get 40 hours of lessons from a Licensed Parelli Instructor

We have an opportunity for an advanced horseperson or trainer (maybe 2 of these opportunities) to become a sponsor (at no cost) of one of our younger, less experienced sanctuary horses in May 2013. And recieve 40 hours of lessons with a Licensed Parelli Instructor at our facility here. This is a great opportunity for someone who is working through the Parelli Levels/certification program. Or for someone who wants to get started in the Parelli program. More details will be available soon, but we want to start getting the word out on this. call us if interested. 605 359-0961

Opportunity at our horse sanctuary / learning center

Permanent Part-time year-round employment helping with horse chores at New Hope Horse Shelter/DoubleHP, approx. 3 miles north of Crooks SD.
Cleaning stalls and pens and other horse-related responsibilities.
Probably 6-12 hours each week, but any days are possible. We prefer a regular weekly schedule (same day(s) & hours each week). Each shift/day approx. 2-4 hours and may begin anywhere from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hourly wage usually starts around $7.50 and increases when you become a reliable employee who can work unsupervised and alone with very few requests for schedule changes.
It works best if you live not too far away (we are 3 miles north of Crooks SD),  have a reliable vehicle and can make it to work during the winter months too.
You do need to be in good health as this is not a sit-down type job. You will be lifting a few hay bales onto a trailer/cart if you are doing feeding, and you will be pushing & dumping wheelbarrows and other normal horse-related chores like that. Possibly moving horses around to pens and stalls, etc. And you will be working around some dust, manure, mud, cat and horse hair, etc. Some work is in the barn, some is outside.

Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and South Dakota's only GFAS animal sanctuary.
We do not pay any administrative salaries. We pay a couple of PT chore helpers; everyone else is a Volunteer.

If you might be interested in this PT job, please call 359-0961
Thanks!

P.S. When winter's done, we will be further developing our natural horsemanship and equine assisted learning programs. For example, we have a Licensed Parelli Instructor scheduled to stay here and help us with our horses the whole month of May! Tad Enck has expressed interest in presenting more clinics here too. So, for someone who is interested in helping others with their horsemanship skills, or helping us develop equine assisted learning sessions, these opportunities are possible as well. But we really need chore help right now.

Our Best-selling Holiday Card

In our Zazzle Store, our best-selling Holiday Card is Jet & Prince's "Peace" card.
USE THIS LINK:
"Peace" Holiday card by our very own Jet and Prince

There are several styles. One is blank. One has a little story about Prince. This one says "Peace" on the front, and "May your Holidays be Peacefuldays" on the inside. And there is an easy way for you to personalize it by adding your name. If you need help or want us to customize one for you, let us know. email doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

Reminder: Tad Enck Horsemanship clinic here this Saturday Nov 3

Are you coming to the clinic this Saturday? If you are, please drop us a little note to let us know how many in your group. just so we get a little idea of how many to expect. email us doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

the facility is indoor but not heated. but thats ok because the weather guys say it's going to be around mid 40s to 50s. just bring some long undies or coveralls or something and you will be fine. Also, please bring a chair and your own lunch, coffee, etc. It's $10 per person to observe, regardless of age. That is a great deal! Tad Enck, the presenter, has more than 30 years of experience and figures he has worked with around 1,200 different young horses. I'm thinking there is something for everyone to learn at this clinic, no matter what your horse experience level is.

Some of the demo horses signed up include a yearling, possibly a young horse with fewer than 20 rides, a horse/owner just seeking a better grasp on this whole "horsemanship" thing, possibly other topics. If you would like something in particular covered, please let us know.

Also, if you are interested in putting in a few minutes of volunteer time, we could use some help putting things away after the clinic. might be some livestock panels to take down, things like that.

THERE IS STILL A SPOT OPEN FOR SOMEONE TO BRING A HORSE FOR A SPECIFIC PROBLEM, ISSUE, SKILL, ETC. CALL US RIGHT AWAY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THAT. 605 359-0961.

Here's more details: Dear Visitors of New Hope Horse Shelter (DoubleHP),Many of you are familiar with us as Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has helped many horses and humans in many different South Dakota counties, through rescue and education. We have helped to rehome hundreds of horses through adoption and networking during the past 10 years.

In 2012 we were awarded Sanctuary Status by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). It is a huge honor for us, and we are South Dakota’s first and only GFAS sanctuary. With our sanctuary status, we are doing less rescue & adoption, and much more education. Fourteen of our rescued horses live here as sanctuary horses, and they are available to assist us in our new programs of natural horsemanship and equine assisted learning.

From time to time we will offer events here. On Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, Tad Enck is coming here for one of his “problem horse / horsemanship” clinics. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tad is accepting 4 horses and their people to come with a special issue or skill or activity they would like help with.

$50 to bring a horse. $10 per person to observe the clinic, regardless of age. Tad will be generously donating 50% of this money to our 501c3 nonprofit. Thanks Tad!!!!!!!!!

