Dan Roark

We are so pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Rogers to our Executive Board. A long-time supporter and passionate advocate for the healing power of horses, Kimberly brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to our mission.

“We are so excited that Kimberly has joined our board. We got to know her after her daughter, Emily Rogers Hicks, began working as our volunteer coordinator. Kimberly has personally experienced the benefits of equine therapy, so she thoroughly understands our mission and is passionate about supporting New Hope,” said founder Sharla Kershen.

In her professional life, Kimberly is a dedicated community builder with a passion for design. She works at Gold Mountain Gallery in Fort Worth and at Spenser Wayne Interiors in Dallas. She was excited to assist with the 4th Annual Hope Gala: Boots & Bling, on September 26th, and with other fundraising endeavors. She has already made significant contributions to the gala, including an incredible David Yarrow artwork for the live auction that sold for $30,000!

Kimberly says her experience with the life-changing benefits of equine therapy fuels her commitment to helping grow New Hope’s programs and bringing the magic of therapeutic riding to as many people as possible.

Join us in congratulating Kimberly on her new role.

By Kathleen Beisly, Communications Chair

The post New Hope Welcomes Kimberly Rogers to Our Executive Board first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

By Dan Roark

What brought you to New Hope to volunteer? I had just moved back to Ft. Worth after living just outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan for 22 years. While I had visited my brother and his family over the years, visiting is way different than actually living here. It has been a rather difficult adjustment for me in spite of having family and friends here. I found myself struggling mentally and emotionally. One day a friend sent a video of horses being used for healing and therapy work. While it is totally different from what is done at New Hope, it was a spark of an idea for me.
I thought surely there had to be some places that did something similar. So I asked my friends on Facebook who they would recommend. New Hope was highly recommended and close to where I lived. I felt like my saving grace was multi-layered – get out of my head and do something for someone else – and get out of the city (as I had lived in beautiful lush farm country prior). I could also be around my first and greatest love – horses. And I had spent many years volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. So, volunteering I knew how to do.

Tell us a little about yourself. Well, I have a feeling I’m one of the oldest volunteers here at almost 63 (in June), but thankfully I definitely don’t feel it, especially when I arrive at New Hope! I love reading, practicing yoga, and walking. I work at Texas Health Women’s Health. I have two fur babies, Finn and Fiona. I love spending time with my niece’s families and brother and sister who all live in Ft. Worth.

Favorite Horse? Oh, gosh – they are all special!! Though I may be partial to Cy because we probably do 90% of our lessons together.

Favorite part of volunteering at NG? Everything! Everyone I volunteer with, the families, the horses! I love how extremely gracious, patient, and willing to teach/help everyone is.

How has volunteering affected you? I don’t know where to begin. I honestly didn’t realize how “blue and down” I was while trying to “keep it all together.” I would say it was about a month after coming to New Hope on Wednesday and Saturday that I found myself crying for the first time (in probably a good couple of years) as I drove home. They were tears of thankfulness, I realized I was feeling joy again. There was/is something about being with people who share a vision/purpose to make a difference in our little piece of the world – and we are!

Thank you for volunteering, Nancy!

Ride on and ride for hope.

Donate to New Hope.

Raffle for a 2025 Can-am Defender HD9 MAX XT

 

 

The post Volunteer Highlight – Nancy Verrill first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

By Dan Roark

Being involved with a non-profit such as New Hope means that one will often see heart-wrenching stories unfold that bring tears welling up in your eyes. One such story is that of a member of a team that faithfully supported New Hope at the annual Sporting Clay Shoot. The team consisted of Jeremy Pratt, his brothers, Phil and Joel, and one of his best friends. Jeremy paid the team entry following last years’ clay shoot.

Jeremy, whose nickname was Bullfrog, and who loved supporting New Hope, passed away unexpectedly in March. His brothers invited Dave Kershen to take his place in the foursome at the clay shoot.

“It was an honor shooting with his brothers and one of his best friends on the team he had entered in the clay shoot,” Dave said. “I miss this guy. He had a huge heart and a great sense of humor.”

 

 

While I enjoyed taking pictures of all the teams, taking pictures of “Bullfrog’s team” was extra special. Watching the brothers and friends celebrate Jeremy’s life through participation in the clay shoot while wearing the shirts honoring his memory.

Ride on and ride for hope.

Donate to New Hope. 

(Note: I have no control over the changing of placement of pictures when I hit publish.)

The post A Special New Hope Story first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

By Dan Roark

As to the two courses, Fossil Pointe owner, Dave Niederer said in the opening rules talk that “when you see the hill, that’s the Hillside Course and when you see the creek, that’s the Creekside Course.” Which makes absolute sense when you think about it.

Results of the Creekside Course:

 

 

 

 

First Place – Byron Nelson High Team

The Byron Nelson High Team was sponsored by the Texas Hunting Forum (THF). The faith in these young people by the THF in sponsoring them was well founded. Just wait until high score.

