volunteers, or requests for information strewn among calls announcing special deals on credit cards and wrong numbers. The coolest call came in December of 2004, when Dreamworks SKG called for assistance in finding homes for horses that were used in their movie that had finished filming in Covington. Though plans eventually changed and the horses were moved to a new movie location, that was by far the coolest phone call of the year!

Rider Clarke Bordelon’s grandmother Addlie passed away on October 7, 2004. Clarke and Addlie were very close, with the two often reading to each other. Donations were made to GNOTRC in memory of Addlie Ducote. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family through their very difficult time.

After a false start due to Tropical Storm Arlene, GNOTRC held its Plop Drop Festival on Saturday, June 18. Attendance was lower than expected due to the weather, and traffic issues on Airline’s Bonnet Carre Spillway didn’t help matters. However, with all those issues, the center raised over $4,000. Winners of the Plop Drop were Mr. Jay Ory of LaPlace and Mr. Dennis Meyers of New Orleans. Neither could believe that they were lucky enough to have a horse plop on them, er, their square… Our ploppers this year were Cherokee, who plopped within an hour and half, and Music, who left the audience in great suspense until 3:30 P.M. (A phone call regarding technical difficulties was made to seek clarification should there be no plop by 4 P.M.).

Some technical observations regarding the Plop Drop:

Our very grateful appreciation goes to Valero for supplying the tent, and sending us Chris and Brandy for musical entertainment and the P.A. system. Our many thanks also go to Associated Terminals and St. John Parish President Nickie Monica for loaning us their tents as well. Thanks, too, to Acadian Ambulance for hanging out with us for the day and enjoying the activities.

Our thanks to the many cooks for the festival, we had lots of choices: brisket, gumbo, jambalaya, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers, and cakes, donuts and snowballs. Thanks to Lisa Rahon for again designing the coolest tickets and flyer.

Congratulations to the winners of the pooh-pooh putt and the watermellonseedspittin’ contesta. Congrats also to those who participated in the raffles and the chicken drops.

Many thanks to all who bought a ticket, those who helped to get raffle prizes, product donations, and thanks to all those who baked, cooked, set up, and collected. We couldn’t do it without you!

A special note of thanks to the Times-Picayune River Parishes edition for putting us on the calendar of events for an entire month, and giving us front cover when the event was forced to reschedule.

Keep an eye out for the next Plop Drop Festival, it’s slated for March, 2006.

A very special thanks to Sam’s for the $1,000 grant in May, 2005. Brian Henriques and mom Katherine, together with Brian’s cousin Bobbie, were sent on a mission to deliver a very special thank you to Ms. Myra. Katherine reports that “they stopped at Party City and picked up a mylar Thank You balloon. I told Brian we were going to give this to Myra. Well, as Myra came walking up I could see her name tag and I told Brian "There she is." He went running up to her calling her name, with arms wide open to give her a big hug. She lit up like a Christmas Tree. Objective achieved!”

Many thanks to Sam’s for their continued support of GNOTRC!

It’s been more than 18 years since the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), the national organization that certifies instructors and accredits therapeutic riding centers, as well as establishes guidelines for the therapeutic riding industry, has come to New Orleans. GNOTRC’s Executive Director, Anita Hartzell, and Dr. Dennis French, DVM, have been asked by NARHA President Pat Mullins to be co-chairs for the annual conference and meeting. NARHA’s Annual Meeting and Conference will be held from November 7 – 12, 2005, at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. If you would like to help by volunteering or recruiting silent auction items, please contact Anita Hartzell or call GNOTRC.

In honor of Holy Thursday, past GNOTRC President Jane Adams and daughter Carolyn Pic spoke at Cabrini High School the day before Good Friday. The morning was delightful and taking Carolyn was a big hit.   Jane spoke to the freshman class. Other non-profits were speaking with other grades: VOA, Children's Hospital, NO/AIDS, etc.   Dawnell Sands, Coordinator of Campus Ministry, spoke beautifully about the program.  Carolyn and Jane have been invited back for next year, and the Cabrini Girls want to see a video of Carolyn riding, as well as her ribbons, trophies and more.    Jane reported that the Cabrini girls are adorable and asked good questions.

Cabrini volunteers regularly help out with classes and projects at the therapeutic riding center. Each year, a representative of GNOTRC is invited to speak and invoke Mother Cabrini’s philosophy of sharing and giving back. Cabrini students filled plastic eggs with notes of encouragement and chocolates, and folded face towels as bunny ears for the eggs for our riders.