If you are bringing a horse to New Hope Horse Shelter, here are some things you will want to know: All horses must have current health certificate from veterinarian (so that the veterinarian has actually seen the horse and completed the papers). Any horse that has been outside of South Dakota at any time between Nov. 3, 2011, and Nov. 4, 2012, must have current/negative Coggins as well. And of course all horses everywhere need to be up to date on vaccinations, deworming, dental checks, and hoof care. We don’t have any available stalls. You may tie your horse in the arena, or at your trailer, or you may bring some panels. We have lots of space to set up a little pen. We do have a few panels here but if you can bring some that would be great. Please bring your own water buckets and hay. You will be asked to sign a “release of liability” form, similar to what you sign when you go on commercial trailrides, etc.
Along with our 501c3 status and GFAS verification, we have a lot more accountability and, yes, sadly, paperwork that is required. But it’s also what allows us to develop our new programs of natural horsemanship and equine assisted learning. And it’s also what allows people to make donations to us that are recognized as tax deductions by the IRS. So it’s all good.
 
All visitors will want to know these things: With our new facility lease this year, visitors cannot bring dogs or alcoholic beverages. And the entire property here is non-smoking. All visitors under 16 must be accompanied by adults. You must wear shoes that are closed toe & sole (no flipflops). If you are riding, you must wear long pants; and youth must wear a helmet. We do have a few chairs to sit in, but if you can please remember to bring your own. We do have a portapotty here. We don’t have a lunch stand. Please bring your own lunch and water, pop, coffee, etc. Otherwise, the little town of Crooks is only 3 miles away and it does have a couple of restaurants/C stores.

You also need to understand what South Dakota law is regarding equine events and activities. (DoubleHP is an equine activity sponsor, and everyone who visits, observes, or attends events here is a participant):

Under South Dakota law, no equine activity sponsor, equine professional, doctor of veterinary medicine, or any other person, is liable for an injury to or the death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Section 42-11-2.

Any questions, you may call DoubleHP (Darci) at 605 359-0961.

Or email doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

Location is 25337 470 Ave, Crooks SD 57020 (about 3 miles north of Crooks, SD)

www.newhopehorses.org www.facebook.com/newhopehorses

thanks to new volunteer & sponsor Angela

Angela has decided to sponsor Minerva and participate in our natural horsemanship program. Today they tried out their new bareback riding pad. Angela likes to turn around and look at Minerva's pretty spotted butt, and the bareback pad doesn't cover it up like some of the big western pads and blankets. Plus, it's just really pretty great to feel the horse and the warmth of the horse, which the bareback pad allows.

Angela's main volunteer chore thing is to go out to the pasture hay-feeding area (not much grass out there this year, ya know) and pick up the poop.

Surprise! On Thursday, she found herself in between these 2 big boys. Spirit and Hero. Welcome to DoubleHP, Angela! We enjoy your company very much!

Tad Enck horsemanship clinic here Nov. 3

"TEACHING LIFE LESSONS

THROUGH HORSEMANSHIP"

Tad Enck of Enck's Training LLC has more than 30 years of experience with riding young horses, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge through teaching and clinics. On Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tad will present a clinic at New Hope Horse Shelter, 25337 470 Ave, approx 3 miles north of Crooks, SD.
THERE ARE ONLY FOUR HORSE SESSIONS AVAILABLE, so if you would like to bring your horse to this clinic please call as soon as possible.
If you would like to have Tad help you and your horse find a solution to a problem, develop a certain skill, or address another issue, this clinic is for you. Spectators are invited as well. $10 per spectator, regardless of age. $50 per session to bring a horse.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING A HORSE, PLEASE CALL HEATHER OR TAD (605) 480-1753 or 772-5330
Tad is donating half of the clinic fees to the rescued horses who live at New Hope Horse Shelter (DoubleHP). A 501c3 nonprofit and GFAS Sanctuary, Horse Help Providers, Inc.

Some Facility Guidelines and Info. if you are attending the clinic:

Dear Visitors of New Hope Horse Shelter (DoubleHP),

Many of you are familiar with us as Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has helped many horses and humans in many different South Dakota counties, through rescue and education. We have helped to rehome hundreds of horses through adoption and networking during the past 10 years.

In 2012 we were awarded Sanctuary Status by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). It is a huge honor for us, and we are South Dakota’s first and only GFAS sanctuary. With our sanctuary status, we are doing less rescue & adoption, and much more education. Fourteen of our rescued horses live here as sanctuary horses, and they are available to assist us in our new programs of natural horsemanship and equine assisted learning.

From time to time we will offer events here. On Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, Tad Enck is coming here for one of his “problem horse / horsemanship” clinics.  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tad is accepting 4 horses and their people to come with a special issue or skill or activity they would like help with.

 $50 to bring a horse. $10 per person to observe the clinic, regardless of age.  Tad will be generously donating 50% of this money to our 501c3 nonprofit. Thanks Tad!!!!!!!!!

If you are bringing a horse to New Hope Horse Shelter, here are some things you will want to know:  All horses must have current health certificate from veterinarian (so that the veterinarian has actually seen the horse and completed the papers).  Any horse that has been outside of South Dakota at any time between Nov. 3, 2011, and Nov. 4, 2012, must have current/negative Coggins as well. And of course all horses everywhere need to be up to date on vaccinations, deworming, dental checks, and hoof care. We don’t have any available stalls. You may tie your horse in the arena, or at your trailer, or you may bring some panels. We have lots of space to set up a little pen. We do have a few panels here but if you can bring some that would be great. Please bring your own water buckets and hay. You will be asked to sign a “release of liability” form, similar to what you sign when you go on commercial trailrides, etc. 

