We are embracing  all of the activities that make living next to the water and in the woods so special. With time off of school we're looking to have some fun and make memories- please keep doing that! I like to think that with the harsh conditions that do exist in our region, we treasure the green of spring time, and delight in summer's warmth because we know just how fleeting the seasons can be.

 Fantastic reasons to prioritize consistent lessons:

A truly special part of the work we do is the relationship that grows between horse and rider. As that connection builds, participants are helped in a number of ways.

•  Improved Self Confidence
•  Strengthened Emotional Regulation
•  Reduced Anxiety

Staying connected when possible, helps your riders hard-earned gains continue to grow and carry over into everyday life.

We always understand completely that both planned and unexpected life events happen. Our hope is never to make anyone feel guilty, but simply to share that regular attendance can help riders hold onto the comfort, confidence, and coping skills they are building here. In my next blog post I will discuss the benefits of equine therapy as it relates to emotional regulation.

We can't wait to see you at the barn!

Wow, can you believe that not even a week ago we were celebrating Kentucky Derby Day at Neighborly Bar? What a gorgeous day for it! The hats were outstanding, people are still talking about the food, I am heartbroken that I didn't get to try one of those meatballs.  We did Zumba with Lynda...

Jean over at the Neighborly, could really use her own gratitude post. She gives so much of her time and resources to make sure these fundraisers are successful. Without her, none of this would be possible. We feel like the connection to the race is an ideal way to celebrate what we do here at the barn, and boy did we get lucky, the sun even shined on us that day.

 Our community gets to see the finished product when these events happen, we cannot tell you how many hours go into planning, collecting donations, developing ideas, sorting and managing donations, basket making, coordinating volunteers, making posters, sending emails,  hanging posters... the list is endless! We would love to give every single individual that gave of themselves so tirelessly our gratitude, we are afraid if we try to name everyone, that someone would be missed.

There does need to be a special thank you made to Jen Richardson that takes a lead on this event, and volunteers hundreds of hours of her time here at HOJ, she is a truly special individual that has committed a great deal of her own life to helping those with disabilities. I'm sorry Jen, I know you don't like the spotlight but you give so much of yourself, I do think that should be recognized.

 As a transplant to the south shore ( I have only lived in Ashland for 3 years), I must say that one of the most beautiful things about this whole region really, is the warmth of it's people and genuine desire to take care of each other. As a mother of a child with special needs, it really drives home why this is such a special place to raise my own child. The compassion and connections we make with the community that genuinely cares about each other, is truly heartwarming, in a world that often lacks kindness.

We are already hearing, "whew the events over, time to rest". Oh no. Lessons continue, there is always work to do at the barn, we are rapping things from the fundraiser we just had, and dare I say... already planning for our 3rd in 2027! Some wise folks told us that planning begins the day after an event ends and isn't that the truth! We are thinking about everything that worked and everything we can make better, while it's all fresh.

Many of you have expressed that you want to be involved in what we're doing out here. We would love that. The Derby Day Fundraiser is not our only event, and we're always searching for volunteers for a number of things. If you want to help you can print and complete the volunteer paperwork via the button on our participate page, mail that to us, or just stop by with it. If you have any questions or need additional information, or just want to set up a visit to see if you do want to volunteer, shoot me an email at nicole.hoovesofjoy@gmail.com
I spend a lot of time in the barn's office! Don't be afraid to come and see me. Additionally, if you want to stay or get informed on the latest Hooves of Joy happenings, send me your email to the email I mentioned. We are going to be working on a newsletter to help us stay connected to this beautiful community.  I look forward to chatting with you!

Thank you from all of us at HEC Hooves of Joy, Inc.

I'm not certain if anyone is reading the blog posts here yet.  I have been chomping at the bit to use this joke, and couldn't resist every opportunity to post it. We do hope you come and horse around with us at the Neigh-borly Bar on May 2nd. Wear your best hats, line dance with Lynda, eat bbq, and hang out with us all day long.

