Weekly Announcements for Current Riding Session

Read the Latest Announcements, News & Upcoming Events

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When riding session are in progress we send out weekly announcements via handouts at the barn, e-mail, Facebook, and here on the website.

Announcements for the Summer Riding Session

WEEK OF AUGUST 16 – 21, 2021

 

“You are successful the moment you start moving towards a goal.”- Charles Carlson
 

TEC is in the PSA mode ... Pivot, Shift, Adapt! – We have plenty to cover in this week’s Announcements.  We appreciate you taking the time to read as the information will impact each of us.

 

TEC IS ON THE MOVE – We are looking at all possibilities for a new home for TEC.  Currently, we are exploring facilities to rent.  The last week of October is planned for making our move to meet the November 1, 2021, deadline.  We will need volunteers to help and trucks to haul tack, equipment, hay, etc.  As we move forward, please watch your e-mails for updates. 

 

TEC’S MOVING & TACK SALE – Save the dates of Friday, Oct. 22 thru Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021.  Set up will be Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021.  We will need volunteers to help with tack cleaning, pricing of items, set up, and being there the days of the sale.  Please stay tuned for the times of the sale.  If you would like to help, please contact Lynn Pica, our Barn Manager, at 269-861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com. 

 

TEC’S STOCKING STUFFERS ARE BACK – Please watch as we will have reasonably priced items perfect for your early Christmas shopping.  You’ll find them at the moving sale and possibly during lessons in October. 

 

FALL SESSION QUICKLY APPROACHING – With our upcoming move the dates for fall session must change.  Classes will begin Sept. 13 and end Oct. 16 with the final date varying depending upon the day of lessons.  Please plan to wear masks and follow the COVID procedures listed below.

 

  1. We are offering private, semi-private, and group lessons up to 3 riders.  Private lessons will remain a ½ hour long, semi-private 45 minutes long, and 3 riders 1.15 minutes long.  This includes grooming, tacking, and riding. 

  2. Cost for lessons will increase from the previous COVID rates but will still be less than our 2019 rates.  Private/$30 a lesson; semi-private/$35; group/$25; and grooming/$30.  Scholarships, as always, are available on a case-by-case basis.  Please apply by visiting www.tecfarm.org/formstuitionassistance.

  3. Deadline for Fall Sign up is Sept. 1.  Participants, please complete your Schedule Request Forms ASAP.  You will find them on the wall in the Observation Room.  The completed forms go in the black mailbox.  Not participating this session or have questions?  Please contact Lisa Mearing, our Rider Coordinator, at 269-806-6892 or meariment@aol.com.

 

COVID PROCEDURE UPDATE - Since our counties have moved to higher COVID levels, we are following the recommendations of the Berrien County Health Department and CDC.  To keep everyone as safe as possible, we are wearing masks, continuing to use hand sanitizer, and cleaning tack; as well as, high touch surfaces such as brushes, door handles, light switches, and pens.

 

A WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT – Grace has worked hard since she came to TEC a few years ago.  At 28 years old, it is time to let her retire to start the next chapter of her life.  Her forever home has been found so her retirement party will be after lessons on Saturday, August 28 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.  If you would like to attend and give her some extra love, get your picture taken with her, etc. please notify TEC at 269-429-0671 or azicktec@gmail.com.  It will be an open house but if COVID requirements change we will set appointments.

 

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE – Welcome Lexie and Winston!  Lexie is a 10-year-old bay Quarter Horse mare.  She is quickly learning about her new role at TEC and being a kind mare who enjoys people.  Garth was glad to see another guy finally come to TEC!  Winston is a 21-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse.  He’s a “been there done that” kind of horse.  Winston has adjusted quickly to his new role and is already giving lessons to TEC participants.

 

THANK YOU KITCHENAID VOLUNTEERS! – On Friday, August 6, 2021, 13 KitchenAid volunteers came to work at the barn.  And, boy, they really worked hard!  They leveled several stalls so the horses will be more comfortable, took down cobwebs, picked the pastures of horse manure, fixed fences, cleaned the Observation Room, bathroom, cleaned tack, groomed horses, and much more!  It was a busy morning!  We are very grateful for their help!  Another thanks to the TEC volunteers who came to work with them!