Along with our 501c3 status and GFAS verification, we have a lot more accountability and, yes, sadly, paperwork that is required. But it’s also what allows us to develop our new programs of natural horsemanship and equine assisted learning. And it’s also what allows people to make donations to us that are recognized as tax deductions by the IRS. So it’s all good.

 
All visitors will want to know these things: With our new facility lease this year, visitors cannot bring dogs or alcoholic beverages. And the entire property here is non-smoking.  All visitors under 16 must be accompanied by adults. You must wear shoes that are closed toe & sole (no flipflops). If you are riding, you must wear long pants; and youth must wear a helmet.  We do have a few chairs to sit in, but if you can please remember to bring your own. We do have a portapotty here.  We don’t have a lunch stand. Please bring your own lunch and water, pop, coffee, etc. Otherwise, the little town of Crooks is only 3 miles away and it does have a couple of restaurants/C stores.

You also need to understand what South Dakota law is regarding equine events and activities. (DoubleHP is an equine activity sponsor, and everyone who visits, observes, or attends events here is a participant):

Under South Dakota law, no equine activity sponsor, equine professional, doctor of veterinary medicine, or any other person, is liable for an injury to or the death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Section 42-11-2.

Any questions, you may call DoubleHP (Darci) at 605 359-0961.

Or email doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

Location is 25337 470 Ave, Crooks SD 57020 (about 3 miles north of Crooks, SD)

www.newhopehorses.org                www.facebook.com/newhopehorses

Rocky's ride today at Newton Hills, South Dakota

Newton Hills is so beautiful right now. Here are photos of one our rescued horses, Rocky, who went riding there today. He did an excellent job and even self loaded into the trailer for the ride home.  CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE THEM.

Rocky in all his glory (a little sweaty though, after the ride)

there is no doubt, he is definitely smiling

Parelli Instructor here this Sunday, you may observe!

would any of our volunteers/sponsors/friends be able to help out a little this Sunday? We have a few things going on here and might need help moving horses around, watering the arena, etc. We have a Parelli Instructor coming for a couple of lessons, and we have a rider coming to spend time with Roman Shadow and Bella again. Public is invited to come and observe, starting around noon. We will ask for a minimum $10 donation. But if you come to help out, that will be your donation. my (Darci) number is 359-0961. We are aprox 3 miles north of Crooks, SD, not too far from Sioux Falls.

 use this link to get to Bryna Helle's website:

Parelli Instructor here this Sunday, Sept. 23

 

 

 

What is horsemanship . . . to you?

Recently we were awarded sanctuary status by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. With that, we are adding new programs at our equine facility. We aren't just a rescue any more!
Our newest program is natural horsemanship. What is it? is it riding? yes it is riding. But it's not really riding lessons. well it is, but it's so so so much more!
12-year-old Dani sponsors one of our rescued horses: Rocky; and they have formed a horsemanship partnership. It is something that will stay with Dani for life. and with Rocky too. It will continue to develop. It's never done. It's never "finished." Dani will be able to apply her horsemanship skills with every horse she encounters for the rest of her life.


after the ride

And really, horsemanship isn't just about horses. that's how it starts out, but if you really let horsemanship and horses become your teachers, you will find yourself using it every day. at home, at work, at school, in the ballgame, most everywhere you go. Because it becomes a part of you. A characteristic, a quality, of you.
For example, Dani and I were talking the other day. We were trying to figure out how her friend was going to convince her parents that she too should be sponsoring one of our rescued horses and doing this horsemanship thing. We starting listing all of the things horsemanship helps us with. Dani mentioned "strength" several times. She couldn't get the saddle on herself at first. But now she can! things like that. We also mentioned patience, persistence, partnership, teamwork, trust, confidence, not being afraid to try new things even though other people are watching, etc.
I really think horsemanship probably means something a little different for each of us. For a person with very little or no previous horse experience, I have explained that it is learning to be safe and happy around horses. It usually involves riding but certainly wouldn't have to. There are hundreds of ontheground activities that we do with our horses too. All to help us be more safe and happy and successful when we do ride. Though you could skip the riding if you wanted to.

So, what is horsemanship? well, come and try it out and tell us what it means to you.
email us and let us know you are interested. we'll get right back to you and set up your first visit!  doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

yes horsemanship does usually include riding

and so so so much more

want a horse but really can't own one right now? Have we got a deal for YOU!

Help sponsor one of our rescued horses, and participate in our natural horsemanship program. Riding and/or non-riding.
Sponsorships start at $100 per month, or 12 hours of chore help per month.

No previous horse experience necessary.
email doublehphorses@alliancecom.net
or call 605 359-0961

Another Rummage Sale this weekend to benefit our DoubleHP rescued horses

Pam and Mae are having another rummage sale for us this weekend, Friday and Saturday, Aug 24-25, at 2517 S. Main in Sioux Falls.
To donate items, please call Pam at 310-2094. thanks!

Pam & Mae's annual rummage sale this weekend

Pam and Mae are having their annual Rummage Sale for DoubleHP Horses this weekend, Aug. 17-19, 2012, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Sioux Falls at 2517 S. Main.

