The calendar may say October, not May, but New Hope Equine is still channeling big hats, mint juleps, and other Kentucky Derby-style touches for its annual gala on Friday, October 25, at Lucky Spur Ranch in Justin.
Themed "A Night at the Races," the 2024 fundraising party is sure to have Dallas-Fort Worth philanthropists "jockeying" (sorry, we couldn't resist) to attend. In fact, it was even named one of CultureMap Fort Worth's 10 most fabulous galas to attend this fall.
Guests will savor a delicious dinner and clink glasses at the open bar, bid on silent and live auctions, and then dance the night away to the music of the Champagne Yacht Club Band.
There will even be a chance to pet and pose with one of New Hope's therapy equines, which help the nonprofit continue its mission of providing freedom and confidence to people with a wide range of disabilities.
Say hi to a therapy horse.Photo by Savanna Romano Photography
Since 2012, New Hope has been healing through therapeutic horsemanship for people of all ages with physical, intellectual, or developmental special needs.
The year 2022 saw the debut of the Natural Horsemanship program for veterans and first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress.
Why does equine-assisted therapy work so well? Horses are especially empathetic and good at building relationships with their herd and their people. The equines can not only read human facial expressions, but can also remember a person’s previous emotional state and adjust their behavior based on their perception.
In addition to the emotional benefit, horses help physically. When one is sitting on a horse and the horse is walking, 100 adjustments a minute must be made to stay centered on the horse. That means in an hour-long lesson the body is adjusting a staggering 360,000 times. These adjustments may be small, but they make a huge difference in core strength and in the strength of other muscles in the body.
The horses benefit, too, with the majority of them enjoying a second life at New Hope. Some were even on local kill lists, and now have the opportunity to support the healing of more than 50 participants annually.
Each New Hope participant receives the highest safety precautions and care, with custom-designed therapy planned to target their unique needs and up to four volunteers per rider.
Sharla Kershen, New Hope's founder and program director. Photo by Savanna Romano Photography
Funds raised at the gala support the “New Hope” that riders need for a better quality of life.
This year's gala is lead by event chair Jason Hodson and honorary chair Betsy Price, the former Fort Worth mayor. They are supported by gala planning committee members Kathleen Beisly, Jennifer Kiedrowski, Nicole Matwijiw, and Jennifer Morris.
Tickets are available to purchase here. If you wish to get involved with New Hope Equine, visit www.NewHopeEquine.com or contact Kathleen Beisly at kbeisly@NewHopeEquine.com
Claire Messerle, Betsy Price, Katie MesserlePhoto by Savanna Romano
Guests bid in the live auction.Photo by Savanna Romano
Champagne Yacht Club Band kept the dance floor lively.Photo by Savanna Romano