THE BARN BULLETIN WINGS OF HOPE EQUITHERAPY

"True friendship is
sitting together in
silence and feeling like
Spring 2023 it was the best
conversation you've
Celebrating
ever had."
Charlie Brown

Horses have roamed the earth for many years, over 55 million years A remarkable gift was received in 2014 when Charlie Brown had a
in fact. The first known horses were called Eohippus and were known severe colic and required a life saving emergency surgery. He had
as a dawn horse. They looked very much like that of a small dog and an ileal impaction that resulted in a twist of his ileum in the gut. His
not like what we think of as a horse today. They used to have 4 toes, recovery was nothing short of miraculous. He had around the clock
short legs, and a snout. The dawn horse evolved over millions of care from the team at Burleson Equine Hospital and he spent
years into a 3 toed horse. The first of the modern-day horses, called months at Exclusively Equine Ambulatory Practice for
Miohippus, appeared about 5 million years ago. rehabilitation. Charlie spent the better part of a year recuperating
and regaining strength to return to serving his riders. His size,
It took millions of years for horses to evolve into what we know and
demeanor, and skillset are so unique that there were riders who
love today and how grateful we are for God’s creativity. The Lord's
patiently waited during his recovery in order to ride again.
timing for Charlie Brown, at Wings of Hope, is by no mistake. Charlie
was born in 1992 and arrived at Wings of Hope in 2004. He is a Charlie has been the horse Wings depends on to carry some of our
Welsh Pony cross standing at 12.2 hands high and we assume he clients with more challenging needs. He can manage high-toned
would think it is rude for us to disclose his weight. He does have a riders, bumps, squeezes, loud noises, and just about anything else
spunky ponytude that we love and appreciate. Charlie Brown has no we have asked of him during his service. He is especially talented at
doubt served hundreds of children and adults in his lifetime of giving the gift of calm to those who present with a lot of fear. Not
service who have a deep love and appreciation for him and the gifts only has he carried hundreds of riders over the 19 years he has
and talents he bestows. Prior to his career as an equine service served, but his time and talents have also impacted countless
partner he was a schooling pony at Curragh Equestrian Center parents, caregivers, and volunteers who have had the honor of
where he held the hearts of many young children learning to ride
observing him as he partners with his humans. We cherish the
and event.
time we have had with Charlie Brown and his continued
commitment to serve. As he has aged his service is limited but his
Debbie Frahm, our longest tenured volunteer, was here when
presence in the barn provides us with everlasting admiration and
Charlie Brown arrived at Wings. She says, “I remember when Charlie
gratitude.
Brown first came to be a therapy partner. He was a lot younger and
a bit more round. He quickly learned what we Mr. Charlie Brown came into Isabella's life the summer of
expected of him. He had been a jumper so a former 2021. Immediately he was calm and patient with her while she
instructor would set up jumps for him and ride him figured out this new found big friend. Over the last 2 camp
bareback around the arena jumping them. You could
sessions and now weekly lessons that Isabella attends they
tell he enjoyed it. Over the years he has lost some
have become best friends. His calm demeanor is always
weight and has not been jumped. He knows what
each of his riders need and deals with personalities something we look forward to on Tuesdays.
and abilities in a kind manner." Watching our daughter have huge success with Charlie and
WOH, there isn't a word big enough for how grateful we are.
It is certainly a gift that after all these years Charlie
Charlie, we love you so much and wish you a very Happy
Brown is still able to serve and make such a
prolificimpact in his partnership with his riders.
Birthday! Ian, Marisa & Isabella
How can we pray for you?

We have a prayer team to pray for you

and we would love to pray specifically for you
Charlie Brown's recovery from colic surgery in 2014
and your praises or needs.
"Everyone that knew Charlie Brown was praying for him
when he was ill a few years ago. Wings is truly blessed
with a wonderful pony." Debbie Frahm-Current Volunteer

A note from Allison

Interim Executive Director
Hey y'all,
It is hard to believe that Summer is just
around the corner.

