We are off to a rip-roaring start in 2011 (although a late start with these newsletters - sorry!).  Check out the articles below for info on what's happening at JoyRide. Here's to another joy-filled year in 2011!

Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament Benefiting JoyRide

WHEN: Saturday, March 5, 2011, 7:00 pm

WHERE: McDonald Man-Cave in High Meadow Ranch

             28833 Lake Side Green, Magnolia, TX  77355

ENTRY FEE:  $50

Prizes, snacks, drinks, FUN!  You don't even need to know how to play. It is easy and quick to learn!

Must RSVP to jmcdonald@joyridecenter.org or call 281-252-3296 to reserve your place.  Call soon!  Seats are going fast!

Players must be at least 21 years of age to play.

First the bad news...due to an electrical fire at the Reliant complex, the Showmanship classes on Friday, 2/18, were the only ones able to be completed (and without power in the building!).  Saturday and Sunday classes were cancelled. So much time and effort went in to getting ready for this show.  We were all very disappointed!  The bright spot in the day was that our 4 clients won 3 firsts and one second place in Showmanship!  The Special Children's Committee of the HLSR has indicated the show might be rescheduled.  We will let you know.

Now the good news...we quickly threw together a Junior Top Hands Show at JoyRide on Saturday.  All 15 Top Hands riders were able to compete in 3 classes.  A big thank you to our judge, Betty Fredieu, who dropped everything on a moments notice to make the show a true competition.  The day was great fun, complete with Super Pooper Scooper races by our volunteers and Bean Bag Relays by the parents.  Check out our website for pictures soon.

We are grateful to Matthew Cunningham for choosing JoyRide for his Eagle Scout project which was the purchase and installation of sprinklers all around the arena to keep the dust down plus a retaining wall to keep the dirt in.  No more riding in a cloud of dust!  Thank you Matthew and all your Scout friends who helped!

Our volunteers are the backbone of the program.  JoyRide could not exist without our leaders, sidewalkers, office helpers, event volunteers, and all the other wonderful people who give their time and talents to JoyRide.  Therefore, we have started a Volunteer of the Month award to recognize some of these extraordinary people.  You can find their pictures and write ups on the back wall of the office. 

In January we recognized Susan Sanders.  Susan has been volunteering since day one in several different areas:  schooling team, feeding team, twice a week in the arena and more. Susan has even used her creative thinking skills to solve some tack fitting problems. We love you Susan!

Barbara Flowers was the February Volunteer of the Month.  Barbara is at JoyRide 4 days a week helping out wherever she is needed.  She works with the Vocational Ed students from Magnolia High, planted the butterfly garden in addition to bringing in catterpillars so we could all experience their transformation into butterflies.  She is in the arena when needed and always ready to help out at the fundraising events.  Her many contributions to our program are invaluable!

• Save the date of Sat., May 21 for the JoyRide Jamboree to be held at the Northwest Forest Conference Center on Telge.  Start gathering auction items now!  Contact Jackie, jmcdonald@joyridecenter.org, for more information.
• Be sure to go to our Facebook page and "like" it!  Just search for JoyRide Center.
• Welcome to Pat Toppenberg as our newest board member.  Pat has been a friend and supporter of therapeutic riding in the area for years and we are honored to have her join the JoyRide family!
• Spring Break:  No classes March 14-25

For ways to help JoyRide, visit http://joyridecenter.org/donate