Dear Texas Horse Park Supporters,

Welcome to the first quarterly Texas Horse Park Newsletter. The last year has been a whirlwind for the Texas Horse Park (THP) and we want to make sure you stay informed and up to date on our progress, our needs, and our upcoming events. Please take a few minutes to see what we have been up to and, as always, we would love to hear from you!

Upcoming THP Events: Mark Your Calendars!

12.12.10
Bells & Bridles Christmas Party
BuckBranch Farm

THP and BuckBranch Farm are partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dallas for THP's 4th Annual Community Partnership Event. From 1-5pm local children will have the opportunity to groom and ride horses, go on hay rides and participate in arts and crafts. Rumor has it that Santa will make a special appearance!

If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to this event by providing a $20 gift card, a book or a board game for a high school-aged child please contact Jaymie Sattiewhite, THP Executive Director at jaymie@texashorsepark.com or (214) 269-5699.

01.12.11
Ride to the Finish Line Reception
Trinity Center 6:30-8:30pm

THP invites the community to join us at the Trinity Center for a presentation on the status of the Texas Horse Park, important upcoming events, the unveiling of the final Master Plan designed by BRW Architects and an opportunity for Q&A. THP hopes to gain final City approval and break ground on the Horse Park in 2011. Please join us for wine and hors d'oeuvres and show your support for the Texas Horse Park! The event is at the Trinity Center on 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75207.

04.02.11
Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride
Texas Horse Park 12pm

THP invites the community to join us in raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, one of the world's premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. This volunteer-based horseback trail-riding event will feature a ride through the Trinity Forest, activities for children and new riders, a virtual tour of the facilities being built at the park, refreshments for both our two-legged and four-legged participants, and a secret contest to be announced to our participants in March. More information will be announced soon, meanwhile, please sign-up for the ride at Saddle Up For St. Jude or for more information contact ride coordinator Caroline Manning at cbhmanning26@yahoo.com or (214) 675-1316.

Ride for the Rescues: THP Helps Set World Record and Save Horses

On June 13, 2010, THP was honored to be part of a Guinness World Record while also helping to raise money and awareness for rescue horses. The ride, spearheaded by THP Board member, Kristina Bowman, was put on by the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) and benefitted the Humane Society of the United States' Equine Rescue program. More than 60 riders at the Texas Horse Park joined over 2,000 riders across the country by participating in the largest recreational trail ride in history. The ride consisted of more than six miles of trail, six judged obstacles and a rest stop at the beautiful Trinity River Audubon Center that included refreshments for both horses and riders. There were even volunteers there to hold and water horses while the riders took a break. The top six scoring riders in each category (Open, Pleasure and Youth) received ribbons, ACTHA Bucks/points and a choice of great prizes from the prize table. All riders received a Guinness Participation Certificate and ribbon as well as a goodie bag from Texas Horse Park.

The only Youth rider was 12 year old Daria Glass riding her POA, Pepper. When she realized she was the only one in her class, she switched to "Open" - not wanting to win by default....and she still came in 4th place. Wow, what a kid, and what a horsewoman!

All the horses were incredible - representing a wide variety of breeds and disciplines. Riders participated on everything from Arabians, Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds and Paints to Warmbloods, Morgans, Mustangs, Paso Finos, Fox Trotters, Gypsies and even Clydesdales.

THP was very proud to have two of Dallas' Finest Mounted Police Officers riding as our safety riders, S.C. Bryan Gibbs on Police mount CA Trojan and S.C. Dale Baugh riding Police mount Time Traveler. Thanks to Tracy and Bob Caruth for donating those fine horses (offspring of DA Napitov+/) to The Dallas Mounted Police as well as arranging for them to ride with us.

Although it was hot, the riders all seemed to enjoy themselves and especially loved getting a "sneak peek" of the future Texas Horse Park.

Thank you to Dover Saddlery, Lucky Dog Bakery, Keith Dibley/DFW Infrared, Cavallo and Vetericyn for donating prizes. Thanks also to the wonderful judges that volunteered their time: Jamey Rhoades, Diane Mack, Bill Buehler, Brycie Wynne, Dominique Miller and Robin Sugg (who also donated the refreshments).

Special thanks to Mary and Jamey Rhoades, Dr. Kent Arnold, Bob Caruth, Dr. Margo McClinton, Marian Buehler, Lisa Pedersen, Jaymie Sattiewhite, Pam Turton, Liz Perales and Manuel Perales and all the board members and volunteers who helped make this ride happen!

$1 Million Milestone Is Surpassed

This February, THP was challenged by the City to reinvigorate the Horse Park project. Our goal was $1 million by April 1st. After almost four years of planning, designing and growing a base for support the board knew we had to convert these efforts into financial commitments.

Thanks to an early anonymous $100,000 challenge pledge and support from the Trinity Trust organization, a major effort was initiated. A $100,000 gift from a THP President’s Council member enhanced early momentum. A board member added a $100,000, which was soon followed by $100,000 from the Communities Foundation. We were at 40 percent of our goal. President’s Council members and board members contributed $160,000. The Hillcrest Foundation confirmed a $200,000 grant as did the Dallas Foundation for $75,000. With a week to go before our deadline we were at $855,000.

Seeing our progress the deadline was extended to May 15. Our board members added $50,000, while Presidents Council members added $30,000. We were still $65,000 short of the challenge. With days to go we received a $50,000 gift from Garrett and Cecilia Boone and $50,000 from John and Cele Carpenter, to put us over the top.

The icing on the cake was the addition of many generous gifts from our Facebook Friends and on line supporters for over $12,000. A subsequent grant of $50,000 from the Hoblitzelle Foundation has allowed us to meet the challenge and keep the lights on! Over 75 donors kept the Texas Horse Park vision alive and ready to start construction in 2011. Sambuca Restaurant hosted a celebration reception for the donors on June 3rd. Blue Texas Horse Park Championship ribbons were given to all donors as a small token of our appreciation and as a memento, so that these donors will always remember they kept the dream alive for all of Dallas.

The board continues to seek and additional $14 million in funding to ensure the Phase I vision of the Texas Horse Park is fully achieved.

Where We Are Now and How You Can Help

During the final push for the $1 million, THP did an extensive review of the Master Plan, the Business Plan and the Horse Park's budget. Based on this review, and in cooperation with the City and BRW Architects, a decision was made to modify the Master Plan to accomplish two things. First, changes were made to the overall layout to accommodate a broader cross-section of equine and non-equine events. Second, alternations were made to certain materials and structures to lower overall construction and long-term operation costs. BRW has done a beautiful job of maintaining a park-like feel to the facility and we are confident the revised Master Plan will quickly become an A-list destination for equine events of all breeds and disciplines.

Additionally, THP has been working with the City and the Trinity Committee to get the final, formal approval of the revised Master Plan and Budget so we can break ground in late 2011 or early 2012. THP hopes to go before the Trinity Committee and then the City Council in early 2011. Please show your support for the Texas Horse Park by contacting your local Council member or writing a letter of support during this critical time.

And, of course, we continue to raise funds for the development of the Horse Park and for our operations during the construction period. If you would like to help financially or by volunteering your time or talents, please let us know. Contact our Executive Director Jaymie Sattiewhite at jaymie@texashorsepark.com or (214) 269-5699.