IF NEWS May 2003

Greetings

· Rider News: Our riders continue to improve in all their skills. All riders are learning new activities and enjoy them as much as everyone enjoys watching them. They have been using the outdoor arena which allows much more room for our equine friends to move about and enjoy the wonderful weather.

· Volunteer of the Month: Kristie Nutsch-Fulton, congratulations. Kristie has been with IF almost since the beginning. She and her husband Vern both volunteer their time, talents and their horse, Mac. Kristie is from Washington, KS and attended schools in Washington, graduating from Washington High School. She is a K-State graduate in Animal Science and she is currently working on her Master's at K-State in Adult and Continuing Education. Kristie is employed as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with K-State Research and Extension in Republic County. She also shares the 4H responsibilities with another agent. Kristie enjoys riding her horse Renny and team roping. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends. Kristie tells us that being a volunteer means to "give of yourself and not expect anything in return". Kristie and Vern will be married 10 years June 19th and they have one dog named Wyatt. Congratulations again Kristie!

· Hippotherapy: Hippo comes from the Greek word "Hippos" which means horse. Hippotherapy can only be conducted by a licensed medical professional such as a physical therapist, speech therapist or occupational therapist. Without a licensed therapist, therapeutic riding can still be conducted, but this will not include hippotherapy.

· NARHA Nominations: Nominations for Volunteer of the Year, Therapy Horse of the Year, NARHA Equestrians of the Year, are all still being taken through the NARHA website. For nomination forms go to www.narha.org or contact NARHA at 1-800-369-7433

· Next Volunteer Training Session: July 13th, time to be announced soon.

· FYI: RFDTV on your Satellite TV has some excellent horse programs, check it out.