Beth Van Pelt

I am back for the third year in a row to raise money for Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship.  Each year I have become more impassioned about this work, having experienced VHTH’s extraordinary benefits to the individuals they serve and the community.  I have been a volunteer with VHTH since my retirement from a 30+ year career in chid welfare.  As a volunteer I maintained my sense of purpose and personal duty to serve others.

Over the last four years at VHTH I have witnessed the joys experienced by parents as they watch their child participate in Therapeutic Riding. The emotion is palpable as they take in even the smallest bit of progress.  Seeing parents delight in the achievements of their children never gets old.  Being even a small part of a young person’s success, being there in that moment with them has brought tears to my eyes on more than a few occasions.

My time at VHTH is primarily spend with children and adults with special needs.  However, I work hard behind the scenes for VHTH to ensure the services provided to veterans, active military and first responders continue at no cost to the participant.  The services provided by VHTH are essential to keeping vets safe and reducing incidents of self harm. The power of horses to connect with people and promote healing is beyond measure.  My work for veterans and active military took on deeper meaning about 3 years ago when I lost my nephew in a motorcycle accident.  Tech. Sergeant Christian Bressler was just 30 years old, serving in the Air Force as a mechanic. He loved his job and he was good at it, receiving multiple commendations from his C.O.  More importantly, Christian was a mentor and support to many young servicemen and women who struggled with mental health issues.  He spent countless hours talking to them through their challenges and keeping them safe.

I am so proud to be affiliated with VHTH.  It is a very special place yet has so much room to grow.  Your support for this campaign will ensure we continue to serve children and adults with special needs and veterans, active military and first responders in ways that traditional clinical therapies cannot.

I hope I can count on your support this year!  Thank you in advance for any contribution you can make.