Our Dream is Complete!!! Kim Oviatt and the Sence Foundation provided Happy Trails with funding for our covered arena in the amount of $200,000 and the Fansler Foundation provided $50,000. Additional funds were provided by you, OUR COMMUNITY! For those who have contributed to our matching grant campaign and covered arena project, we most humbly thank you.“The single most important factor in helping us produce optimum therapy, allowing our riders every opportunity to excel, is the addition of our covered arena,” explains Lisa Cotta-Meek.
The completion of The Sense Pavilion enabled our program classes to continue in inclement weather. Previously, when the weather was too hot or wet, classes were cancelled. With our covered arena, the horses respond better to their handlers and the riders and their volunteers are more comfortable. The valley heat affects many of our riders. Some cannot ride at all during the summer. For a few the heat can trigger seizures, and at the very least riders cannot receive the full benefit of therapy when the heat makes it physically and mentally difficult to perform their already challenging tasks. The Sense Pavilion makes for a much more comfortable atmosphere and temperature while still enjoying the outdoor setting.