Have you heard about our Second Annual Kentucky Derby Day Fundraiser on Saturday
May 2, 2026 from 10am-6pm at the Neighborly Bar in Ashland, WI??? This year promises to be even more fun! We are raffling off cash prizes, baskets, gift cards, and experiences! We will have line dancing with Zumba with Lynda at 1:00pm and the best Derby Hat Contest at 2:00 p.m. Bigboy Smoke Signals will be selling BBQ all day long! Stay tuned for more details and excitement. If you'd like to donate or support our cause, please call or text 715-208-0146 or email nicole.hoovesofjoy@gmail.com ! We can't wait to see you there!

Marie is a 61 year old participant at HEC Hooves of Joy, Inc and has four decades of experience as a registered nurse. She dedicated much of her career to being both an ER  and dialysis nurse and obtained certification in both specialties. She served as a commissioned officer for six years in the US Army Reserve Nurse Corp —including deployment to Texas and Washington DC during Operation Desert Storm, Marie was the first reservist to report at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  Most recently working as the Health Supervisor at Tamarack Hospital in Hayward, WI.

 Her active working life abruptly ended on March 19, 2024, when she sustained a stroke. Marie spent a month at Aspirus St Luke’s Rehab Floor receiving physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Although the staff provided excellent care, her prognosis was initially for limited mobility, probable lifelong reliance on walking assistance, and total loss of movement in her left arm. Fully aware of the possible challenges due to her medical background, Marie chose to focus on what could go right rather than what could go wrong.

Not ready to retire, uncertain of her future and feeling as though her identity was lost, she continued to dream about returning to horseback riding—a lifelong passion. Throughout her 6 months of excellent outpatient rehabilitation physical therapy, and year of outpatient occupational therapy she envisioned the day she could ride again. Since childhood, Marie had cared for horses, participated in 4-H, and found joy in maintaining her family barn, a place that brought her peace and comfort throughout her life.

Returning to horseback wasn’t her only goal. She was forced to sell her own home in November of 2024, having to move into her daughter’s home when living independently was no longer an option. This time was bittersweet, Marie was a new grandma, she desperately wanted to hold her granddaughter, to simply sit on the floor and play without worrying how to get back up. A friend had been involved in equine therapy, and she began to wonder if maybe this could be her way forward?

She began therapeutic horsemanship at HEC Hooves of Joy, Inc. in May of 2025 and immediately felt empowered by her first ride. She teared up recalling the memory of her first time back in the saddle, the relaxation she felt in her body, and the peace and hope for healing she felt in her heart. The personal attention to her safety and wellbeing provided by the staff and volunteers makes her feel like family.
 
As a veteran nurse, she was an exemplary patient, but even her occupational therapist noticed increased arm and hand mobility when she began working with Hooves of Joy, Inc. She has now regained 50-75% of the use of her left arm. She credits the range of motion exercises incorporated in her lessons to improve her mounting and dismounting that Joy works with her on to her success as much as the actual horseback riding. In and out of her lessons each week, she thinks about her individual goals and how she can improve the skills she’s learning. Something that resonated through the entire conversation was that riding restored a part of her identity that she felt had been completely lost.

The most remarkable part of Marie's journey is where she is today. The confidence and strength restored by horsemanship has allowed her to move forward and really given power to what is possible.  She’s back in her own new home, able to walk and drive by herself, and not only plays with her granddaughter but also babysits her once a week. Marie dedicates a day each week to volunteering at Water’s Edge Nursing Home and Assisted Living and was excited for the chance to return to work, currently exploring options—retirement clearly isn’t on her mind.

Before we ended our call, she asked me to listen to her anthem during her recovery, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.” The song perfectly captures her resilient spirit and determination to rise above every challenge life has sent her way. Marie has a grit and determination, that has clearly always existed. She is also one of the kindest and compassionate people you will ever meet. She said that we must share that her favorite day of the week is Tuesday, her “Joy session” and time at the barn. Marie shares the positive impact of her therapeutic horseback riding with everyone she knows. Everyone here at the barn, feels privileged to be part of her healing journey and to better know this remarkable woman.