February might bring chilly temperatures and a blanket of snow to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, but there’s warmth in our hearts as we embrace the winter season. While we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring and all the vibrant energy it brings, we are excited to share the latest updates, heartwarming stories, and upcoming events that highlight the incredible impact of our equine companions even in these colder months.
Whether you’re a dedicated volunteer, a passionate supporter, or a curious newcomer, we invite you to join us on this journey of healing, learning, and connection amidst the serene beauty of Saratoga Springs. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those we serve while counting down the days until we can enjoy the sunshine once again!
Join us on Thursday February 27th at the Horseshoe Inn Bar and Grill for a memorable night of camaraderie and celebration! This special event supports our Freedom Rein program, which provides essential equine therapy to Veterans and Service Members, helping them heal through the transformative power of our horses.
Tickets are just $55, and all proceeds will directly contribute to our goal of raising $5,000 to sponsor four Veterans or Service Members in attending a six-week Equine Therapy Group.
Enjoy live music, a delicious buffet, and a cash bar while celebrating retired racehorses in their second careers. Let’s come together as a herd to support our troops and these incredible horses!
Event Details:
- When: February 27, 2025 | 6:00–10:00 PM
- Where: Horseshoe Inn Bar and Grill, 9 Gridley St, Saratoga Springs, NY
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to make a difference! Tell your friends, grab your tickets and help us give back to those who served. Grab your tickets today!
THS Equine Spotlight – Fantastic Shirl
We are excited to feature one of our beloved horses here at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga: Fantastic Shirl, affectionately known as “Shirl.” This retired Thoroughbred mare was foaled in 2003, by Fantastic Light out of Lady Shirl. With her striking dusty chestnut coat and sweet nature, Shirl brings a unique blend of charm and personality to our farm.
Before joining us at THS, Shirl had a successful racing career, competing in 19 races and earning an impressive $250,000. She was responsibly retired to our farm in May 2023, where she now enjoys a peaceful life while continuing to make a positive impact through her therapeutic presence.
Though she has a mighty roar and loves to express herself, Shirl is a gentle soul who gets along wonderfully with her paddock mates, Miss Day and Doc. Her calm demeanor makes her an ideal companion for both horses and humans alike.
Shirl’s ability to connect with people and provide comfort has made her an invaluable member of our team. Whether it’s her gentle interactions or her calming presence, Shirl helps foster an atmosphere of healing and growth.
We are grateful to have Fantastic Shirl as part of our therapeutic team and look forward to sharing more of her journey with you!
THS Community Connection – Saratoga Springs Public Library
We had a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community during our visit to the Saratoga Springs Public Library on January 22nd, where we brought along our two miniature horses, Kramer and Kremepuff. This special event gave us the chance to engage local children and showcase the healing and comfort our horses offer to individuals in our community.
Children and parents took part in a meet-and-greet with our two “minis”, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the services we offer at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga and the positive impact our horses have on individuals. The setting allowed children to observe the calmness of the horses and experience the nurturing bond that can form between humans and animals.
Kramer and Kremepuff responded beautifully to the children (of all ages), creating a tranquil atmosphere throughout the library’s Dutcher Community Room. Everyone had a great time connecting with them while discovering more about our mission and outreach efforts.
We are grateful to Kristine Schultz, Youth Services Librarian at Saratoga Springs Public Library, for organizing this wonderful evening and offer a big thank you to all our THS volunteers who joined us. We look forward to more opportunities to share our love for horses and the healing they bring!
If you know of a community organization that would like to host the THS Minis, contact Enzo (enzo@thsaratoga.org). Suggestions welcome!
THS Ambassador Spotlight – Lisa Higgins
We are thrilled to shine a light on Lisa Higgins, a valued friend and supporter of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. Although Lisa was not originally a horse person, her journey with THS began through her connection to Brown Road Racing and her family’s ownership of Saratoga Honda. After attending the John Oates concert at our farm in 2023, she was captivated by the therapeutic benefits of the collaboration between horses and humans, sparking her interest in our mission.