 

 

 

 

 

Second Place – Point Bank Team

The Point Bank Team not only received 2nd Place Buckles, but were presented with a Decade Award at the opening activities before the shoot. They have supported, and participated in, the New Hope sporting clay shoot for those ten years.

 

 

 

 

Third Place – Concrete Cowboys

 

 

 

 

 

Men’s High Score – Robert Whitenburg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies High Score – Lana Smith.

 

But wait, there’s more… Now that the scores have been posted, there are still a few stories that need to be told coming next week. It was a particularly memorable clay shoot.

Ride on and ride for hope.

Donate to New Hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Clay Shoot Buckle Winners – Creekside Course first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

By Dan Roark

As I mentioned earlier, last Saturday the weather was highly conducive to being outside. The gathering on the portico during registration found old friends and new friends sharing conversations with abundant smiles and laughter.

After the clay shoot, everyone lined up for a barbeque lunch. When everyone had a chance to eat, Dave began the live auction which included homemade knifes, rare bourbon, sports memorabilia, and a day deer/doe hunt.

Following the live auction, it was time to present the buckles. Dave commented before presenting the buckles that tabulating the results required the use of numerous tie-breakers due to the scores being that close.

On the Hillside Course, Team Seven took first place, Lady

and the Tramps came in second place, and Braddock Pools received third place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men’s High Score went to Jason Forshea.

Women’s High Score went to Stacy Braddick.

Congratulations to all those who won on the Hillside Course! Great job!

Stay tuned for the results from the Creekside Course.

 

Ride on and ride for hope.

Donate to New Hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Clay Shoot Buckle Winners – Hillside Course first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

By Dan Roark

Postponing the Sporting Clay Shoot when rain was forecast for the original date of April 19 turned out to be a wise move when pouring rain justified the decision. Fortunately, this past Saturday, June 21, turned out to be an excellent day to reschedule. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, and everyone was ready for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie to support New Hope. Many of the shooters participate every year, including complete teams.

This week we will delve into, not only the winners – the results of which were REALLY close – but some unique stories from this year’s event. But first we would like to thank those teams that signed up for the clay shoot just for fun and to support New Hope. There are only so many buckles to be won, but it takes many more teams to support the horses, riders, and staff of New Hope and make it a successful fundraising effort. Thanks to all those who participated and volunteered to help New Hope raise the necessary funds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for the buckle winners!                               

Ride on and ride for hope.

Donate to New Hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post A Successful Sporting Clay Shoot for New Hope first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

We would like to take a moment to celebrate the promotion of Susan Altshuler to Program Manager. In this new role, she will be handling rider intake, developing their lesson plans, defining the volunteer requirements and matching them to the best horse to meet their needs. She will continue to teach our riders and volunteers.

Susan started with New Hope as a volunteer many years ago. She has 2 horses; one that she jumps in competition and one that she is training for competition. She was PATH certified in 2019 and started teaching upon certification and has been our lead instructor for several years now.

Susan brings creativity to our classes… as a teacher by trade, Susan is constantly finding new ways to challenge our riders in fun and exciting ways.  Her new role will use her gifts to share that creativity with all instructors and to encourage volunteers to interact with our horses and our participants in a fun and safe way. We are so happy that she’s on team New Hope!

Please welcome Susan to her new role at New Hope and enjoy the video of her competing at Dallas Hunter Jumper Zone 7 Outreach Festival June 6-8, 2025 in Waco, TX.

Posted by Kathleen Beisly, Marketing Communications Chair

The post Susan Altshuler Promoted to Program Manager first appeared on New Hope Therapeutic Riding.

by Dan Roark

A friend and fellow songwriter, Allen Larson (on the far left in the picture), posted about a band he was in in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Nightchase. I recognized the guy on the far right that Allen identified as a short term member whose name escaped him. That is Joel Nichols. Elton Goodner is the one in the middle who resembles Jerry Garcia.

Let me give you some background first. Allen and I have been friends and members of the Dallas Songwriter Association since around 2013. We’ve supported each other at shows. When he had the Allen Larson’s Project, I knew a few of them had played together for years. But not once did I think anything in Allen’s history would intersect with mine.

Now for me. In 1976, Cyndy (married now, dating then) introduced me to Joel Nichols

and Bruce Gibson on Super Bowl Sunday. We became Southern Plains. Sometimes it was the three of us. Most times over the years, it was Joel and I. In either case, if the gig paid enough, we had a bass player and drummer. George “Allen” Turner was our friend, and drummer on occasion. I opened for, and played with, Allen’s bands over the years. He even played when we couldn’t afford to pay him.

But I digress. Joel had one year left at college in Nashville. I moved out there with him. For one reason, to help him finish school. For another, to see what we could do in Nashville music-wise. Which is an entirely different post. Cyndy and I lost touch after I moved to Nashville (still another post).