Thanks to Cabrini for their thoughtfulness and continued support for riders with disabilities at GNOTRC.

If you like chili, you will love the Oilfield Chili Appreciation cook-off every year. Monies raised at the Cook-off that’s held at Boomtown Casino in Harvey are divided among local nonprofits. The Oilfield Chili Appreciation Society always gives back, and GNOTRC appreciates its very generous donations. We are pleased to be a part of the celebration each year, and want to express a very big thanks for 2005!

In 2005, GNOTRC celebrated its 7^th Annual Harley for Horses Benefit Motorcycle Run. The event took place in April, and was again escorted by Louisiana State Police. This year ABATE helped with the event. Our many thanks to Linda Williams and Kinky Kathy for helping to promote the event at Harley Owner Group meetings for the months leading up to the big day. Others who stood before groups were Dee Ducote, Katherine Henriques, and Shelia Glynn. Many thanks, too, for those who sponsored Anita “Biker Babe” Hartzell. The ride started at Cool Times Cyclery in LaPlace, went to Smuggler’s Cove in Port Vincent, and ended at St. Rose Travel Center in St. Rose.

August 2005

Phew, it’s hot! No classes thru the month of August

November 2005

7 – 12, 2005. NARHA Annual Meeting and Conference, New Orleans, LA.

No classes this week.

March

Oilfield Chili Cook-off, Boomtown Casino, Harvey

March 11, 2006 (rain date: March 25)

Plop Drop Festival, GNOTRC, at the farm, 11 A.M. – 4 P.M.

April 1, 2006

United Way of St Charles Bridge Run – no classes

April 15, 2006

8^th Annual Harley for Horses Benefit Motorcycle Run

Stephen Shelton has been the keeper of our website, check it out at www.gnotrc.com. We are planning to add a bunch of cool pictures of our horses, as well as our riders and volunteers. As you may know, everyone has a story, that we intend to tell. If you have photos you would like to see on the website, please mail them to us or email to Stephen Shelton at sshelton@DOGTeam.net.

Well, probably no big deal to many of you, but after 13 years, GNOTRC finally has a place to put all of its business. Thanks to Williams/Scottsman for their call, and quick action on the part of Stephen Hefler, Tim Hill and Debbie Tamplain in its acquisition.

GNOTRC needs an air conditioner and electrical and phone connections to the unit, but many hands are already on hand to help organize the office. Thank you Marsha Pratt and Lynn Ucella for their expert filing and organizing skills. After the summer, you can call and ask for any information, we’ll know where everything is!

Cherokee, the 44 year old gray gelding, was euthanized on July 11 due to a leg fracture. Cherokee had been with GNOTRC for over 9 years, and was the only horse in the program that was purchased. Cherokee was acquired for a mere $500, the price per pound for meat. Most of the GNOTRC riders started on Cherokee, and graduated to other equine assistants in the program as they gained confidence and strength.

Cherokee, a favorite among favorites, has been nominated by GNOTRC for NARHA Horse of the Year. Horses are awarded Regional Awards, from which the NARHA Horse of Year (a national award) is selected. Anita Hartzell, Executive Director of GNOTRC, completed the required paperwork. Paul Schexnaydre, father of Grace, wrote the following letter that was included with Cherokee’s nomination:

It is with great pleasure that I write a letter on behalf and in nomination of a very special horse named “Cherokee”. Cherokee is under the watchful care of owner, Anita Hartzell. I imagine Cherokee has lived to the ripe old age of 44 because of her special care and beyond a doubt due to the very special riders he carries and gives great benefit to each week. My daughter, Grace, is one of his biggest fans and greatest beneficiaries.

Grace has been a rider and participant at the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center for a year and a half. She was 4 and ½ when she began and is now 6 years old. Weighing in at a mere 28 lbs. sitting atop Cherokee’s grand shoulders, Grace was freer than she had ever been the very first night of therapeutic riding. This very special horse understood the sweetness of the child he was carrying and took good care of our beautiful daughter.

Grace was born 14 weeks premature and weighed 1lb 11oz. at birth. She has mild cerebral palsy and uses a walker to ambulate and requires assistance with dressing, toileting and other daily motor tasks. She is a true miracle. It seems fitting that Grace fell in love with Cherokee as he is also so special. She loves to go in the barn after riding and let him nibble or gnaw on carrots as he does not have all his teeth anymore!

Cherokee is gentle and intelligent. I believe he understands his riders because he relates to them in some way, as if his wisdom from the years has taught him what these special children have also learned in their shorter years from a disability.