Inspired by her experience, she reached out to THS to explore volunteer opportunities at THS. For the past year and a half, she has dedicated her time as an equine volunteer, eagerly helping whenever she can. Lisa is always eager to dive into farm chores and horse-related duties, embracing every opportunity to build her confidence around these amazing creatures.
She is passionate about strengthening the partnership between Saratoga Honda and THS. Last December she put her passion into action, alongside her husband, Tim, by creating the festive holiday benefit event held at Saratoga Honda where families donated $10 to take photos with Santa and our mini horses, Kramer and Kremepuff. With support from local partners at the Bread Basket and Lazy Dog Cookie Company, this event brought joy to dozens of Saratoga families and raised valuable funds and friends for THS!
With a genuine appreciation for our horses and a desire to contribute, Lisa looks forward to continuing her volunteer work and providing financial support to our mission. We are grateful to have her on our team and excited to see the impact she will continue to make at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga!
THS Freedom Rein – Supporting the Yellow Ribbon Program
We are proud to support the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, which provides essential resources for National Guard and Reserve Soldiers and their families throughout the deployment cycle. Understanding the unique mental and emotional challenges that Service Members face during their transition to civilian life, our Freedom Rein Program offers Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) completely FREE to Service Members and Veterans, available in both individual and group settings.
Our programs can provide crucial support before deployment by helping families prepare for separation, during deployment with structured therapy sessions that alleviate stress and loneliness, and after deployment by easing the reintegration process for Veterans struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and relationship challenges.
The Yellow Ribbon Program plays a vital role in supporting Service Members and their families, and we offer Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and other Equine-Assisted Services that can complement these efforts. Through hands-on activities with therapy horses and specialized workshops, we help foster resilience, connection, and healing for those navigating the challenges of deployment and transition.
Our next Freedom Rein Project group session will begin at the THS farm in early April. Sign ups are open now. If you know a Veteran or Service Member who may be open and interested in experiencing the unique benefits of this program, please share this information. We encourage any interested Service Members or Veterans to reach out to Dana at dpanetta@ecsps.com for more information.
THS Staff Spotlight – Enzo Tirino
Join us in welcoming Enzo Tirino to our Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga family! A dedicated horse racing enthusiast, Enzo’s passion for horses began in the early 2000s while watching the legendary Ghostzapper race in New York, further blossoming during Zenyatta’s remarkable career on the West Coast.
With a wealth of experience in marketing and social media, Enzo brings valuable skills to our team while cherishing the calming presence of horses, which provide him with peace in his daily life.
Enzo enjoys the simple pleasure of morning coffee on the backstretch and feels grateful to be part of a community that values both horses and their rich history. He is eager to contribute to our mission of horse aftercare and is committed to fostering a supportive environment for both the horses and the individuals who benefit from their care.
Outside of his work, Enzo embraces his Italian heritage by making pizza and enjoying quality time with family over Sunday dinners. He proudly continues the legacy of the Sons of Italy soccer team, founded by his grandfather Pasquale in 1956, actively participating as a player.
We are thrilled to have Enzo on board and look forward to the meaningful impact he will make as our Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator. In this role, Enzo will be working closely with our dedicated volunteers, fostering connections within the community and enhancing our outreach efforts. His passion for horses and commitment to our mission will help strengthen our programs and support systems at THS.
Please join us in welcoming Enzo “to the herd”!
How You Can Help
We are so grateful for the generous support of our community. Your contributions make a significant difference in the lives of our horses and the individuals we serve. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Amazon: Check out our Amazon Wish List for items that will directly benefit our programs and horses. Every gift, big or small, helps us provide the best care possible! View Wish List
- Tractor Supply: Explore our Tractor Supply Wish List to find essential supplies for the farm. Your support ensures our horses have everything they need to thrive! View Wish List
- Coming Soon – Malta Farm & Garden: Stay tuned for our upcoming wish list from Malta Farm & Garden, where you can find even more ways to support our mission!
✨ Give a Gift: Your kindness and generosity make our work possible. Click here to contribute to our efforts in caring for our horses and supporting our therapeutic programs. Monthly donations are always welcome. No gift is too small, every dollar makes a difference!