 

CAN YOU HELP? – TEC would welcome donations of bottled water and a couple of small plastic pitch forks that younger participants/campers can use to clean stalls. 

 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING SUNDAY EVENINGS? – How about spending it with our TEC horses?!?!?  We have 2 volunteers who will be out of the lineup due to broken bones (injuries not sustained at TEC).  We provide training and you will work with a veteran volunteer.  It’s a great way to start your week!  For more information, please contact Lynn Pica, our Barn Manager, at 269-861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com.

 

DO YOU LOVE GOLF OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES? – TEC has been chosen as the benefit partner for the 1st annual BAIRD Private Wealth Management Company Golf Outing.  For this year, it is only open to golfers who are their clients.  BUT we do need volunteers for Monday, September 13, 2021, in 2 shifts.  The first is from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.  You would be helping with set up, checking golfers in, giving out goodie bags, etc.  The 2nd shift is from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. helping with passing out awards, putting things away, etc.  The golf outing will be held at Lake Michigan Hills in Benton Harbor.  We will have our TEC booth there and an opportunity to share about our mission. More details to follow.  Save the date and please contact Autumn at azicktec@gmail.com or 269-429-0671, if you can help with part of the day.

 

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD – TEC is looking for volunteers.  You can help by taking a flier and putting it up on community boards around where you live; such as, grocery stores, banks, church, Tractor Supply, etc.  You’ll find the fliers on the table in the Observation Room.  Thank you!  You can also spread the word using this link - https://bit.ly/2Wyfoa8.  

 

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS- The Papa Vino’s Giveback days are coming soon – Sept. 20, 21, 22, and 23.  Help support TEC raise funds by presenting an event voucher!  You can come as many times as you want during those days bringing a voucher each time.  We will receive 15% to 20% of the sales with each voucher turned in!  You can download event vouchers at https://bit.ly/papavinogivebacknight.  This event will be held at Papa Vino’s restaurant, 1332 Hilltop Rd., St. Joseph, MI  49085.  Vouchers are available in the Observation Room at the barn or on our website at https://bit.ly/papavinogivebacknight.  For more info, visit https://www.tecfarm.org/fundraisers-specialevents.

 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – Give participants choices.  For example, “Mary would you like to use the curry comb or the mane comb?”  If they are unable to verbally respond, have them point to the brush or a picture of the brush they wish to use.  Choices can also be used to improve behavior.  “Mary, let’s make a good choice and hold the reins.”  Then be sure to praise the participant for making a good choice.

 

BACKPACKS FOR GOOD – We are sharing an opportunity for students in the 49022-zip code area.   Backpacks For Good, is a school readiness event for students who live in the Benton Harbor zip code (regardless of what school they go to).  This event is generously sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation and will provide 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies and other community resources. 

  1. What: Backpacks For Good

  2. When: August 25, 3 to 6 p.m.

  3. Where: Whirlpool Riverview Campus, 600 W. Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

  4. What/Who is eligible: any K-12 student in the 49022-zip code is encouraged to come get a backpack with school supplies.  No registration or documentation needed. 

  5. More info? www.berriencommunity.org/backpacksforgood.

 

DID YOU KNOW? – It costs TEC $6,500 a year per horse to provide shelter, feed, bedding, supplements, veterinary, and farrier care.  It would be higher if we didn’t have help from our chore volunteers!

 

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – Hey honey, have you seen the dog bowl?  No, I haven’t, is he any good?

WEEK OF AUGUST 2 – 7, 2021

 

Advice from a Horse:

“Take life’s hurdles in stride.  Loosen the reins.  Be free spirited.  Keep the burrs from under our saddle.  Carry our friends when they need it.  Keep stable.  Gallop to greatness!”
 

ONCE UPON A TIME 5K – We want to thank our sponsors, volunteers, participants, and most of all SWMI RACERS for making the 4th annual race a success!  It keeps growing each year with the number of participants.  The funds raised will be used to provide care for our horses.  Thanks again to all!