If you would like to donate stuff you may call Darci 359-0961 or Pam 310-2094. They sell a lot of kids clothes, books, small to medium size furniture like chairs and sometimes patio furniture, etc. and of course horse stuff. and garden stuff. and tons and tons of Xmas stuff. So these are always good items to donate and shop for. along with much much more. Donate horsey stuff, household, garden, flower bulbs, gift certificates, just about anything! Donate items all year long. Just call Pam. Thanks!

They collect stuff for us all year long, so you may donate it any time. and they'll put it on the next sale.  We are 501c3, so donations are tax deductible.

If you don't have stuff to donate, come and rummage and shop! thanks.

Writing Off Into The Sunset - Journaling with Horses, Tuesday eve group starts Aug. 14

Writing Off Into The Sunset

What is Journaling with Horses?

Well first of all, it’s a journal writing group. People who like to write. People who like to express themselves and communicate, through writing. People who like to reflect on their life and explore new ideas  and plans for the future, through writing. People who like to try to make sense of things or figure things out, through writing.

Journaling can be very private, or it can be shared and even published.

In our Journaling with Horses, we do have a different theme each week. But from that theme, the journaling  goes in many different directions and styles. Some people like to observe and write about the horses, related to our theme. Some people think in metaphors, and our horses may remind them of people and situations in their past or present or future. Some people like to write poems. It doesn’t matter. Our Journaling with Horses has very few rules. We do ask that participants share something with us each week. Some of us write several different pieces about a theme and keep some of it secret and share some of it with the group.

With permission, we appreciate the opportunity to publish some of our group’s journaling, on our websites. We might even be able to collect some of our faves and put them into a book. Your own art work may become a part of your Journaling with Horses as well. We do not publish and share without permission.

You do not need to have any previous journaling experience. There is no right or wrong way to journal.

You also do not need to have any previous horse experience to participate. You may interact with the horses, or you may choose to observe them from the other side of the fence.

Why Horses?

Equine Assisted Learning is becoming a hot topic all over the nation. It is used for therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, etc. It’s also used for corporate team building, personal/human development, photography and art lessons, dancing, yoga and yes, JOURNALNG.

Horses do not pre-judge. They are 100% honest. You have a clean slate when you meet a horse. They really don’t care what you look like. But they will respond and react differently to various types of communication styles, when encountering humans as well as other horses.

Most of the horses in our Journaling program were rescued from starvation or other neglectful situations. There are 19 of them here, ages 3 to 30. Most of them have overcome their bad memories and exhibit great love and appreciation (or at least curiosity) for humans. There are a few, however, who have some pretty deep trust issues still. Horses, like humans, have individual personalities. They form special friendships. Some of them get along with the entire herd. Some of them only want one or two friends. You might observe them arguing, playing, proving who is more dominant, scratching & grooming each other, napping, thinking, becoming jealous of another’s attention, etc. Horses have a very interesting and obvious social structure. They do have herd rules and there can be consequences if rules are not followed. 

Though they do have some similar qualities to humans, HORSES ARE NOT HUMANS. Horses are prey animals, while humans would be considered predators. And they will react and respond immediately to whatever is going on, which they are very aware of.

In any case, horses are beautiful, magnificent, honest, intelligent, unique among their herd; and many of us think they have some sort of almost magical quality about them.

For sure, if you are trying to figure something out, if you pay attention, a horse might just come along and figure it out for you.

So whether you want to observe and learn and write about the horses,

Or think in metaphors and compare the horses to people and situations in your life,

Or if you want to write poems or school assignments, etc.,

Please consider joining us for Journaling with Horses.

Your first session is $20.00. After that it will be free will donation. (we are a 501c3 nonprofit as Horse Help Providers, Inc.) This money is used to help feed and care for our rescued horses.

Our new group starts Tuesday Aug. 14, 2012, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will meet on Tuesday evenings. You may jump in any week after that. If those days and times do not work for you, let us know what would be better. Perhaps we could start another journaling group on a different day/time of the week.

Groups meet once a week. Bring your own journal and pens etc. No alcoholic beverages. We are a no-smoking facility. You may bring water or pop etc. No food in the barn area (humans and horses both tend to act different when food is around). Youth 12 and under must be accompanied by adult.  So there are a few rules I guess.

Our group coordinator is me. Darci Hortness. I do have a BA in Education and I did have a teaching career including classes in English/Language Arts/Journalism/Creative Writing/ Sociology/Psychology/Personal & Professional Development  at high school and college/adult levels before devoting most of my life to the rescued horses. I invite others to volunteer to be the facilitator with a special plan/topic in mind for a weekly meeting. Or if you know of a professional who might want to be a guest facilitator some week, we could consider that too!

Call for more information or to get signed up. 605 359-0961.
Or email doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

If you would like to do this as a private group we can do that too. Equine assisted learning sessions are available as observing/journaling, or as activities with the horses without the journaling.  Sessions are available for individuals, families, couples, corporations/businesses, other groups, etc. We can work with a counselor or therapist as a co-facilitator if you would like these sessions to be more for therapy.

Corporations/businesses and other groups may contact us for equine assisted learning that might involve team building, communication styles, leadership, projects & goals, etc.

We do have a large indoor arena. While there is no heat/AC, we ARE protected from the sun, bugs, wind, rain, snow, etc. It’s really quite comfortable.  

Hope that explains it a little bit. We can’t tell you exactly what will happen each week because, well, it really will be up to the horses!