Grace has made more progress riding Cherokee than in any other therapy. Riding Cherokee has increased her self-esteem, her stamina, strength and balance. Within a few short months noticeable progress as well as eagerness to ride was undeniable.

Just a few weeks ago, Grace experienced a lifelong memory atop Cherokee winning 2 first place trophies at the GNOTRC horse show. She was very nervous and not at all sure she wanted to participate. After she practiced with Cherokee and Miss Anita informed her she would be riding Cherokee she was ready take on the world. That day she rode Cherokee and for the first time she rode without a side walker! I wasn’t nervous at all, I knew she was in good care with Cherokee leading the way.

Please consider Cherokee for the Horse of the Year award. He has worked so hard for these children.

Paul Schexnaydre

We miss Cherokee so very much. We are very grateful for the many years of service that Cherokee provided. Remarkably, Cherokee was so sound, that he was more serviceable than the average horse. At his age, Cherokee was not affected by arthritis, foot problems, COPD, lameness and more. Cherokee had few teeth left, but “lived” on Equine Senior, often earning remarks that he looked like a youngster, and did not show his true age. Cherokee would often frolic with Donut, the Jerusalem Donkey. The two would chase each other for hours, often with Cherokee grabbing Donut’s halter and walking him around. When Donut got tired, he’d duck below a fence board, and start all over when he caught his breath.

Cherokee is now free, grazing in the green pastures of heaven. Thank you, Cherokee, for your great love and care for all of our riders. We are very sad, and miss you terribly.

Each year for many years, GNOTRC riders have been able to compete at horse shows for riders with disabilities. The last several years have been difficult to organize horse shows, as sites were not as available or the time frames were hardly convenient. At the urging of long time competitor, Carolyn Pic, a horse show at the farm was borne. Yes, the words: “Ms. Anita! Horse Show!” is all it took. Thanks to all who competed: everyone is a winner! Thank you for the great display of sportsmanship and horsemanship. Thanks to Clark, Laurie, Kim, Jodie, Krystin and Marilita for volunteering for the horse show.

Thanks also to Andre’s mom, Laura, and volunteer Marilita, and Anita for the friendly Derby Day Hat competition. Riders, volunteers and others attending the show voted for their favorite Derby Day Hat.

Below is the article written by Jane Adams that appeared in the Times-Picayune newspaper:

Jane Pic                                                A STEP UP                             5/15/05

Participating in equestrian competition is a thrill for everyone who rides horses and especially so for people with disabilities.    The Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC) held it’s first Annual Horse Show recently at the center in LaPlace.  

Seventeen riders ranging in ages from 3 years to their 40's showed off their skills.   Whether riding independently or with assistance from side-walkers and/or leaders, the riders competed at their level of riding.   There were three different areas of competition:  7 riders competed in three levels of Showmanship (The rider leads the horse through several commands while on the ground); all riders competed in eight levels of Equitation (Riders, astride the horse, follow certain commands from the judge )and Obstacle (Riders guide their horse through a series of obstacles placed around the ring).        

Therapeutic riding has proven to be beneficial for almost all types of disabilities including stroke, head injuries, Down syndrome and other forms of mental retardation, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, autism, learning disabilities, emotional/mental disorders, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries by helping to increase self-confidence, motivation, concentration, patience and discipline in the riders.  

Beginning riders work with two volunteer side-walkers and a leader who assist them until the rider is able to ride more independently.

Kelly Wiebelt, a 14-year old student at Riverdale Middle School, is autistic and has been taking riding lessons for over 3 years.    In addition to school, she is very active – speech therapy, swim lessons, bowling.    Dena Wiebelt, Kelly’s mother, said, “Kelly’s flexibility has improved since we began lessons, and she has a special bond with the horses and the animals at the center.   To see her interact with these animals has been a wonderful experience.” 

Another rider, Savannah Augustin, is 4 years old and was born with hip dysplasia (both hips dislocated).  This condition causes poor balance, difficulty and unsteadiness in walking.  It was suggested to Savannah’s parents that she undergo either deep massage to help her muscles relax or take therapeutic riding, as the gentle movement of the horse’s gait would work to loosen the muscle in the same way.   Savannah began lessons last fall and her mother, Melissa, sees improvement in her balance and in her confidence to regain her balance by herself.  “Now when she comes to an uneven spot on the sidewalk, she will say ‘I can do it by myself’.   And she does”, Melissa said.