 

CAMP TEC – What a fun time we had last week during our July Camp TEC!  Our theme was the Olympics and our participants showed plenty of courage, teamwork, and can-do attitudes as they learned how to groom and tack their horse, interacted with their horse in the arena, helped to clean their stalls, and enjoyed fun activities that included hand painting Grace and creating fun crafts. Thanks to all who worked to make it a success!  The campers were very proud of what they accomplished!

 

If you are interested in our August Camp TEC it runs August 25, 26 & 27 from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  We are encouraging campers to have a family member or someone participate as a volunteer.  There is limited availability so don’t delay as the deadline to sign up is this Saturday, August 7.  Please contact our Rider Coordinator, Lisa Mearing, at 269-806-6892 or meariment@aol.com. 

 

 

CAMP TEC VOLUNTEERS … WE WANT YOU – Be a part of the team and watch the horses work their magic!  Our August Camp TEC is the 25, 26 & 27 from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  We need horse leaders, sidewalkers, and people to help with crafts/stable management activities.  Volunteers will need to arrive by 8:30 a.m. and you should be done by 12:15 p.m. We prefer volunteers to help all 3 days but if that isn’t possible, please tell us when you can.  To sign up, please contact TEC’s Volunteer Coordinator, Elisabeth Diaz, at 586-242-2749 or ekdiaz.tec@gmail.com.

 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING SUNDAY EVENINGS? – How about spending it with our TEC horses?!?!?  We have 2 volunteers who will be out of the lineup due to broken bones (injuries not sustained at TEC).  We will train and you will work with a veteran volunteer.  It’s a great way to start your week!  For more information, please contact Lynn Pica, our Barn Manager, at 269-861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com.

 

ONE MORE VOLUNTEER WANTED - The employees of Kitchenaid are coming this Friday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  They are helping us with several projects around the barn and pastures.   We are asking for 1 more volunteer to be here that day from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. to work with them.  If you can help, please contact TEC’s Barn Manager, Lynn P., at 269-861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com. 

 

 

SPECIAL HORSE TREATS – Thanks to Nikki M. for making the special treats.  The horses are loving the peppermints in them!  You’ll find them in the refrigerator to give out during lessons.  1 treat per horse, please.

 

WE HAVE TREATS, TOO, FOR YOU! – Volunteers and participants will find candy bars in the refrigerator.  For a $1 donation per bar, they can be yours!  Payment goes in the envelope and then those are placed in the payment box by the office.  Satisfy your sweet tooth and help TEC at the same time!

 

HARDINGS COMMUNITY REWARDS – Thank you to the shoppers at Harding’s grocery stores who have signed up for TEC to be their community rewards partner.  A percentage of what they buy is donated to us.  We just received a check for $62.09 for the past 3 months of purchases.  To sign up, please go to www.hardings.com/savings-and-rewards/community-rewards.

 

MOUSE PATROL WANTS YOUR HELP – Our 2 barn cats would appreciate donations of dry cat food.  We would also welcome donations of mouthwash to scrub our feed dishes and water buckets.  Thanks!

 

DO YOU LOVE GOLF OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES? – TEC has been chosen as the benefit partner for the 1st Annual BAIRD Private Wealth Management Company Golf Outing.  For this year, it is only open to golfers who are their clients.  BUT we do need approximately 12 volunteers for Monday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lake Michigan Hills, Benton Harbor.  We will have our TEC booth there and an opportunity to share about our mission.  Volunteers are needed at the TEC booth, sign in, passing out goodie bags, water station, etc.  More details to follow.  Save the date and please contact Autumn at azicktec@gmail.com or 269-429-0671, if you can help with any part of the day.

 

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD – TEC is looking for volunteers.  You can help by taking a flier and putting it up on community boards around where you live.  Grocery stores, banks, church bulletin boards, Tractor Supply, etc.  You’ll find the fliers on the table in the Observation Room.  Thank you! 

 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – Keep directions short and sweet.

 

DID YOU KNOW? – It costs TEC $6,500 a year per horse to provide shelter, feed, bedding, supplements, veterinary, and farrier care.  It would be higher if we didn’t have help from our chore volunteers!

 

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – What do you call 2 birds that stick together?  Velcro.