Please join us.

We’ll be writing off into the sunset.
Will you?

Dancin Pete Rodda, a Lincensed Parelli Professional, in our barn July 25

Pete Rodda is in the area July 23-25. His main schedule is at a barn 10 miles from us. But on Wednesday morning, July 25, 8-11 a.m., he is coming to our facility and is available for private lessons, a workshop, or audit/observe. The final format will depend on how many people are joining us here. So please let us know as soon as you can. You may partner with one of our sanctuary horses here (sorry, Shadow and Lily are already spoken for) or bring your own but you need to call us for sure if you want to bring your horse. Also call us if you would like to observe instead of participate. We could set this up for beginners I believe. Like an Introduction to Parelli Levels. If you would like the complete schedule for all 3 days, please let us know and we will hook you up with the main coordinator. thanks! 605 359-0961. or email us doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

click on the flyer below to enlarge, and see more details about the event.

updated our "thanks" page

We added some "thanks" to our Thanks Page. If we forgot you, please let us know.

new brochure for DoubleHP horse sanctuary and learning center

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uBEX-OCQkrzIwgOt6iShJugzLP0e7vdt1t-L_OdVFyA/edit

that's (above) a link to an online version of our new brochure. feel free to share. thanks.
oh, and feel free to call us if you want to schedule a natural horsemanship or equine assisted learning session. Riding or ground exercises. No previous horse experience necessary. Our horses will show you everything you need to know.

new volunteer and other sanctuary programs available at DoubleHP Horses

Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has received Sanctuary Status from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

DoubleHP, the first GFAS Sanctuary in South Dakota, has helped to rescue, rehab, and rehome hundreds of horses during the past 10 years. And now, fourteen rescued horses have a permanent sanctuary home with DoubleHP at their New Hope Horse Shelter near Crooks, SD. These rescued horses will participate in new Sanctuary programs such as equine assisted learning (communication, personal growth & learning, teambuilding, etc) and natural horsemanship activities (both riding and ground exercises available). People do not have to have any previous experience with horses to participate in these programs. Donations to help feed these sanctuary horses may be made to DoubleHP, 25337 470 Ave, Crooks SD 57020. Volunteers are also needed to clean stalls and pens and to help develop these and other new programs in DoubleHP's transition to Sanctuary Status. For more information, call (605) 359-0961 or email doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

DoubleHP is first GFAS Animal Sanctuary in South Dakota

here is a link to press release in PDF format
DoubleHP is first GFAS Sanctuary in South Dakota

Horse Help Providers, Inc. in South Dakota is Verified by Global Federation of Animal
SanctuariesMay 9, 2012 (Crooks, SD) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only
globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal
sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Horse Help Providers, Inc (DoubleHP) as of December
15, 2011.
Verification means that Horse Help Providers, Inc (Double HP) meets the criteria of a true
equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be
awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal
care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding
set of ethical and operational principles.
“We are very happy to announce the verification of Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP). This
rescue is practicing effective equine care and excellent management of available resources.
DoubleHP has used it extensive experience with equine starvation cases to develop a highly
effective refeeding protocol. Nursing emaciated and abused horses back to health can be very
challenging and Double HP should be proud of the work they’ve done in their community,” said
Jeannine Alexander, Deputy Director – Equine, GFAS.
“Becoming a GFAS verified equine sanctuary is really such a huge honor!We are a small
facility compared to many other GFAS sanctuaries throughout the nation, yet we are held to the same high standards of horse care. We are proud of that. And extremely grateful for GFAS’s confidence in us, as the first GFAS verified sanctuary in South Dakota!Our volunteers and sponsors have kept us going for 10 years; our rescued horses have taught us all about being kind and forgiving and appreciating life. And GFAS has given us a new level of pride and
motivation to do even more – for the horses,” states Darci Hortness, Founder & Director.Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP) was awarded a compliance grant by GFAS to help
make recommended improvements to meet Verification Standards. Compliance grant funding is
made possible through a grant from PetSmart Charities®.
The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by generous grants from PetSmart
Charities® and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®.
About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated
to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries in the United
States and abroad. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries is to ensure
they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in
providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection
leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and hidden
animal exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. These founding
leaders sit on the GFAS Board of Directors to continue guiding the organization’s work in a
collaborative manner. They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society
of the United States, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Anti-Vivisection
Society, and International Fund for Animal Welfare.
For additional information on Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, visit www.sanctuaryfederation.org

Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP) has been the voice for horse welfare in South Dakota for the past ten years, setting an example for excellent horse care in South Dakota and inviting new and hopeful horse owners to come and learn from the best -- our rescued horses!Doing horse chores provides excellent physical exercise, caring for horses (feeding, grooming, etc.) is the best therapy, riding a rescued horse is an impossible-to-describe privilege, and DoubleHP offers these experiences. Along with programs in horse rescue and owner education, DoubleHP
promotes animal welfare and population control through their Spayngeld program (spay and
neuter of dogs & cats, and gelding/castration of colts/stallions).
For additional information on Horse Help Providers, Inc (DoubleHP), please visithttp://www.newhopehorses.org/ .

About PetSmart Charities®

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of
companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.
The largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities® has provided
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Recipient of a changed life through horses

In February we had an intro. to equine assisted learning demo. here presented by Wendy Olson of The Way of The Horse. It looked something like this at times. Of course, the horses were the counselors here.

