Saratoga Springs, NY — What began as a simple idea to create new brush boxes for the staff and therapy horses at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) became a story of teamwork, creativity, and heart. On Thursday, October 16, the farm came alive with community members, partners, and friends of the herd who gathered to celebrate the completion of the new custom-built brush boxes, designed and handcrafted through a collaboration between The Charlton School, Curtis Lumber, and the THS team.
The idea first took root in April 2024 when THS Board Member Sharon Dominguez reached out with an email about building brush boxes to help organize grooming supplies used in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy sessions. In response, Equine Care Manager Rachel Hodgson shared design concepts and ideas, and from there, the project quickly grew into something much larger than a construction plan.
By February 2025, students from The Charlton School visited the farm to meet the horses who would one day use the boxes. That visit brought new meaning to their work. Seeing the horses up close and learning about their role in supporting mental health inspired the students to pour their hearts into every step of the project.
When asked to get involved, Curtis Lumber jumped in without hesitation, generously donating all of the materials needed to bring the students’ designs to life. Their contribution made it possible for the project to move forward and gave the students the tools and support they needed to turn their vision into reality.
Working under the guidance of The Woodworking Instructor, Tyler Minehan, and The Career Development Teacher, Kathy Cromie, and with support from Executive Director Alex Capo and Chief Strategy & Impact Officer Bo Goliber, the students carefully designed and built each brush box from scratch. They proudly displayed their prototype at The Charlton School’s Equine Event in May 2025, and by July, the boxes were complete and ready to make their way to the THS farm.
The finishing touches came from even more helping hands. A corporate volunteer group from Pfizer, led by Nicole Montgomery and Linda Carioto, stained and sealed the boxes, and THS volunteer Chuck Lobasco installed the first one in September. Soon after, THS volunteers Mery Wheeden and Kim Baccoli painted the small hearts installed inside each box, a special connection to THS and a symbol of the love and teamwork that defined the project.
At the ribbon cutting, Kim Weir, Director of Strategic Growth at THS, reflected on how one idea blossomed into a meaningful community collaboration.
“This started with a spark of connection that grew into something so much bigger than we could have imagined,” said Weir. “These brush boxes are more than just a place to hold brushes. They represent care, creativity, and community coming together for a shared purpose. Projects like this remind us that we are all in this together, and when we collaborate, we create something truly beautiful.”
The morning celebration included heartfelt remarks, light refreshments, and photo opportunities with the THS horses, who were curious to check out their new brush boxes. Guests left feeling inspired by the spirit of community that continues to fuel the mission of THS every day.
PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST!
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
- Time: 10:00 am
- Attended by: Mayor John Safford, Bo Goliber from The Charlton School, Gina Gamble from Curtis Lumber, THS Founder and Executive Director Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk, THS Board Members David Swank, Sharon Dominguez, Ramon Dominguez, THS Staff, and friends of the herd.
