On Wings of Hope

Providing hope and healing through gentle horses

and the love of God
Spring 2016

Wings of Hope Equitherapy

P.O. Box 445 Burleson, TX 76097

For the Long Haul

As Wings of Hope enters our 20th year of ministry, we would
like to consider those who have been able to ride in our program
for an extended period of time. One of our longtime riders is
Ngo Minh Anh, who began his journey with us in October 2003,
and has endured longer than some of the horses he has had
experience riding.
Ngo Minh remembers riding Speck, Freckles, and Boomer who
are no longer at the barn, and Phyllis who is no longer in the
riding program. More recently he has gained experience on
Sunny and Vannie.
In January, at the Fort Worth Stock
Shows Chisholm Challenge, Ngo Minh and Vannie came away
with two ribbons.
Each year in the fall, Ngo Minh devotes his weekly class time to
memorizing the trail pattern and honing his riding skills for
Western Equitation competition. Then in January he joins his
competitors from other therapy centers at the John Justin
Arena in Fort Worth, and spends his day waiting, and waiting,

Above: Ngo Minh at 2016

Chisholm Challenge.
Right: Ngo Minh at a prior
Chisholm Challenge

and waiting for his turn to compete. This, he says, is

the hardest partwaiting. But then, when you are the
winner of ribbonsand sometimes a belt buckleall
the work and waiting have been worth it.
So, besides the horses and the physical benefits of
horseback riding, such as relaxing the tightness in his
muscles, helping with his balance and strengthening
his bodys core, what has kept Ngo Minh Anh coming to Wings of Hope twice a
week for all these years? Its the peoplethe instructors, the volunteers, the other
riders and their familiesthat make Wings of Hope such a special place for him.
Wings is a place where people give of themselves so he can ride a horse, a place
where he feels loved and accepted.

Ngo Minh with Speck at Special Olympics

circa 2005

Ngo Minh cannot communicate with words like most folks, and this makes it hard
for him, for he would love to be able to talk to others. New people cant
understand the sounds he makes, and may fail to realize that he can understand
what they say. But Ngo Minh does understand. He is a man with a great memory
and a great faith, with much to contribute to the world around him. The smile
which engages you when you meet him, reflects the joy inside which is a reflection
Continued on page 7

Board of Directors
President Mark Sutherland
Immediate Past President Douglas Landry
Vice President Jeff Rigdon
Secretary Nancy Martin
Treasurer Max Price

Ted Echard
Dr. Wayne English, D.O.
Jack Garr
Pamela Gilchrist
Marla Jones
Carla Vogel
Nina Zana

Margaret Dickens Co-Founder

Patti Pace Co-Founder
Advisory Board:
Madelon Bradshaw
Beverly Branch
Debbie Daniel
Phyllis Jacob
Jack Koslow
Ellen Leonard
Marty Leonard

Development Director
Allison Gross
Dear Friends,

Members:
Kirk Alland
Miriam Antonini
Walt Berk
Joe Boyd
S. Brian Catlin
Noreen Corlett
John Crumley

A Message from

Dashelle Murrin
Kent Porter
Michael Richardson
Brian Ryals, MD
Judith Sear
Lyn Walsh

Wings of Hope Staff:

Julie Rivard Director of Operations
Allison Gross Development Director
Gary Hiberd Barn Manager
Kathy Hiberd Office Coordinator
Jennifer Shank Volunteer Coordinator
Debbie Frahm Feeder
Equine Connection Counseling Staff:
Dr. Hallie Sheade, LPC, RPT, NCC
Hannah Yterdal, MS , LPC Intern (under the
supervision of Emily Michero, LP-S)
Instructors and Equine Specialists:
Cheril Boustead
Danielle Crandall
Janie Dann
Allison Gross
Julie Rivard
Jennifer Shank
Hannah Yterdal
Paul Ziehe

