We are all capable of more than we think
Thanks to everyone who came out today for the Windrush Farm 50th Birthday Celebration. Such a great turnout. A huge thank you to all our bands, vendors, supporters, and volunteers. You all made today possible. Thanks for celebrating with us. Happy 50th.
<<Check out the photos by Kathy Joyce
A crowd of more than 300 people gathered under the tents to celebrate Windrush Farm’s 50th Anniversary at the Golden Jubilee on Saturday night.
Guests were greeted by ponies, Tucker and Wanda and then enjoyed cocktail hour with music by the Crosson sisters while reading an almost life-size timeline of the organization’s history. When the dining tent opened, Board member Ben Nutter and Executive Director Mandy Hogan started the show by thanking sponsors and welcoming our founder, Marj Kittredge’s children, Lucinda Sullivan, Ellen Kittredge Scott, and Charlie Kittredge.
There was a history video presentation and then dinner followed by the Windrush Farm Board of Director President, Bob Gore’s address to the community.
The evening concluded with “Pony Up” hosted by the entertaining Tim Vaill and Bob Gore during which the audience pledged more than $150,000 to the Windrush program. And finally, the night concluded with some energetic dancing.
Thank you to everyone who made the Jubilee possible.
As I started to write this, the question occurred to me: how many organizations like ours make it to age 50? I don’t have a precise answer but my best guess is: not many. There are many reasons for this but two stand out: continued dedication to the population served and disciplined execution.
Windrush has a long and honored legacy of doing a great job in both categories. Our core services remain very similar to the original concept yet the populations served and the needs addressed are often remarkably different. Our strategy has evolved as the organization has grown, the market changed and new opportunities open. This is the way it should be. Disciplined execution means an outstanding safety record, high-quality services and an efficient operation. Windrush should be proud of its record in each of these areas.
Contributed by Gina Armano
This year commemorates a remarkable event at Windrush Farm, the 50th anniversary that kicked off a movement started by our founder, Marj Kittredge. The number of individuals affected by what Marj began in 1964 is staggering. Thousands of clients and volunteers over the last 50 years plus the work of other centers that have sprung up across the country are a direct result of her work. Windrush Farm’s program is not only one of the first of its kind in the United States, but as we have evolved through the years, so has the diversity of our offerings and the versatility of the volunteers who make our programs happen every day.
The evolution of therapeutic riding allows individuals with disabilities an opportunity to explore alternative forms of treatment and recreation. The obstacles our clients must overcome to advance and improve their lives is awe-inspiring and their stories are endless. The horses provide their legs and their mobility, while our volunteers provide their support physically and emotionally. Their borrowed legs can go anywhere they want them to go, through the woods, across the fields, up and down hills, with an ease they otherwise never have.
Contributed by Megan Piermarini
It seems only natural that in our 50th year, we should honor a horse that truly embodies the spirit and message of Windrush. When evaluating potential horses, we look for qualities that include a kind spirit, a heart to take care of others, and that special twinkle in their eye. Swifty is the epitome of this.
We evaluated this small, chestnut quarter horse and knew within minutes that we needed him in our herd. Swifty was owned by the Bingham family and was at Chrislar Farm in Rowley, MA. Olivia Bingham began riding at Windrush Farm and when it was time for her to move up to a horse she could start showing, she and her family thought Windrush would be a great home for Swifty! Boy, are we lucky they thought that!
Swifty is used in all parts of our program. He does it all, and he does it all well! He does our therapeutic and unmounted program, hippotherapy, and beginner and intermediate riders. He goes to the beach and Bradley Palmer as well. He is safe, reliable, and a blast to ride. He loves to jump and to be out on grass. We surely won the jackpot with this horse!
Swifty is certainly excited to be a part of Windrush’s 50th celebration. He is hoping for carrot cake and apple pie to celebrate. He will be here with his party hat on in September, will you?
Contributed by Hayley Barrett
Time stands still here. The road is quiet and lined with trees. Horses graze in grassy meadows. Ducks paddle in the pond. Children ride ponies through the woods.
This is Windrush Farm. For fifty years, people of all ages and abilities have come here to find healing and hope. In 1964, Mrs. Marjorie Kittredge founded Windrush, one of the first therapeutic riding establishments in the country, with two horses and the profound conviction that, “everyone can do more than they think they can.’’
Today, Windrush serves nearly two thousand people a year. The farm enjoys decades-long relationships with the Perkins School for the Blind, Special Olympics, and St. Ann’s Home and School, among others. Innovative offerings include equine-assisted experiences for veterans, local youth-at-risk programs, and Spaulding Rehabilitation clients. More than five hundred dedicated volunteers devote their time to keep the farm thriving.
Get your chance to win $1,000. We’re once again hosting a cash raffle.
The winner will be chosen on Sunday, September 21st at the Birthday Celebration. (need not be present to win!)
Learn more about the celebration here and get your raffle tickets, here!