WEEK OF JULY 19 – 24, 2021

 

“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – An Irish Blessing

 

MAGGIE HAS A NEW HOME – Maggie will be moving to a home where she can be turned out more and be a pasture mate.  Her medical needs will also be taken care of.  Thank you, Maggie, for helping our participants.  Enjoy your retirement!

 

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS! – The next edition of the TEC Connections is in the mail.  Our newsletter takes a village to complete!  Thank you to Jane I., Kris R., Reyna P, Linda D., Lauren T., Tessa & Teagen N., Cindy P., Barb L., and Donna C.  Please watch your mail for this edition!

 

WHO IS WHO? – We can fix that!  Elisabeth Diaz, our TEC Volunteer Coordinator, has reorganized the volunteer and participant name tags.  You’ll find them in the Observation Room in alphabetical order by your first name.  Please return your name tag to the board when you are done volunteering or participating for the day.  Thank you!

 

KITCHENAID VOLUNTEERS ARE COMING – On Friday, August 6, during the morning, we have 10 to 15 Kitchenaid employees coming to help us at TEC.  We are asking for 2 to 3 volunteers to be here that day from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to work with them as they help around the barn and pastures.  If you can help, please contact TEC’s Barn Manager, Lynn P., at 269-861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com. 

 

THE ONCE UPON A TIME 5K IS THIS SATURDAY – To sign up as a runner/walker, please go to runsignup.com/onceuponatime5k.  There you will find information on fees, shirts, and race details.  Please spread the word to family and friends that this race can be done virtually for anyone who wants to support the event.

 

Thanks to those who have already signed up to volunteer!  We need 1 more volunteer.  To sign up as a volunteer, please contact Beth C. at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com. https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MI/Baroda/OnceUponaTime5K.

 

CAMP TEC IS NEXT WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY – VOLUNTEERS are needed to help as leaders and sidewalkers.  Volunteers, please arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. and we should be done by 12:15 p.m. To sign up, please contact TEC’s Volunteer Coordinator, Elisabeth Diaz, at 586-242-2749 or ekdiaz.tec@gmail.com.

 

OUR HAY BURNERS NEED HELP –   We have a number of chore volunteers who are going on vacation.  There are a variety of morning and evenings slots available.  It’s a great way to get to know our horses!   For more information, please contact Lynn Pica, our Barn Manager, at 269-861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com.  

 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – Think about how you like to be told something.  The tone and volume of your voice is important.  The words may be the same but the tone and volume can take on a different meaning.  For example, a participant who is being loud will probably be more apt to listen to you if you are quieter with your voice and speak slower.  Don’t add “fuel to the fire”.   

 

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – I got this strange disease where I can’t stop making airport jokes.  The doctor says it’s terminal.

WEEKS OF JULY 5 – 17, 2021

 

“When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have.”—Winston Churchill

 

TEC’s NEW VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR – TEC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Elisabeth Diaz has accepted the position as TEC’s Volunteer Coordinator.  We’re excited for her energy and ideas!  Participants and lesson volunteers, if you are going to be absent, please contact Elisabeth ASAP.  Her contact information, is (586) 242-2749 or ekdiaz.tec@gmail.com.

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 IS THE DEADLINE FOR OUR JULY CAMP – Come have fun and learn more about horses at the same time!  These camps are designed for those able to participate for almost 3 hours of instruction.  There will be no more than 8 campers in each camp and will be grouped according to age and skill level.  The cost for each camp is $155 with very generous scholarships available thanks to the Michigan Elks Association Major Project Commission.  TEC participant forms must be completed including the physician’s statement.   For camp information, please contact TEC’s Rider Coordinator, Lisa Mearing, at (269) 806-6892 or meariment@aol.com.

 

TEC CAMP VOLUNTEERS are needed as well to help during riding/leading and other horse-related activities/crafts.  To sign up, please contact TEC’s Volunteer Coordinator, Elisabeth Diaz, at (586) 242-2749 or ekdiaz.tec@gmail.com.

 

QUICKLY APPROACHING - THE ONCE UPON A TIME 5K – Saturday, July 24 will be here before we know it!  To sign up as a runner/walker, please go to runsignup.com/onceuponatime5k.  There you will find information on fees, shirts, and race details.  Please spread the word to family and friends that this race can be done virtually for anyone who wants to support the event.  Details are also available at the barn. 

