Keep FSO's Equine Program Thriving
Donation protected
Many of you know me from my days as a modeling agent. I had the opportunity of working with so many wonderful families over my 10-year career. In 2021, I took a giant leap from modeling agent to ranch attendant at The Foundation of Southern Oregon.
This change couldn’t have been more night and day, but my heart immediately fell in love with the purpose and mission of this organization. Working with horses and animals is such a joy, but the real treasure is the relationships I’ve built with our clients, families, and volunteers. For those of you unfamiliar, The Foundation of Southern Oregon (FSO) serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offer opportunities to connect with nature, be a part of a working farm, and an amazing equine program that teaches everything from groundwork to time in the saddle. I get the privilege of teaching and spending time with clients with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, non-verbal students and through the work at FSO, I’ve come to see the person and not the disability.
As a non-profit we have been so fortunate to have had a large donor since 2019 that allowed us to build the program to what it is today. As times change, our donor's level of support has significantly diminished, thus leading to our fundraising efforts. To run a facility of this nature with 11 equine and 3 small animals takes time, hard working staff, and finances. Our horses offer so much to each of our clients. Working with animals has shown to help the ability to build confidence, emotional awareness, problem-solving, empathy, teamwork, social skills, impulse control, and more. Imagine being a non-verbal child and finding a way to communicate with a 1400 lb animal with no words. To be born with Cerebral Palsy and enjoy the freedom of trotting a barrel pattern with the wind in your hair when just walking causes difficulty.
As a team we are dedicated to doing everything we can to keep our program open. We believe wholeheartedly in the strength and freedom that comes from connecting with horses and animals.
No donation is too small. Please open your hearts and make a difference in so many people’s lives.
Funds raised will directly benefit FSO and our continued efforts to keep this program moving forward and available to our clients with disabilities.
Short term day to day needs
Horse/Animal care
•feed/grains
•farrier fees
•routine vet visits
•emergency vet visits
•fly spray and masks
•supplements
•fence repairs/maintenance
Facilities Maintenance
•routine repairs
•cleaning
•fuel for large equipment
•trail maintenance
*Scholarship Fund (for the first time since opening we are unable to offer free lessons to the disabled community)
Long term Goals
Sensory Trail Completion to allow our non-equestrian clients to enjoy nature walks with added sensory structures.
Continue to grow our program
For more information on FSO please visit our website:
To make a donation directly to FSO or to become a monthly donor:
Organizer
Hollie Tenberge
Organizer
Medford, OR