We decided to see how an equine assisted learning program would go here at our facility. And so, I just returned from EAGALA training. that is Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. I will be doing more training. We will be doing equine assisted learning here at New Hope Horse Shelter (DoubleHP) near Crooks, South Dakota; and our rescued horses will be part of the professional team of facilitators. We already have clients for corporate training type things: team building, communication, that sort of thing. And we welcome more clients for this summer and fall. Just give us a call if you are interested (605) 359-0961. In the EAGALA Code of Ethics, the horse is awarded full status as a professional. Is that awesome!!!!!!!

The training I attended was in KC. There were about 45 of us there. They have these trainings year-round all over the place, in many different countries. In KC we had participants from 10 different States. Ages 17-60 something. 4 husband-wife teams, 1 brother-sister team, 1 mother-daughter team. There was a farrier, horse trainers, missionaries, high school and college students, attorneys, counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, etc. I think what we have in common, for one thing, is what one of the facilitators said: recipients of a changed life through horses. Well, I know I am anyway. And our clients will be.

Lots of amazing stuff happened, of course.  But, on a light note, here are a couple of examples of why the horses are a part of the professional team (hee hee, this is kind of on the light side, but ya gotta stop and wonder sometimes): When we started talking about lunch time, the little white pony walked over to the door and grabbed on to the vine that was growing on the outside of the building, and began to munch away. And TWICE -- when the facilitator said, "well, it's time to wrap it up ..." two of the horses right then and there, no sooner and no later, lay down to roll. ok ok I know it's not ESP or anything. But, for 10 years, ever since we started DoubleHP, we have been talking about the "magic" of the horse, the Beauty and the Honesty and the "magic" of the horse. We don't really know how to explain it. "magic" seems close. It's not just us. OK? People all around the world believe in the special therapeutic and teaching capabilities of the horse. And we are going to bring it to you. Here. At New Hope Horse Shelter (DoubleHP), near Crooks/Sioux Falls. (605) 359-0961.

Updated Thank You Page

We updated our thank you page. you'll see the link in the tabs at the top of this page. If we forget to mention you, please let us know.
One of our new thank yous is to Jada. She has been selling dog cat horse treats as a fundraiser, and we are one of the orgs that received a donation from her! Here she is visiting Shadow in March.

DoubleHP horses glad to help the Oglala Pet Project

Yesterday we received a thank you letter from the Oglala Pet Project in South Dakota. Several of their volunteers attended our equine assisted learning workshop a couple of weeks ago. We encouraged them to apply for our Spayngeld (spay neuter gelding) funds. They did, our committee unanimously approved their application, we sent them some Spayngeld money, and they immediately sent us a nice thank you letter.
"Our organization works to help the Oglala people and their pets through education, spay/neuter support, pet health resources, and the re-homing or networking of abandoned, abused or unwanted pets," their letter explains.

We asked them what the funds would be used for. They sent us some examples.

Kate who had 9 puppies and all will be needing to be spayed & neutered after they are weaned. 

 Gordon who is living close to the Post Office.  He is being fed and treated for mange. 

(update: we have now seen updated photos of Gordon, he is looking much better and is getting ready to move from the Post Office to a real foster home to get ready for adoption!)

and Cante.  He's been in a foster home since before Christmas.  He was starving, mangy, eyes matted shut, & feral. 

We are very happy to help the Oglala Pet Project. Thanks again to all who contributed to our 2012 Spayngeld program. We have more Spayngeld funds available for other animal welfare groups or individual pet owners; our application is accessible here on this web/blogsite. call if you have any questions about it. thanks. 605 359-0961

Could sure use some volunteer help at the horse shelter this week

Our main day-time chore helper is gone all week. So, if you are interested in getting in some volunteer hours, please give us a call. 359-0961. We are 501c3. One or more days would be very helpful. And it's excellent exercise too! Not overly heavy or difficult, but it does keep you moving.

Last March and April were so so busy with rescues and court/legal type activity. In fact, it was March 6, 2011, that we got the call about Shadow and Bella. That they were standing in a cattle feedlot (authorities called it an animal shelter, ha!) with a herd of horses eating cornstalks and getting no medical attention after they had been starved again. And, they were headed for the loose horse sale in a few days! Some rescue, huh? So life got frantic here for a while. The result was good. We rescued Shadow and Bella. But we did not get enough donations to rescue any of the others. And some did go to slaughter.

So anyway, if all I have to do is horse chores this year in March, I will not complain. Much. Though I could sure use a little help this week. It's going to be muddy now with these warm temps, and we often feed all 17 horses in their stalls when it's so muddy out. It's amazing how quiet 17 horses can be, just the happy munching noises. So just call if you want to help out. 359-0961. thanks.

here's a little picture story from 2 days ago, this past Sunday.

in the afternoon, the horses coming into the barn area for grain time and supper. and some of them get to go riding at this time, some brushing and hoof cleaning, and they are all observed for lameness issues or anything else that may not seem normal.

 Pretty sure Shadow and Bella are having a much happier March this year than last year.

Shadow's ready to work. Though he and Minerva both made faces about it at first.



Where would you like me to put this, Heidi?

So, I'll just watch for a while and see how Heidi does it. (Bella was afraid to even look)

ok, think I got it!

