Here we are at the end of our Spring and Summer riding sessions. We have had to cancel lessons only once because of rain. Our volunteers and riders have learned to move around the rain drops!

We are having a great 25th year beginning with our First Annual Spring Benefit Horse Show at Muddy Brook Farm in Amherst. So far this year, we have served 34 riders with the help of 50 dedicated volunteers. Each year, we grow stronger and are moving toward a capital campaign to either build or lease our own facility with an indoor arena.

To mark our 25th year, PVTRA has just hired a part time Development Director, Lisa Sihvonen-Binder. Lisa is currently finishing her Masters in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy at BayPath College. She has an extensive background in the nonprofit sector with successful grant writing for F.A.C.E.S Dog Rescue, Dakin Animal Shelter and most recently, PVTRA. She also has experience in writing and marketing. Our Fundraising Committee is looking forward to working with Lisa.

Danielle Sansoucy is working toward her Girl Scout gold badge by building PVTRA a Sensory Trail. Jim has already been busy clearing an additional trail with the brush hog. Funds to support the project have been secured thanks to Roger Booth with a donation from McKesson Corporation. We will be reaching out to you soon to assist Danielle with the final steps of installation.

We have a new website, www.pioneervalleytra.org thanks to David Arbour and Rachel Trafford. Please check out the website for more information on our sensory trail and other upcoming events as we finish our 25th year of serving children and adults in Hampshire and Hampden Counties.

Thank you for your continued support,

Pat Barry

Executive Director