Because of your amazing generosity and support, Wings of Hope was able to
begin our 20th year of operation as we entered into 2016. Your continued
friendship, prayerfulness, contributions, and support have sustained this
ministry since 1996.
It is amazing to reflect on the impact that the countless horses have had on
literally hundreds of individuals with disabilities and unique challenges.
Although the needs of our community have changed throughout the years, our
mission has remained constant. Our Core Purpose to provide hope and healing
through gentle horses and the love of God has remained un-wavered. We have
expanded our mission to serve a multitude of individuals whether they are
seeking therapeutic riding from a challenge brought on at birth or an injury
incurred later in life. Perhaps they are coping with trauma or returning to
civilian life and are partnering with a horse in equine centered counseling with
Equine Connection Counseling.
Did you know that through our 22 equine therapy partners our mission impacts
nearly 125 individuals each week? Our programs begin serving those as young
as 3 and currently the eldest that we serve recently turned 80. Those with
autism, cerebral palsy, depression, down syndrome, gross motor delay, multiple
sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, stroke survivors and so much more,
partner with a horse to learn horsemanship and riding skills. The skills our
riders gain from working with the horses, such as better coordination and
flexibility, can help them in their day-to-day activities outside of the barn.
We also have on-site professional mental health counseling and psychotherapy
services available to treat a variety of mental health conditions including:
trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, anger
management, grief, self-esteem, attention problems, family/couple
relationships and child behavior problems.
Additionally, we have a dedicated program for military service members,
veterans and family members through Operation Hoofbeat. Our vision is to
provide a sanctuary of hope and healing to serve those who have served their
country.
2016 has a lot of excitement in store for us. In addition to celebrating our 20 th
anniversary, we are proud to announce that in 2016 we will build an expansion
onto our barn. Thanks to The Amon G. Carter Foundation, Wings of Hope will
be able to have a new space for prayer groups and a space for our families, staff
and volunteers to gather.
Thank you ALL for ALL your support! We are looking forward to ALL the Lord
has in store for us!

Blessings,

The Core Purpose of

Wings of Hope is to
provide hope and healing
through gentle horses
and the love of God

Allison

It is the mission of Wings of Hope to provide

equine assisted activities to children and adults
with unique physical, mental and emotional
challenges.
2

CHISHOLM CHALLENGE

2016
The horses were beautifully groomed, boots were shined, and after months of practice, the day finally arrived for the
skills of each competitor to be put to the test. The annual Fort Worth Stock Shows Chisholm Challenge is a first-class
show, and each rider who entered the John Justin Arena felt the butterflies of anxiety as they concentrated on doing
their very best.
As with any competitive horseshow, there were triumphs and disappointments, smiles and tears, but each rider came
away with personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. For seven Wings of Hope riders the Chisholm Challenge was
old hat after multiple years of competition, but five of our riders experienced it for the very first time. Among them
was Mr. John Halpin, one of Wings of Hopes Operation Hoofbeat military veteran riders. John rode Chief in the
opening ceremonies and carried the Unites States flag. He also rode Hank as he competed against other military riders
in a Western Equitation Veteran Class. We want to thank Mr. Halpin for representing Wings of Hope, but also for his
military service to our country.

Thank you to our many friends who

have given our riders Wings of Hope.
The

following

reflects

gifts

given

November 2, 2015, through February 1,

2016.

Every effort has been made to ensure the

accuracy of the names listed. We
apologize if an error or omission has
occurred. Please contact Wings of Hope at
817-790-8810 to make us aware of any
mistake.

FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS,
ORGANIZATIONS
Robert D. & Catherine R. Alexander
Foundation
Amon G. Carter Foundation
Amazon Smile Foundation
Bell Helicopter Employees
Humanity Fund
Elbit Systems of America
Halliburton Giving Choices
Kendra Scott
Stanleys Financial Services
Sunset Winery
Taylor Fordway
Texas Doll Auctions
Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort
Worth South
The Pate Foundation
The Ryan Foundation

OTHER DONORS
Nathan Armstrong
Mark Sutherland
Darla Bledsoe
Kathy Tindell
Shirley Bonkowski
Beth Voorhees
Jeffrey Carnaby
Bob & Kerry WoodDon & Diane Collins
ward
Tom & Teresa Duell
Laura Yarborough
Patti Fritz
Michael Zoupas
Mark Gannaway
Stuart Genung
Gerardo, Anessa &
Marshall Gonzalez
Jason Hoyle
Benton Kelley
Ryan Klein
Jim & Pat Lee
LifePoint
Mary Marczak
David & DeAnn Michie
Melissa Murff
Melissa Phillips
Jeff & Gloria Rigdon
Barbara Riley
Kandee Rockett
Daniel Rodriquez
Emma Rooker
Brian & Nancy Ryals
Nancy & Jonathan Ryals
C.F. & Patsy Salusky
Gary & Kris Sanders
Susan Schlotzhauer
Dr. Lawrence Stifler,
HMR Management Corp.