By ’79, I was living in Ft. Worth, managing Famous Ramos in Ridgmar Mall. In ’80, I married my first wife, Janice, and we moved at one point to help Joel open up his sandwich shop in Commerce in East Texas. Janice and I lived in Greenville. I drove back and forth. At the sandwich shop, I did the advertising and any other thing that needed doing turning the space into Lindy’s. As it turned out, when the college was out during the summer, the shop was unsustainable.

Janice and I moved to Denton, where we lived when Jennifer was born. We moved to Dallas when I became assistant manager at Pizza Inn. Which would have been sometime in ’81. That would have been when I met Elton, but I’m still not sure how. Joel was still in Commerce at the time.

Elton and I talked about being a duo, “Ruf ‘n’ Redy.” We co-wrote a theme song, which was the only song we wrote. It was called, oddly enough, The Ballad of Ruf and Redy. I have the lyrics in my hand written songbook. I don’t remember if we had any shows.

That winter we were at a party – either Christmas or New Years – at an apartment. Joel and I played. I don’t remember if Elton and I played. But I do remember Elton asking me if it was okay if he asked Joel to be in his band. Between jealousy (both about Elton not picking me and him wanting to ask Joel), alcohol and other things, I didn’t take it very well.

It wasn’t too long before Joel and I were playing shows again. I never knew what happened with Elton and the band and I never asked. Until Allen posted a couple of weeks ago about his band back then and I recognized Joel in the pictures.

I wonder how close Allen and I came to meeting back then. It may remain a mystery. Joel and I continued to play together until his death in 1999. Bruce and I played at his funeral.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

 

By Dan Roark

There are signs other than road signs. Posting on bulletin boards and other written paper notifications that are not permanent or near a road. Then the kind of signs that are simply sayings, texts, or whatnot – although we don’t know exactly what they are signs of. We’ll discuss it because, well, why not?

Today we’ll have one of each of two of the sign categories listed above. The first is the assumably permanent sign pictured here. As you can tell it was a cloudy day and there’s only so much you can do to a picture taken on a cloudy day.

Forget for the moment the fact that the sign above is technically on a hill to begin with. A smaller hill, but a hill nonetheless. The point I’m making is that you can see the freaking hill. You can’t miss it. You don’t need a sign to tell you there’s a hill.

What would be useful would be a sign telling drivers what is over the hill. Once you’re on top of the hill, it’s a little late to find out any changes in the direction of the road or see obstacles.

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I was checking my email the other day and came upon an email from Walmart. I frequently order online and then go pick the order up. So I opened it:

“Thank you for buying lunch meats and deli meats.  Our pick for you today is Smoker Pellets.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand (or sit) before you, amazed and confused. It has been months since I have purchased either lunch or deli meats. We do, indeed, have a smoker. But it is old enough to precede the creation of pellets for smokers or grills. The three grills our family members own are charcoal so there is no grill attached to our name that uses smoker pellets.

I have, in fact, bought charcoal in an online order. So on what planet would you assume I would need smoker pellets? I wonder about the validity of their algorithms.

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Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

PayPal.me/danroark

 

 

By Dan Roark

There are signs you see all the time, but ignore, because you either already know or it makes no sense. Then there are the signs you pass all the time, but don’t actually notice – or it doesn’t affect you (at least at the time you see it). So you quit noticing it.

We’ll begin with digital signs that may or may not change what it says. The picture above actually says “New Traffic Pattern.” I was taking J.D. – our youngest grown son – to work and back for a while. I took a picture with my android phone one day. J.D. took a picture with his iPhone the next day. The next day I had the 35mm camera.

What you see above is the best we got. That is not what we saw with our eyes. Since we could see what it actually said, it ruled out hackers. Hackers would change the message. It had to be a force that kept the correct message from being recreated in a picture. And it would have to be an electric/static force. Which would come from where, exactly? Certainly not the gas station across the intersection.

That is a rabbit hole we are not going down today. Take it at face value – New Traffic Pattern. Here’s the deal: in the numerous weeks we made the trip, the pattern NEVER changed. They did add a stoplight at one point, but the pattern never changed. It went on like that for weeks, not just the week we tried taking the picture. It alternated with Drive Slowly. Those that are going to actually slow down were slowing down regardless – whether there was a sign or not. Either way, New Traffic Pattern would have done the trick. If they weren’t going to slow down anyway, same difference. Whatever way you slice it, it’s using taxpayer money.

Every time I drive somewhere, I’ll see a sign (the electronic signs are relegated to high traffic areas in the city) that seems to be irrelevant or makes no sense. I think, crap, I need to get a picture of that. Then I remember that I’ve got signs on the list to keep me busy long enough to take the pictures. I just need to remember where they were.

Come along on the journey of stupid or useless signs. It’ll be fun!

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Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

paypal.me/danroark