Dream Catcher Stables, Inc.

Dream Catcher Stables is an all-volunteer organization in its eighth year, and is on the path to achieving the growth and development necesssary to fulfill its mission.

Participation in horsemanship invites family involvement and can enhance family relationships. Community awareness and volunteerism are generated. For our athletes new possibilities and capabilities are being realized due to improved motor skills, heightened self-esteem, real accomplishment, and inclusion in the main stream of life.

Located 6215/6115 Greens Road, our program resides on 98 acres of wetlands and forest just southeast of Bush Intercontinental Airport. During the school year program hours begin at 8:30 am with barn chores. Lessons begin at 9 am and end at noon or later depending upon the weather.

Dream Catcher Stables is the outgrowth of several pilot projects spanning 13 years. Since being granted a permanent public charity ruling from the IRS in July 2003, we have made steady progress toward our ultimate goal. In terms of finances and assets, we have gone from a program with one horse and $5,000 of debt to a program with 7 horses, 98 acres under long-term lease, an eight horse barn, arena, tractor, and the bare bones, no frills budget in hand for 2007. Funding comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, and an annual fundraiser. Capital funding in 2006 included our ramp and a 25x40’ barn which awaits permitting.

Serving just 4 athletes in the beginning, our 2007 competition team included 29 riders. Our 2007 competition season produced 16 first, 15 second, 12 third, 14 fourth, 12 fifth, 3 sixth place awards 12 participation awards with two major competitions to go. (Total program awards 2000-2007 are 88 first, 77 second, 60 third, 51 fourth, 31 fifth, 26 sixth, 4 seventh, 2 eighth, 29 participation awards.)

Horsemanship lessons for persons with disabilities
Improved self-esteem
Improved educational goals/grades/TAKS scores
Reduction in suicidal tendencies
Achievement in open horse show

FFA Student Volunteers
Take on leadership responsibilities
Include persons with disabilities in their school friends and personal lives
Mature as they explore options and future possibilities through interaction with other volunteers, the participants, and the Dream Catcher families

Adjudicated youth community service program
30 youth in the past year have served over 450 hours
All, to the best of our knowledge, have been good citizens since serving their hours

Adult volunteers
Relieve the stresses of their everyday world
Understand the capabilities of persons with disabilities
Revel in the “magic” of each participant and caring for the horses
Inspire all of us to continue to improve the program and find ways to fincance our competition trips

Families
Accept the limitations of their person(s) with disabilities
Maximize their positive family environment because of their person(s) with disabilities “new found freedom”
Support Dream Catcher Stables by caring for the horses, fundraising, helping with lessons, and contributing financially as they are able

Savor The Moments

Everyone Cares

Dream Catcher Stables is about fulfilling the wishes and dreams of persons with disabilities. Our CAN DO belief gives each one an opportunity to exceed all expectations and revel in momentary accomplishments.

How Sweet It Is!

I Really Did It?

Restroom with flush toilets and sink(s)
Safer stalls for our horses
A real tack room
A class room to hold program during inclement weather
Additional training for our volunteers
Accreditation through Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)
A permanent home

Approximately 3% of the population is mentally retarded. Approximately 20% of the population has some form of disability -- mental, emotional, or physical. Families are looking for ways to include their person(s) with disabilities in family activities. Courts are looking for places where youthful first time offenders can complete community service. We can provide that opportunity with your help.

disc and harrow for our tractor
permanent restroom facility
2-horse and a 6-horse trailer
truck to pull the trailers
building materials to improve our stalls
competition expenses - horse transport, volunteer and competitor lodging
volunteer training expenses
tools - garden rakes, wrenches, screwdrivers, saw, gasoline or hand operated weed eaters and hedge clippers, chain saw, plier, shovel, power drill, adjustable wrench
manure cart
one more storage container
site accreditation expenses
covered Arena - 100x80 roof unit over part of 100 x 200 arena - $40,000
round pen - 22 12’ posts, 352 1x6x8’, 22 1x12x8’ or 2x12x8’, 44 2x4x8’
tack and safety equipment - bridles - $100, helmets - $40
volunteers to help with the horse program, complete administrative functions,
fundraise
Money is always welcome.

Sunday, November 11, 2007 - Club 494 Fundraiser - Barbeque and Auction

Join us at 615 Greens Road at 11 am for a salute to our fallen heroes -- both military and family. Then ride until 1 pm when we will reconvene at Club 494 on Loop 494 just north of the San Jacinto River in Humble/Kingwood. Partake of our Barbeque Plate Lunch, enjoy the Music of Doc and Still Twisted Band. Open your hearts and enjoy our Auction which includes a diversity of items including a bar light, stained glass, fence charger, baskets, Christmas items, and more.



		Hey Brother!
	Dream Catcher Stables is all about families and friends that come from working together.
Student or Volunteer			Are You Okay?
		Work = Fun

Visit: CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) for standards of safety, instructor certification, program accreditation, and program materials; NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) for information on sport/education/recreation, therapeutic, or hippotherapeutic riding for persons with disabilities.

Dream Catcher Stables, Inc.

P.O. Box 1454

Spring, Texas 77383-1454

281-397-4694

10/7/07

Last Updated 10/7/2007



		CONTACT INFORMATION Dream Catcher Stables, Inc. P.O. Box 1454 Spring, Texas 77383-1454 281-397-4694
501(c)(3) Public Charity under170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code
	Our Mission To provide a place in perpetuity where people with disabilities can be successful, equal and capable growing to their maximum life’s potential through interaction with horses in a positive environment. We accomplish our mission by providing recreational, educational, and sport programming, including vocational/prevocational opportunities, to youth at risk and persons with disabilities. Individuals are accepted without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.