Bella really wasn't very helpful. Very affectionate though. Appreciative of her new home and good food most likely.

heres the form to use to apply for spay/neuter/gelding funding assistance

link to pdf file for Spayngeld info including funding application form

You may apply for funding assistance for spay/neuter/gelding for dogs, cats, and horses. We'd like to announce 3 recipients at the end of the month this Feb. there's a form to use in this pdf file. any questions just email us at doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

We can learn a lot about ourselves, from horses.

If we aren't happy with the response we get from people,

perhaps it's just because of the way we present our ideas.

Please feel free to print, share, post, hang on bulletin boards, distribute. Not much time though.
It's happening this weekend!
Hope you can join us.

Intro to Equine Assisted Learning & EAGALA Feb 18-19 at our horse shelter near Sioux Falls. Public invited. No admission. RSVP needed though. thanks.

I'll try to pretty this post up a little later, but wanted to get this announced! Next weekend we are having a very fun & free event here. We hope you can join us. Any questions, please just call. And if you plan to attend, please RSVP so we can know how many to plan for. Thanks.

The weather guys say it’s going to be 40 to 43 degrees next Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19.

And you are invited to New Hope Horse Shelter on one or both of those days for a very special experience, an introduction to Equine Assisted Learning by Wendy Olson. Wendy is EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Certified as both a Mental Health Professional and an Equine Specialist. She provides Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) through her program, The Way of the Horse, near Spearfish, South Dakota.

Some of you may be familiar with Wendy’s name. That’s because she is a DoubleHP adopter and foster home. She currently cares for Rocky and Roman, two horses rescued by DoubleHP. You may have seen the video/slideshow of the little girl, Alyssa, building a snowfort this winter, with the help of Roman. Alyssa is Wendy’s granddaughter and, if we are lucky, Alyssa will be coming here with Wendy Feb. 18-19 to help with Wendy’s EAL presentation!

There is no cost to attend our Intro to EAL event. It will be very informal. You may simply observe and ask questions, or you may be able to participate in role-playing and mock EAL demonstrations with Wendy and some of the horses who live here at New Hope Horse Shelter.

You may attend one or both sessions. You do not need to attend the first to understand the second. While the actual role-playing, session demos will be different each day, Wendy’s basic program information will be available both days.

Session times:

Saturday, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

If these exact times do not work for you, please let us know; we might be able to add more time to the days.

The location is at New Hope Horse Shelter, 25337 470 Ave, Crooks, SD  57020 (3 miles north of Crooks), west side of the road (blacktop), white barns, gray house with white yard fence.

The event will be in the big riding barn. It is NOT a heated facility, so wear lots of layers so you can stay comfortable depending on what the temperatures are (forecast is for 40-43 degrees, so this should be pretty doable!)

Also, please bring a chair. When we say this is informal, we really mean informal. Wendy is going to be in our area next weekend, and we are organizing this rather quickly, to take advantage of those dates. We want to bring a certified EAGALA program to our horse shelter on a regular basis, hopefully within the next year;  and Wendy has very generously offered to provide this introduction for us.

We highly recommend you visit the EAGALA website to learn more about it: www.eagala.org

EAGALA is NOT a riding program, so we will not be interfering with the wonderful therapeutic riding programs that are already operating in the Sioux Falls area. EAGALA is different.

All EAGALA sessions are on the ground; there are no mounted sessions. There is a team: the horse, the mental health professional, and the equine specialist. And there is a client or clients. The sessions can of course be for actual counseling, therapy type situations. Or they may be geared more for corporate/business training such as teamwork exercises.

I don’t want to say too much because I don’t know too much yet. That’s why Wendy is coming here next weekend! To answer our questions and present demonstrations with the assistance of some of our horses here.

While our event here Feb. 18-19 is informal and without a fee, we still DO need to know how many will be attending. So please email me doublehphorses@alliancecom.net or call (605) 359-0961. Let me know which session or sessions you will be attending and how many will be in your group. And feel free to share any other questions or suggestions you may have.

This will be fun! Hope you can join us.

Darci Hortness, DoubleHP President, Manager of New Hope Horse Shelter

Legislator's testimony about us is false

A message from our DoubleHP Founder (Darci Hortness): Most of the time, this site is a pleasant place to celebrate the happy lives of the horses we have saved, to provide resources and education to new and hopeful horse owners, and to share little tidbits about some of the fantastic humans who in some little way or big way are involved with some of our programs and experiences here. But every once in a while there is sadness to report or just something very wrong that needs to be addressed.

Recently, Rep. Frank Kloucek testified during our South Dakota State Legislative Session that he has asked me to bring legislation forward on spaying for horses (yes, he said spaying instead of gelding) and also legislation on not overbreeding horses, and also said he has asked me to bring legislation forward for funding for horse shelters, and that he has tried to work with me on these issues as well as on education programs. And what he testified is this: "She consistently refuses to do so."

Now, for those of you who know me and have been involved with DoubleHP for the last ten years or even recently, you probably know how untrue Kloucek's testimony is. I actually wish I wasn't so busy here; I would look into the procedure for filing a formal complaint against a State Legislator who gives false testimony.