The Long Haul Continued from page 1

of his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus. The

persistence and determination he demonstrates as he
learns patterns and skills in the arena are a joy to others,
and makes him a delight to work with.
Kathy Sibello, Ngo Minhs mother shares that, Forty
years ago, Ngo Minh came into our family, initially as a
foster child, when his birth family, who were refugees from
Vietnam, could not care for him due to the cerebral palsy.
Since that time, God has blessed me so much with Ngo
Minhs love and overwhelming spirit of kindness.
In the Sibello family, Ngo Minh grew up with 6 siblings,
and is now the adored uncle to 15 nieces and nephews, who
love to rejoice with him over his medals and ribbons. Ngo
Minh shared that, He feels very proud when they see him
on his horse. And now some of them want to be cowboys!
Wings of Hope has become a family to Ngo Minha
support system of friends and encouragers, says his mom.
When there is an illness in our family, Ngo Minh always
wants to share with his Wings friends. Each time there is a
new grandbaby, Ngo Minh cant wait to tell everyone at
Wings. His circle in life is small: our family, our church
family, and his Wings family.
This Wings of Hope connectionthis support systemis a
reality for many of our riders. Wings is a place outside
their immediate family where they can be themselves and
be totally accepted, encouraged, and loved. And for many
of our riders like Ngo Minh, it is a place they can gain a
sense of accomplishment and pride which they can obtain
no where else in their world.
Ngo Minh says, God reveals Himself to me in nature when
I am riding on the trails. I also see God in the faces of all
the teachers and volunteers. What an encouragement to
know that the love of God is truly going forth each day at
Wings of Hope, and is indeed making a difference in the
lives of those we serve!
Over the long haul of these 20 years, Wings of Hope has
changed dramaticallyfrom one rider in a borrowed arena
to close to 100 riders in our current barn and property.
God continues to guide us, equip us, and provide for us,
and by faith we will continue to reach out to provide hope
and healing with our gentle horses and the love of our
great God for many years to come.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength; they shall mount up with wings as

HONORARIUMS
Given by:

In Honor of:

Kristi Austin

Helen Crawford
Art Jones
Britney Gavitt
Art Jones
Helen Crawford
Art Jones
Helen Crawford
Art Jones
Shane, Christine, Andie and
Addison Greenlee
Mike & Rosie Moncrief
Helen Crawford
Nina Glasser
Helen Crawford
Dr. & Mrs. Jim Anthony
Mr. & Mrs. Leland Hodges
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Leonard
Nelva Blue
Clark Milligan
Madelon Bradshaw
Patty Grubb
Margaret Dickens
Bob & Debbie Bretch
Carsynn Oakes
Tessa Shank
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Campbell
.Mr. & Mrs. Allan Hall
Dr. & Mrs. Rick Herrscher
Mr. & Mrs. Houston Holmes, Jr
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lyle
Mr. & Mrs. Frank K. Neill
Mr. & Mrs. Dick Rantzow
Mrs. John Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. David Turner
Mrs. Mary Leslie Wells
Margaret & Dick Dickens
Margaret Dickens
Claudia Thompson
Nina Glasser
Helen Crawford
Kennen Faudree

Dr. Steve & Kay Bishop

Helen Crawford
Natalie Crawford
Jessica Epperson
Mary Greenlee
Bobby & Barbara Harvey
Gary Ingram
Art Jones
Elizabeth Leonard
Wayland & Carrie Long
John & Linda Maddux
Leticia Martin
Margaret & Don McGregor
Beverly Oakes
Barbara & Olin Ragsdale
Jennifer Shank
Nancy Stephenson

Connie & Arnold Sturm

Daniel Talbot
Laird Thompson
Paul Vrana
Karen Wiseman

MEMORIALS
Given By:

In Memory of:

Sharon Beach

Judy Armstrong
Mike Brown
Frances Christmann
Richard Yocom
Mike Carson
Madene Corgill
Dee J. Kelly
James E. Harris, Jr.
Thomas Earl Law
Dr. G. Douglas Tatum
Doris Thomasson
Michael Morgan
Dr. B. ODell Molpus, Jr.
Mike Morgan
Rhonda McGee Davis

Dale & Meg Carson

Helen Crawford
Judge Pat Ferchill
Virginia Leonard

eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they

shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Nancy Rankin
Frank Sherwood
Sonshine Circle UMW
Susan Unsworth

Wings of Hope
P.O. Box 445
Burleson, TX 76097-0445
817-790-8810
Fax: 817-783-7072
E-mail: office@wingsofhopehorses.org
www.wingsofhopehorses.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SAVE THE DATE!

2016

Round-Up for Riders

FRIDAY,
AUGUST 5TH

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