September 2026 Newsletter
In This Issue:
August Recap, In The News, Veterans Program, Coming Soon, Board Members, New Riders, Hippotherapy, and Horse Facts!
Volunteer Appreciation Day
A fun-filled time at the farm, we celebrated our valuable volunteers with a day of games, horseback riding, and an awards ceremony with friends and family!
Good Luck, Lauren!!
Lauren is heading back to college, and while we will miss her hard work and great attitude, we wish her all the best in her studies!
August Happenings
Our newest volunteers have settled into the routine and have been an incredible asset to our horses, riders, and program at Destiny’s Ride.
Young Riders are growing in confidence and enthusiasm, embracing OT-driven strategies and benefiting as a result
Read on for more on our riders, Special Shoutouts, and upcoming events!
Destiny’s Ride In The News
Help Poncho Through His Emergency Health Crisis
Poncho is facing a serious health crisis and urgently needs medication and potentially life-saving surgery. We’re raising funds to help cover the veterinary care he needs and give him the best chance at recovery. Every donation, share, and kind message makes a difference. Please consider supporting Poncho’s emergency care fundraiser.
Upcoming Events
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 4pm -7 pm
Location: McNary Center
6 Sylvester St., Kinderhook
Gift Basket Raffle, Good food
for a good cause.
Destiny’s Ride has received a grant from the Ackerman Foundation to support the launch of its Veterans Equine Wellness Program, which will begin in September 2026.
Welcome New Riders!
Septmeber saw the start of a new 9-week session of lessons!
Our new riders: McKenna and Luna have started strong and confident.
Riding Memphis, Molly, and Cayden, respectively, these new riders have opened this session with enthusiasm and energy!
For enrollment contact Jodie or visit www.destinysride.org
Special Thanks To:
Sara Casey for outstanding dedication to supporting Destiny’s Ride!
AND
Jane Sherwood for her devoted care of our horses during Jodie’s much needed vacation.
Also Special Thanks to Everyone Who Purchased Tickets to the Benefit Dinner, and Everyone Who Donated to Poncho’s vet care!
If you or someone you know would be a great fit, please reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!
Help us grow!
Seeking board members with:
• Passion for equine-assisted programs
• Ties to the local community
• Experience in grant writing
• Desire to make a difference
Spread the word!
Board members play a vital role in securing funding and building community partnerships.
Riders’ Update
Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
We have begun integrating hippotherapy into our program. Although Jodie has not yet taken the board exam, she has completed all necessary training leading up to certification. She is listed as an occupational therapist on the American Hippotherapy Association's website. This is an amazing adventure!
Meet Eloise
Eloise is 3 years old. She came to us having never riden a horse, and with some fear around movement.
A special saddle has allowed Ellie to feel secure during her sessions, where our occupational therapy approach has improved not only Elliie’s muscle tone and coordination, but just as importantly, her confidence.
Her mom shared with us that Ellie always expressed reluctance to go up and down stairs. Since riding Cayden using our Inky Dinky Saddle, she now navigates staircases at home without fear.
Contact us to schedule a visit or learn more about enrollment!
Shout out to The Dake Foundation and Inky Dinky Saddles!
