Help get kids back on horseback at Howarth Park!

www.theponyexpressrocks.org 

Dear Friends of The Pony Express,

As I sit in the barn, listening to the gentle rustling of the horses, I'm reminded of the incredible journey that brought me here. I've always loved horses. Their power and presence captured my heart early on, guiding me to earn an MA in Education and Counseling, as well as degrees in Equine Facilitated Learning, Leadership, Wellness, and Coaching, along with a certificate in Equine Assisted Connection TM.

For ten years, I taught the Equine Program at Santa Rosa Junior College, sharing the profound connection we can form with these animals. Watching my students transform inspired me to create The Pony Express Equine Assisted Skills for Youth. The Pony Express EASY Program is a non-profit providing Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs for at-risk-youth in Sonoma County.

At the heart of The Pony Express is the Howarth Park Pony Corral. This is where most, if not all, of our programs for horses and young humans take place. Offering horse time to young humans opens their eyes to the transformative power of these amazing animals as teachers, healers, and agents of change.

Driven by a vision where every child can learn valuable leadership and life skills through hands-on learning with horses, my work here has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. I often think of Mariah. Mariah participated in our Equine Assisted Skills for Youth Program for ten years. She captures her experience below.

“It wasn’t just about riding; it was about learning, growing, and falling in love with everything that horses had to teach me…The Pony Express Equine Assisted Skills for Youth became so much more than just a program—it became my safe space. It gave me structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging during some of the most challenging years of my life. It helped me through middle school and high school, shaping me into the woman I am today."

This transformative EAL learning opportunity is at the heart of our mission. We've reached incredible milestones, yet there's more to achieve. Our ranch faced significant challenges due to the devastating Glass Fire that took our ranch in 2020. Coupled with closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to retire our Howarth Park herd, leaving our ranch in dire need of repair and resulting in the loss of valuable time and opportunities.

We can't get kids back on horseback at Howarth Park without the generosity of supporters who believe in our vision: a future where children like Mariah can grow and thrive.

I hope you'll join us on this beautiful path and help us bring our vision to fruition. Your support transforms lives empowered through partnerships with horses.

Sending much love, gratitude, and big horse hugs from The Pony Express Herd!

Linda Aldrich

Director, The Pony Express Equine Assisted Skills for Youth

Your Donation will Fund:

• $20,000: Horse Power

• $15,000: Human power to run the corral

• $10,000: Insurance

• $5,000: New Tack (saddles and bridles)