 

Thanks to those who have already signed up to volunteer!  We just need 1 more volunteer with a “take charge” personality to stand at Cleveland Avenue.  To sign up as a volunteer please contact Beth C. at (269) 325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com or https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MI/Baroda/OnceUponaTime5K.

 

MAGGIE “OUR PRINCESS” TO RETIRE – Maggie has earned her retirement and is looking to enjoy the next chapter of her life.  She is a black and white Paint, 15.3 hands tall, who is approximately16-years old.  Maggie is being rehomed as a pasture pet ONLY due to periodic lameness in her front legs.  She is currently on arthritis medication; although, being turned out 24/7 may ease some of her discomfort.  Maggie should have access to a run-in shed as well.  She has a ton of personality and loves to be loved on.  If you or you know of someone who would give Maggie her forever home, please contact TEC Barn Manager, Lynn Pica, at (269) 861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com. 

 

BILLING CLARIFICATION FOR TEC LESSONS – For our summer session, we are still following the COVID pricing for lessons.  That is $25 for a private lesson, $30 for a semi-private lesson, and $20 for a group lesson of 3 or more riders.  For those that paid a different amount, TEC will carry forward your balance and apply it to the next session you participate in.  Any questions?  Please contact TEC Board Treasurer, Barb L., at barblenhard@aol.com.

 

KITCHENAID VOLUNTEERS ARE COMING – On Friday, August 6 during the morning we have 10-15 Kitchenaid employees coming to help us at TEC.  We are asking for 2-3 TEC volunteers to be here that day from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to work with them as they help around the barn and pastures.  If you can help, please contact TEC’s Barn Manager, Lynn Pica, at (269) 861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com. 

 

WANT TO VOLUNTEER FROM HOME? – We are looking for a few people to help us fold, seal, and put mailing labels on our next edition of our newsletter the TEC Connections.  If you can help, please contact TEC at 269-429-0671 or azicktec@gmail.com. 

 

OUR HAY BURNERS NEED HELP –   We have a number of chore volunteers who are going on vacation.  This means we are in need of substitute Chore Volunteers.  There are a variety of morning and evenings slots available.  It’s a great way to get to know our horses!   For more information, please contact TEC Barn Manager, Lynn Pica, at (269) 861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com. 

 

CAN YOU HELP? – TEC would welcome donations of mouthwash.  We use it to clean the horse’s water buckets.  We also appreciate donations of paper towels and Ultrashield fly spray.  Thank you ahead of time!

 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – Never take the liberty of pushing a person’s wheelchair, crutches, walker, cane, or assistive device without permission. 

 

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – There’s a new bar in town for seniors.  The favorite pick-up line is “Do I come here often?”.

WEEK OF JUNE 28 – July 3, 2021

 

“Life isn’t about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself.”

 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! – Please enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends.  We will not have classes this Saturday, July 3 or Monday, July 5 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. 

 

COVID UPDATE – What has TEC decided for its participants, family members/caregivers, volunteers, and staff members? 

 

Taking into consideration the difference between required, recommended, and discretion; and keeping in mind the importance of best practices, TEC is making the following changes to its COVID-19 policies and procedures:

 

Individuals vaccinated or non-vaccinated …

  • Will no longer be required to wear a mask outdoors or indoors.  Individuals may choose to wear a mask.  Best practices, recommends that non-vaccinated individuals wear a mask.

  • Will no longer be required to maintain 6’ social distancing indoors or outdoors. Individuals may choose to maintain 6’ social distance indoors or outdoors. Best practices, recommends that non-vaccinated individuals maintain social distance whenever possible.

 

At the beginning of each lesson, each participant and volunteer will decide if they want to wear a mask.  If someone decides to wear a mask, they can also request that everyone involved in the lesson that day also wear a mask.

 

Please visit https://www.tecfarm.org/covidsafetymeasures for further clarification about the recommendations.

 

OBSERVATION ROOM & BSO – The Observation Room is once again being used for participant and volunteer sign in/out.  Name tags will also be there.  BSO’s will continue to greet people, assist with sign in, and name tags.  They will also help clean tack and surfaces.  Please be patient as we continue to shift in light of the new guidelines.  A more detailed description of duties is in the works. 