For many this is a
season of rest
and relaxation.
At Wings of Hope, this is always a season of creativity and
outside of the box fun. We look forward to the completion of
the Discovery Studio construction in May, camp, and Summer
programming in June and July, and of course Round-Up for
Riders in August.

The program team is hard at work planning Summer volunteer

clinics. These annual clinics are offered to empower and train
current or future volunteers. Volunteers receive thorough
training with a focus on safety and education to best serve the
clients as they partner with their horses. If you have an interest
in serving as a volunteer be sure to connect with Claire.

As always, we encourage you to stop by for a visit or allow us

the opportunity to come to you to share our program and
needs with your group, office, friends, etc.

The horses, clients, and staff of Wings appreciate your support!

Blessings- Allison

Our core purpose is to provide hope and healing through gentle horses and

the love of God.

 Thank you Charlie Brown for 19 years
of continued service!

They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary;
and they shall walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
 Volunteer AppreciationWeek
The words "Thank you" are not enough to
convey our appreciation for the huge
impact the volunteers have on our
program. They walk for hours in the dirt
and on the trails with the riders, take time
off work to participate at Chisholm
Challenge, school the horses, groom the
horses, muck, sweep, laundry, clean, and so
very much more! Volunteers, how you
contribute at Wings of Hope is noticed. We
are all so grateful for you and could not
function without your volunteer support!
Parents and riders, please give a shout out
to the volunteers you are blessed to have in
your lessons this week.

When hands reach out to help others, hearts are filled with joy.
 April 16th - 22nd
7 Volunteer Captains Currently the youngest
77 Volunteers volunteer serving is 14 and the
Several Organizations, such most senior is 76.
as schools and churches,
volunteer their time at Wings

Independent Sector states One of our volunteers has been

the value of volunteers with Wings of Hope since we
time at $29.95 per hour opened in 1996.
donated.

Over 2500 hours of

13 volunteers have served
volunteer time has been
5-26 years.
given so far for 2022-2023.

Why Be a Volunteer?
It's not for the money, it's not for the fame.
It's not for any personal gain.
It's just for love of fellowman.
It's just to send a helping hand.
It's just to give a tithe of self.
That's something you can't buy with wealth.
Author Unknown
It's not medals won with pride.
It's for that feeling deep inside.
It's that reward down in your heart.
It's that feeling that you've been a part
Of helping others far and near,
That makes you be a Volunteer!

JOIN THE TEAM!

*14 years or older
*NO horse experience needed!
*Weekly commitment for 1.5 hrs
*Hands on training
*Must be able to walk in the arena dirt or on the trail for 1 hour
Email claire@wingsofhopehorses.org for more information
There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer!
-James Doolittle
 ROUND-UP FOR RIDERS

Register Now!
Friday, August 4th
6:00 p.m.
River Ranch Stockyards
Fort Worth

Event attendance is complimentary with an opportunity to give.

We recognize we are better together and want to be inclusive
with an invitation for everyone to join in on the fun.

You do not need to purchase a ticket, but you do need to

register prior to the event to attend and reserve your seat
or table.

www.wingsofhopeequitherapy.org/roundup

Donations are strongly encouraged and sponsorships are

available.

wingsofhopeequitherapy.org/roundup
 Ages 5+
6 weeks to
choose from
$325/pp
Last day for
registration is
April 15.
Visit our
website to
register and
receive more
information.

Providing hope and healing through gentle horses

and the love of God since 1996.
 WINGS OF HOPE
EQUITHERAPY
4200 COUNTY ROAD 806
CLEBURNE, TX 76031
OFFICE@WINGSOFHOPEHORSES.ORG
817-783-3805

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

IN THIS ISSUE
Happy Birthday Charlie Brown! Summer Camp 2023
Thank you for 19 years of service!

Save the date for Round-Up!

Volunteer Appreciation Week

Horses needed
April 16-22, 2023