Anita Hartzell, founder and director of GNOTRC, began the center in 1993 with four students and two horses, today there are more than thirty students who come from Orleans, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles parishes, and several more horses. Volunteers come from the Greater New Orleans area, the River Parishes, and as far as Baton Rouge.  GNOTRC is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Therapeutic riding is recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association. 

For more information about the program, whether as a rider or a volunteer, contact Hartzell at 466-9960 or 651-5239.

I don’t generally answer the phone after 9 P.M., but I was glad I caught this one from Chris Gross with the Catholic Heart Workcamp. Workcampers from all over the country travel to different cities across the 50 states to perform community service projects. Participants of the camp raise their own monies to participate in the weeklong Workcamp. Many of the projects for CHW include painting and refurbishing homes for the elderly and infirm, and for the second year in a row, GNOTRC was selected as a site for the Workcamp. The riding center was given a choice in the number of hands that are available, and had over 20 on the first day. The second day included 7 groups, numbering over 40 individuals. The Catholic Heart Workcampers helped with Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation’s Pinnacle Club on their June 15, 2005, visit. Pinnacle Club offers activities for adults with developmental disabilities and came for horse rides while volunteers of the Catholic Heart Workcamp assisted. Catholic Heart Workcamp spent two days at the riding center to clean up and paint. You may notice that the fences and arena look a lot brighter, they were pressure washed and freshly painted.

A note of thanks to Delton Arceneaux, who intercepted Anita at Ace Hardware and covered the cost of the paint so the CHW could go to work!

Join the14th Annual TIWOGNO, INC DBA The Insurance Professionals of Greater New Orleans to benefit Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center. The Insurance Professional of Greater New Orleans has supported GNOTRC each year for the last four years with donations, and we are just thrilled to be the beneficiary of their Charity Golf Classic. The Golf Classic will be held on Monday, October 3, 2005, at Chateau Country Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd., Kenner, Louisiana 70065. Registration is at 10:30 A.M., the Shotgun Start is at 12:30 P.M.

Awards and Cocktails will be following the Tournament from 5:00 pm to 6:30pm. There will be door prizes, food and fun!! Golf and Cocktail Party cost is $125.00 (includes box lunch) Shotgun start – 12:30pm; the Cocktail Party Only $25.00 (Plenty of food and drinks).

Entry forms must be returned by September 23, 2005. For more information and entry forms, contact Cora Desselle, at 504-243-0000 Work, Fax: 504-243-0072 or contact GNOTRC.

Mark your calendars for March 11, 2006 (rain date: March 25) for the annual Plop Drop Festival. The festival will once again feature food: gumbo, brisket, jambalaya, hamburgers, hot dogs and barbequed chicken. Join us for pooh-pooh putt-putt, the cowpie fling, watermelon seed spittin’, and the egg toss, while our chickens work the chicken drop. Play the 50/50 raffle and other great raffle items while we’re waiting for the horses to plop. We will once again sell two sets of 400 squares at $10 per square. The owner of the square that the horse plops on will win $2,000. The event will take place at the farm.

Marilita Roy will once again head up the GNOTRC Christmas Tree at City Park’s Christmas in the Oaks. This year’s theme is “Back to the Stable”. Marilita is busy taking pictures of all the horses, volunteers and riders. Christmas in the Oaks opens to the public the week after Thanksgiving, and closes on the first Sunday in January. Many thanks to Marilita for all the hard work every year to make our tree stand out! Contact GNOTRC in November for the tree location and number.

Start your engines for the 8^th Annual Harley for Horses Benefit Motorcycle Run slated for April 15, 2006. The ride will once again go to Port Vincent for lunch, included in the $25 rider ($35 for rider and passenger) registration fee. Preregister and receive a free 2006 Harley for Horses t-shirt. GNOTRC is actively recruiting sponsors for the 8^th Annual Harley for Horses Benefit Motorcycle Run. Volunteers are needed on the day of the run to help with the event. For more information, contact GNOTRC at 504 466-9960 or 985 651-5239.

Thank you, Mr. Tommy, for your continued and very generous support over the years to GNOTRC. The beginning of the new year presents lots of financial difficulty to the riding center: all the insurances (truck, liability, excess medical, workman’s comp) are due in January, making it very difficult to meet our other financial obligations as well. Classes are scarce in November and December due to the holidays, so January comes on hard and fast. Thank you for your very generous support, it is so much appreciated.