 

MEET TEC’s NEW VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR – TEC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Elisabeth Diaz has accepted the position as TEC’s Volunteer Coordinator.  We’re excited for her energy and ideas!  Participants and lesson volunteers, if you are going to be absent, please contact Elisabeth ASAP.  Her contact information is (586) 242-2749 or ekdiaz.tec@gmail.com.  She is starting this week doing our lesson schedules. Elisabeth would like to share the following message:

 

“Hello to all TEC staff and volunteers!  I am delighted to be the Volunteer Coordinator and I aim to make TEC the best place to volunteer.  As a mother of a three- year -old boy and a six-month-old girl, I am always learning how to improve and make things fun.  I started out as a TEC volunteer and appreciate all the amazing work this organization does for the community, and it would not be possible without all the hardworking people of TEC.  I hope to establish a trustworthy professional relationship with all the volunteers and staff!  Hablo español también! Ustedes les pueden hablarme y mandarme correos electrónicos en español!”

 

Welcome to the TEC Team Elisabeth!

 

OUR HAY BURNERS NEED HELP – Our horses are asking for a few people who can help unload their hay into the barn.  They are only needed a few times a year and that varies depending on the weather.  Do you have a football player at home for the summer?  Please spread the word!  We also have a number of chore volunteers who are going on vacation.  There are a variety of morning and evenings slots available.  It’s a great way to get to know our horses and they tell you how much you are appreciated!  For more information, please contact Lynn Pica, TEC Barn Manager, at (269) 861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com.

 

WORKING HER MAGIC – We have a new horse at the barn who is here to see if she wants to become a member of the TEC team.  Her name is Magic and she is an Arabian.  You will see her in lessons as she learns about the job.

 

BOTTLED WATER – We have bottled water in the refrigerator that is available for a $0.25 cent donation.  Please place your money in the small green box that is in the Observation Room on the table.   Please place empty bottles in our recycle container located by the big front door.   

 

SIGN UP FOR TEC’S SUMMER DAY CAMPS – We have 2 camps planned for people with special needs.  The first is July 28, 29, 30; followed by the second camp August 25, 26, 27.  Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. daily. The deadline for registration for the July camp is July 14. Both camps will be held at TEC rain or shine.  Come build your horsemanship skills, enjoy crafts, and learn more about caring for horses.  These camps are designed for those able to participate for almost 3 hours of instruction.  There will be no more than 8 campers in each camp and will be grouped according to age and skill level.  The cost for each camp is $155 with very generous scholarships available thanks to the generosity of the Michigan Elks Association Major Project Commission.  TEC participant forms must be completed including the physician’s statement.   For camper information, please contact TEC’s Rider Coordinator, Lisa Mearing, at (269) 806-6892 or meariment@aol.com.  VOLUNTEERS are needed to help during riding/leading; as well as, other horse-related activities/crafts.  To sign up as a volunteer, please contact TEC’s Volunteer Coordinator, Elisabeth Diaz, at (586) 242-2749 or ekdiaz.tec@gmail.com.

 

ONCE UPON A TIME 5K RACE – Once again this year TEC is the benefit partner with SWMI RACERS for this event.  The race is scheduled for Saturday morning, July 24 in Baroda, MI.  We won’t have TEC classes that day, so please think about volunteering.  We need at least 30 volunteers to help with the event.   To sign up as a volunteer please contact Beth C. at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com or visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MI/Baroda/OnceUponaTime5K.

 

To sign up as a runner/walker, please go to runsignup.com/onceuponatime5k.  There you will find information on fees, shirts, and race details.  Please spread the word to family and friends that this race can be done virtually for anyone who wants to support the event.  Details are also available at the barn. 

 

CAN YOU HELP? – TEC would welcome donations of mouthwash.  We use it to clean the horse’s water buckets.  We also appreciate donations of paper towels and Ultrashield fly spray.  Thank you ahead of time!

 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – Please remember it often takes several times to learn a new skill.  That’s why you will see instructors present the same skill in different ways.

 

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – My sister just got back from the doctor and they said she had worms, so I took her fishing.