When and How We Relax

Amazed is how I feel when I hear such positive statements from the folks that give of their time freely in order to support the activities of Prospect Riding Center.

“Another great day at the Ranch!” is something Pam Hennessey said many, many times in the past two years. Being a volunteer at Prospect Riding Center is the reason for all those great days. Sharing in the benefits of equine therapy is a rewarding experience. When Pam witnesses a student rider gaining confidence and ability it makes her feel proud to be a part of it. Pam tells us, “It is obvious how much the students love being here and how much they look forward to coming back. They develop a connection to the horse by learning how to groom, tack and lead as well as ride. It is easy to see and feel the bond between the horse and rider. As their skills develop and they learn to control the horse I can see their sense of accomplishment and success. We have all worked so hard these past two years to provide an outstanding atmosphere for everyone who comes to the ranch. Susan Tambone is so patient and kind to all the students, encouraging them to challenge themselves and help them build their self esteem. She shares her knowledge and love of horses and she educates her students about the other aspects of the ranch like caring for all the animals that live there. Prospect Riding Center is a place where people can relax, let go of stress and feel the beauty and peace. That is why I always say “I had another great day at the ranch!”"

This past week was a challenge for me, I spent many hours in front of our computer. We are steady trying to fulfill the requirements from the Federal Government concerning our 501c3 Application. As I realized how uptight I was, I thought about hearing the positive feedback of how wonderful it is here. What did I do? I pushed away from my desk, went out back to the woods, listened to the new spring birds, watched the butterflies in the lantana and felt the load lift from my shoulders. Wow, it worked! I breathed easier, walked taller and felt refreshed.

So what do you do when you need to push away from somethig causing you to be a bit uptight?

 

A Revitalizing Retreat at the Ranch
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.
-Winston Churchill

Susan Tambone, owner and Director of Prospect Riding Center and Three T’s Ranch, couldn’t agree more. From her individually designed therapeutic riding programs, to horseback riding lessons, children’s birthday parties, overnight campouts, and even the occasional wedding that she hosts at the ranch, Tambone has managed to help people of all ages and ability levels improve the quality of their lives with horses. On Saturday, March 16th she unveiled her latest concept a revitalizing ranch-based retreat. The day-long gathering offered guests an opportunity to relax, reflect, and enjoy a holistic spa experience in an authentic ranch setting.
The afternoon began with a light spa lunch, enjoyed in a casual gathering under the trees. Guests mingled and relaxed on swinging benches and in Adirondack chairs overlooking a pair of mules quietly grazing in the pasture. Susan and her team of skilled volunteers then escorted guests to their individually scheduled retreat sessions. The sessions, which guests rotated through, consisted of yoga-based activities on horseback, massage therapy appointments, an opportunity to design a unique horsehair tassel, a consultation with an herbal consultant and acupuncturist, and a tranquil walk through the latest work in progress, the labyrinth.
As lunch came to a close, the first group was escorted to the training arena where they mounted bareback horses. Equine activities director and yoga instructor Diane Wallin then guided them through a variety of mounted stretching and relaxation techniques. Wallin told the group, “Yoga means union – of body, mind and soul – and in this case a union with the horse as well.” She began by instructing them on breathing techniques, then moved on to posture and modified yoga moves. As the students inhaled and raised their arms above their heads, the horses stood calmly as if anticipating their next move. Finally, students dismounted and continued their stretches, leaning against the horses for balance.
As the first group continued to perfect their yoga moves, others took their turns enjoying a soothing neck massage. Held in a modified stall decorated with floral curtains and colorful artwork, the private massage sessions allowed guests to relax in professional massage chair and enjoy the cooling sensation of herbal oils and lotions while letting the stress of day-to-day life melt away.
Guests then proceeded to the arts and crafts table where they were encouraged to let their creativity flow freely. Authentic horsehair tassels were arranged in individual trays and guests selected their tassel, then added colorful beads and a lobster claw clasp. The result was a one-of-a-kind piece that could be clipped to a belt or hatband, or used as a decorative zipper pull on a jacket, backpack, or purse. Guests were excited to have a memento of their ranch experience that they could take home,
In between equine yoga, relaxing massages, and arts and crafts, guests were encouraged to visit the informational display sponsored by One World Acupuncture and Herbal Pharmacy. Here, owner Brian Brader provided insight into a wide array of wellness products and herbal remedies. Guests were treated to samples, personalized consultations, and recommendations for treatments and supplements.
The day would not have been complete without a visit to the labyrinth. The labyrinth, a winding maze, is actually an ancient symbol that encourages mental focus, release of tension, personal reflection, and spiritual growth. Currently under construction, the labyrinth is the latest addition to the ranch and is sure to be the perfect place to relax. At the entrance, a detailed sign outlines the three phases of development. Phase One is the mining tray that features pond-free aquatic plants and natural pools. Phase Two is a railed deck overlooking the water features. Cut-outs in the decking will allow visitors to view directly below into the water where they might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of fish or even a gold nugget. In keeping with Prospect’s theme, Phase Three involves giving the labyrinth an authentic old western feel with a decorative wooden façade. Covered seating will provide a quiet place for visitors to rest and reflect. According to Tambone, “The labyrinth is really a metaphor for the path we walk through life.”
As the day wound to a close, the guests gathered together for a final hike down Destination Trail, calmer, more relaxed, and definitely revitalized. As they walked, they laughed and listened to one another share their thoughts about the day. Upon reaching the trail’s end, guests were each presented with a paper luminary upon which they wrote a special message or thought. After each person had completed his or her message, the luminaries were lit and released. As the tiny lights floated upward, one guest commented that they looked like flakes of gold in the sky – a perfect ending to a perfect day. It seems like Susan Tambone and Prospect Ranch just keep striking gold.

