The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has been providing Equine Assisted Services since 2000.
Our horses are the foundation of our program, and caring for them is one of our greatest responsibilities.
During 2025, one of our therapeutic horses, Diva, experienced a chronic sinus infection that proved to be a long and difficult process to diagnose and treat. During 2025 we spent approximately $5000.00 on medical care, X-rays, medication and a dental specialist. Unfortunately, Diva continued to have a sinus inflection and in February 2026 Diva went to New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania for specialized veterinary treatment; a CT scan, sinoscopy, two extractions, a dental float, medications, hospitalization and board totaling 5667.07.
Thankfully, Diva is now healed and doing great! We are extremely grateful that she is healthy and remains an important part of our herd.
However, we are still paying off her veterinary expenses, with approximately $2,500 remaining. All of her previous bills have been paid but this expense and the remaining balance has placed a strain on our small program.
And now, we are preparing for winter.
We plan ahead for the winter months and make sure that we have enough hay and grain on hand to provide our horses with the consistent care they deserve. Because so much of our funding this year went toward Diva’s medical care, our funds are more depleted than usual at this time of year.
We are seeking $4,900 in support to help us with:
$2,500 – Remaining balance of Diva’s veterinary expenses
$2,400 – Approximately three months of hay and grain for our horses
Our horses have a forever home with us. When they retire from our therapeutic riding program, they are not simply sent somewhere else—they remain part of our family and we continue to care for them.
Diva is not retired. She has recovered and is able to continue her work, but her story is a reminder of how quickly unexpected veterinary expenses can affect a small therapeutic riding program.
As you know, it takes a village to care for all animals. It takes an even bigger village to care for therapeutic horses whose work makes such a difference in the lives of our participants.
We are committed to providing our horses with the best care possible while also keeping our programs available to the people and families who depend on them. We are prudent and responsible with the funds we receive, and 100% of the funding requested will go directly toward the care of our horses—Diva’s remaining veterinary expenses and essential winter feed.
Your support would mean so much to our horses, our clients, our volunteers, and our entire program. Any and all support is greatly appreciated.Whether you are able to help with the full request or a portion of it, your contribution will make a direct difference in the lives of our horses and the people they serve.
Thank you for considering supporting The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club. We are truly grateful for your consideration and for everyone who helps us continue caring for these very special horses.
With sincere appreciation,
Kara Stark McGrew
Founder & Director
The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club, Inc.
Established 2000