GNOTRC is invoking its long held policy for riders who do not call and cancel ahead of classes. Riders MUST call and cancel, even if it’s 5 minutes before classes in order to retain their slot. After the third no show, the rider may lose their slot. GNOTRC has a number of riders on the waiting list. We don’t want to lose you as our rider, but we also want to give those who have been on the waiting list for some time an opportunity to participate and reap the benefits of therapeutic riding. A 24-hour notice is required, though we understand that our riders can get sick overnight. With as much notice as possible, we are able to service another rider and still hold your slot. We appreciate your cooperation.

2005 has been a very active hurricane season already, impacting our Plop Drop fundraiser slated for June 11 and causing it to move to June 18. A close call with Hurricane Dennis, and Emily already churning has the riding center on edge and ready to run. A number of classes have also been impacted. Please keep the riding center and its many creatures great and small in your thoughts and prayers through this season. As many of you know, evacuating and not having classes puts a great financial strain on the riding center. We were put to the test last year with Ivan, and hope we will be spared this year. We know everyone is very busy taking care of their own personal matters when a hurricane approaches. Should you have extra room for a dog or cat kennel at your residence, please contact GNOTRC. For our getaway from Ivan in 2004, everyone was loaded up into two cattle trailers.

Roy Hebert, the admitted shooter of Showtime and Mardi Gras on January 11, 2004, which killed Mardi, will go to trial on September 6, 2005. We would like your help in writing the D.A. of St. John Parish as well as the presiding judge with a letter to assure just punishment for this felony crime. To get a copy of the letter, please contact Anita Hartzell at GNOTRC: horseyhartzell@hotmail.com to get a copy of the letter via email.

It’s been an interesting 18 months for Dr. Dennis French who, with fourth year vet students on their equine stints, perform herd health maintenance at GNOTRC. We can hardly call what happens at the farm “normal” if you consider the removal of bullets, autopsy and search for projectiles, fractured coffin bones and sinus surgery your every day run-of-the-mill kind of medical attention. GNOTRC has also been a part of a dewormer study conducted by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. As a result, GNOTRC worms only horses that are wormy, causing less stress on the horses that have a zero worm count. The GNOTRC herd is also inoculated twice a year against West Nile, Eastern and Western Encephalitis.

It was a tough fight for Po’ White Smoke, and one he eventually lost. Smoke’s story is heartbreaking, especially considering the progress we thought we were making. What started as lameness and a possible diagnosis of laminitis turned into an abscess of the worst kind. Smoke spent four days at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge for treatment, which was continued at the farm. After an inordinate amount of time, the abscess finally blew out. However, Smoke’s condition did not improve, and his lameness continued. An x-ray taken several days after the blowout determined that the abscess had eaten away half of Smoke’s coffin bone, and fractured the other half.

Smoke came to GNOTRC as a retired cutting horse. Smoke was retired from cutting due to his age and navicular disease. Smoke hated being retired, and was pining away in the pasture. Some horses don’t do well when they’re not working anymore… Smoke’s owner recognized that Smoke wanted to work and contacted GNOTRC, where he went on to his second career as a therapy horse. Smoke quickly developed a staunch following, with his great heart, full of kindness and patience: Ms. Mary used to take 30 minutes to mount up. After many months, Ms. Mary took only 30 seconds to get on. Ms. Mary would sing to Smoke as she was riding, wishing that the rest of us at the farm would just leave to that she and Smoke could savor the moment. Volunteer Marilita Roy “claimed” Smoke, and had a wonderful connection with him. Rider Emily Berns also called Smoke her darling, and was featured on the fundraiser poster to raise funds for Smoke’s medical bills, kissing him on the nose. The expression on Smoke’s face is priceless, if you look closely, you really can tell he’s smiling. Snuggling was hardly something new at the center for Smoke, though he was not used to it initially. It was so nice to see a horse who came from a working background, transform to accept the doting and attention lavished upon him.

Our very grateful thanks for Dr. Dennis French, our horse shoer, Jeff Perez, for going above and beyond the call of duty to help Smoke. Thanks, too, to all who shared their love and kindness with Smoke.

We miss Smoke terribly. He was a giant, and one in a million.

The Junior League of New Orleans has approved GNOTRC’s application for funding from its Community Assistance Fund. The Junior League granted $1,105 to be used for safety helmets, horse hair clippers, and vacuum/dryer for the horses. Helmets currently used were purchased with Junior League funds in the past, and have seen better days. The vacuum/dryer will allow GNOTRC to bathe its horses in cooler temperatures, and vacuum hair, especially during the spring when horses lose their winter coats. Several of our riders hug our horses while they ride, but have sensitivities and allergies, which the vacuum will reduce to a great extent. GNOTRC is very grateful to the Junior League for their continued support for our riders with disabilities.

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