Submitted by Polly Barnes

 

Amazing Partners Can Accomplish Amazing Things.

Prospect Riding Center was host to a new, very young troop of Girl Scouts recently and we not only enjoyed each others company we all learned a lot. The girls were brought out to enjoy a true ranch experience and to learn the basics of animal care so they are able to earn a new badge.

Susan Tambone, the founder of Prospect Riding Center, brought the Scouts into the barn and introduced them to Babe, the paint quarter horse and main therapy horse at the facility. Each Scout had the opportunity to groom and feel her soft coat and were introduced to the wonderful smell of “the horse”. Babe totally trusted them and the Scouts totally trusted her. It was a perfect lesson!

The girls were very excited to see the next horse. Prospect’s draft horse Axle was secured in the cross ties and I swear everyone including Axle had smiles on their faces. The Scouts attention was very intent when they had the opportunity to listen to Axle’s belly sounds with a stethoscope. The girls were taught all about horse care and even mucked a stall!!!

The visit included introducing the girls to the cattle herd of Three T’s Ranch and showing them the steer that will be shown in the upcoming Manatee County Fair by Susan’s daughter Laura, a local high school FFA Member.

We all gathered at “the coop” and collected eggs and learned about care of poultry. With the variety in “the coop” everyone had a favorite and enjoyed holding Princess the ranches most loved hen.

The scouts moved on to the garden area where they harvested young carrots for themselves and to share with the horses.

As we all sat “under the tree” for a lunch break the words synonymous with Girl Scouts came out ….”Girl Scout Cookies”! This is where the amazing part really comes in. The young girls have set a goal for the troop. They are going to sell 640 boxes of cookies! The money the troop gets will pay for each girl’s scout membership fee AND they plan to pay for an adoption at Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota.

It gets better! These amazing young ladies are collecting clothing for the homeless coalition in Manatee County.

Volunteer PRC

 

Holiday Claen Up

Holiday Clean Up

It’s not just taking down and packing away decorations!

What do we do with the leftovers? I’m not referring to food leftovers. What about all the leftover feelings? Mad, sad, glad, scared? Why is it that November through the end of the year can stir up such strong feeling in folks?

Some folks stuff their feelings, compartmentalize and move on. Some folks have mood changes that spill over to other relationships, maybe even show up in the work place.

Personally I started out the beginning of December in a festive mood, the Village of The Arts Holiday Art Walk kicked off our month as our first outing seeing lights and exchanging Holiday wishes. That started the Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday debate. What do you say? Who will be offended? Next was the calendar filling up and how to fit in all the invites? Then there was planning family and business events. Again, will someone be offended, can you be sure to include everyone?

We all seem to show such gratefulness around Thanksgiving and by the end of December our patience can be so worn thin that we don’t seem to be thankful for anything. We can see this so clearly in Holiday shopping, before and after sales.

New Years hits us and we seem to have a peek at our need for clarity in our lives, setting New Years resolutions, usually with the intent to better ourselves. Have you made your own resolution?

I believe there is a season for everything. As we move through another year and seasons come and go, I hope to be in sync with the changes.
Knowing I will be involved with our equine herd and that they have a therapeutic value with the ability to keep my grounded, I look forward to 2013. How about you? What will you do in order to keep in sync with the seasons of your life?

 

From The Heart of A Prospect Riding Center volunteer

My admiration for the Myakka City community (34251) is worth sharing.

 

I live on the west side of CR675 in zip 34211 but cross that street or take a left hand turn at SR70 and I am in the Myakka City neighborhood..

 

Last year I began volunteering at Prospect Riding Center on SR70 in Myakka City. We were anxious to have our name recognized and our mission statement and services available. We opened the gates and invited the community to our first open house. The neighbors , Myakka City Foundation, the community churches and our local public service staff were there to support us.