Just wanted to clear that up. Unfortunately, the recording to that hearing is available on the internet, for the whole wide world to hear. And it would be a shame if some of the people who make financial donations to our 501c3 organization or help us in any other way were to discontinue that help, because of a State Legislator's false testimony.

Please vote for Hero in the World Spay Day Photo Contest. The link is active now!

The Link to Vote is the Text Below, not the picture above. thanks!

Here is the link to vote for Hero in the World Spay Day online photo contest. Help us raise money to spay & neuter dogs and cats, and gelding for stallions/colts.

Get Ready for Spayngeld!

Spayngeld is our Spay Neuter Gelding program. Spay and neuter for dogs and cats, gelding for horses. We already have more than $1,000 pledged for Spayngeld this year. The first thing we need to do is raise more money! And the best, most fun way to do that right now is to vote for Hero's photo in the World Spay Day online Photo Contest. Sometime on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, there will be an active link here that will take you to where you can vote for Hero's photo. I don't know exactly what time, but it is supposed to happen tomorrow. So please check back. We'll put a note up on this blog/web, big and bold, that the link is active, so you will know for sure. This contest will run through February. Then, in a few months, DoubleHP will receive all of our vote money plus some additional money just for participating!

 In a couple of days we will also get our funding application up here. And on Feb. 29, 2012, we will announce our first three recipients for 2012. Then, additional funding will be available throughout the year; it will just depend on how much money we raise. on how much money YOU HELP US RAISE!
So, check back here tomorrow, Feb. 1, to see if the link is active yet to vote for Hero's photo.

If you would like to contribute to Spayngeld by just presenting us with a check or cash, instead of going through the photo contest, that will work too. Send check to Horse Help Providers, Inc. (DoubleHP), 25337 470 Ave, Crooks, SD 57020. In the last two years, through this program, we have helped to spay and nueter many, many cats; about 6 dogs, and some horses and a donkey too!

Here is the photo that we are entering. Well, actually, I guess this is the outside of our brochure, with our photo on it. But you get the picture!
Here is the other side of that brochure. Please feel free to print and distribute, share, email, etc.

This is our third year for participating in this program. And this year, we are sure, will be our most successful yet! We are 501c3, Horse Help Providers, Inc. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent as permitted by law.

At least 2 horse-related bills discussed in SD Legislature on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, our South Dakota state legislators will be discussing at least two horse-related bills.  According to the legislative schedules, these bills will come up in 7:45 a.m. in separate sessions.
Here is the link to the live audio that is available.
http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2012/CommitteeMenu.aspx
One will be going on in the House ag and natural resources committee, the other in House taxation committee.

Baylee has rejoined the herd!

A year ago Baylee was diagnosed with white line disease. we have never experienced that here before. She had it in one hoof, and no other horses had it. For the last year, she has not been able to go out with the herd. Recently we have started letting her out during the day and keep her in at night (with a buddy of course). so far so good. She is such a little alpha mare. herding the other mares around. teasing the boys. she is so very pretty. If you have not read her story here, you might want to try to find the time. there are lots of images of her xrays, etc. from month to month. might help you know that white line disease is not necessarily a death sentence. though it can be very very serious and we did get to a really bad point with Baylee Bob and did end up cutting a tendon when there was so much "rotation" that her "toe bones" were nearly poking through the bottom of her foot. sorry for the unscientific writing. of course our veterinarians use the scientific terms. not me though. anyway, Baylee is happy. wish us luck. she does have a little slight limp but it's from the tendon thing, mostly, I think. Our farrier was here Monday. just for a second opinion. didn't really trim much, kind of hesitant to trim too much since she's feeling so good the way she is. We'll check in another month or so.
 Here is a link to her story.

Baylee has rejoined the herd!

record warm temp in SD, fun with friends & horses

On the afternoon of Jan. 5, 2011, it was sort of like summer in South Dakota. well, ok, at least spring! One of my visitors had arrived. on my way out to the barn I witnessed turf wars. it's all harmless. they just act tuff.

Turf wars, Newman and Ralphie (both neutered of course)

My first afternoon visitor was Darci Adams, SD state director for HSUS. It was so nice out, we just had some fun with the horses. And we cleaned up the whole horse yard!

Definite look of determination

Princess appreciated our clean-up work, and she did the right thing.

Darci Adams with Shadow

That's really ok Darci, Shadow makes us all giggle

There's a serious side to Shadow. It is a miracle he is alive.

Beautiful beautiful Bella. catchin' some sun.

Bella with Darci Adams

and if you haven't smiled yet during the day, just go meet Princie!

Moonshine will soon be 31 years old (young)

Moonshine is not a rescued horse, he lived here before we started rescuing.
He's still the pasture boss though, at the young age of 30.

Minerva says, "hurry up Emily, we have to go riding."
translation "come on it's almost grain time, let's get this over with."

gotta get ya buckled up first, girl.

Minerva and Emily are riding buddies. Emily also rides Flicka here.

Emily's dad, Jim, is our groom! He loves cleaning hooves and brushing, etc.

Jim cleaning Lily's hooves. Jim and Emily found us over the Holidays. They saved me! Most of our other volunteers and part-time chore employees left for the Holidays. but Jim and Emily were here many, many days. And Tina, of course, who has been volunteering weekly for more than 3 years, was also here. Thank you volunteers!

at the end of the day, the kitties were night night.

this would be good for Halloween, yes?