 

Every opportunity that we have to open the gates at the ranch and share knowledge with our neighbors is exciting for all of us. Prospect Riding Center has offered to the community a Hurricane Preparedness Class, First Aid and CPR Certifications, Ducks Unlimited children’s introduction, a Health Fair and most importantly we offer our Therapeutic Riding to all that benefit from this equine service.

 

The Prospect Center Team recently participated in the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. I personally enjoyed meeting the members of the church hosting the dinner as we prepared to serve and enjoyed the day of giving. A special thanks to Dan Cacchiotti for organizing this dinner and inviting us to volunteer at this wonderful community event.

 

Our holiday season has begun with another outstanding community event. The Prospect Riding Center Team was so excited to be part of the Myakka City Annual Christmas Parade. We brought out newest equine team members, Silk and Sable Drill Team, and several of our PRC team members. We saw the community at its finest, enjoying this wonderful event in the heart of the community.

 

Happy holidays!!

G. P.

Volunteer

Propsect Riding Center

We always strive to make a difference not just for a day but for a life time.

 

Share Our joy

Share Our Joy

The past few weeks have been busy for Prospect Riding Center. There was a lot of preparation needed to pull off our Open House Event. Folks really stepped up and worked hard towards the same goal. It was fun to see the excitement when jobs were coming together and results were being seen. As we listed the jobs and needs there were people willing to volunteer for those specific jobs. Healthy pride shown on so many faces as they were free to run with their ideas, and show their talents.

As I was contemplating the fun of it all, Ginny Pellizzaro sent me this note. What a confirmation that like minded people work well together!

“Must be team spirit at Prospect Riding Center……The diversity of our team that allows us to work together with one common energy to achieve one goal or one task has continued to amaze me. The inspiration for all of us is to see this wonderful riding therapy center succeed. We aren’t striving to out do or be bigger but our team strives to make a difference in our clients lives not just for one day but for a life time.

When I first decided to become a volunteer my assigned responsibilities were helping with administration but my true love is being with the horses and mules. As our team grows we not only utilize the best skills of the members but also their passion for being at the center. We all are there to help make the center a success but more importantly for our volunteer time to be a success in our heart, mind and soul.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful life.”

What wonder are you sharing in others lives?

And there was dancin’

 

Write For Myself or For You?

Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self. Cyril Conno.  I like quotes, I read this quote earlier this week, and really wondered about blogging. Why do people blog? Why do I?

I know marketing companies believe Blogging is a way to drive folks to your business.

When I write, I’m pouring out my thoughts. I make it my business to be in a lifestyle that i can see change. Writing about making changes in others lives, helps me greatly, especially since there are relationships where i’m not making changes!  I follow many thought provoking Facebook pages, Tweeters, and Linkedin connections. Working with our animals I often make a connection with those experiences and the current information I’ve come across.

Journaling has a been an outlet for me since my teen years. I like to think my blogging is an extension of that.

I hope other people enjoy reading about some of the activities at Prospect Riding Center. Occasionally I get comments through the Patch, and my friends tell me what they think of the blog.

All this to say, I write for myself. I pour my thoughts onto paper. I problem solve on paper. I write myself notes, lists, reminders.

The written word from my own hand is a big part of my life.

The new mules are continuing their training. I had written about their evaluation. We are now taking notes about their training. One great benefit is to look at the progress.

Ace is still more likely to be placed in the program before Duece. This past week Duece stayed in the Lesson Arena for a few days alone. He had extra hay with a surprise under the hay, there were some of the cones and toys we use for Lesson Games. He also ate treats from the mailbox, on top of the big ball,  and on top of the barrels. We can now ride to these items and he will go directly to them. We still need him to trust we can ride to them and stop at the obstacle when it is lined up with his girth, in order for the rider to perform the activity at the obstacles. So, the note taking documents his progression.

How do you measure your progress in a task? Are you able to reflect on progress and find the positive progression, learn from the negative, problem solve with new ideas, and track your results?

Would you be easier on yourself? It helps if you are able to see notes of positive progression and remove a fear of failure. Would you be easier on those around you? One of my life beliefs is to not keep a record of wrongs, this is difficult sometimes. If I rely on feelings instead of facts, I can easily let frustration rise within me. I can lose a teachable moment, hurt someone else’s feelings, or walk away with the wrong mindset.

What kind of record are you keeping? How accurate is that record? Is it based on fact or feeling? If you don’t have an accurate record, you could surely be challenged in your level of tolerance for your own mistakes and especially less tolerance for those around you!

And, how do you feel about the written word?  What is YOUR Favorite Quote? Could you, or would you, want to adopt a quote for a life Mission Statement? Let me know your quote in this Blog’s comment section.