Sharing the Stoke - Jack Viroel takes the little ones out to surf
Back from our first collaboration of horses, camping and surfing for autism families. Words can’t describe the experience. These photos, taken through the lens of one of the moms, tells the story of celebrating family, childhood, horses,tribe, nature and surfing.
“We really achieved something quite extraordinary here. I haven’t seen so many cognitive and sensory changes happen so radically in such a short space of time to such a large number of kids. The surf/turf is totally complimentary – and the surf culture you’ve managed to create Rocky is impeccable. all those teens are future leaders.” Rupert Isaacson, HorseBoy Foundation
Jeff Clark came to play with the kids too! Photo by Debbie Tolaney
Capt'n Jack doing what he does best!“Thank you so very much for making today so special. There aren’t many activities that my autistic son and his little brother can share the joy in together…but today you made that happen!!”
None of this would be possible if it weren’t for our ranch manager Greg Crosta and head instructor Sigourney Jellins and their cast of fantastic volunteers for holding down the Square Peg fort while we were away.
“Just wanted to tell you thanks so much for letting W* join yesterday. I think he had one of the best days of his life. Still very tired today but in a good way.”
Celebrating Silliness - that's what it's all about
The families were the key to it all of course. We are so grateful for the trust they showed us as we fumbled our way through our first efforts. Being able to share laughter and silliness, food and adventure with them all was a treat we will savor for a long time to come.
“It is such a relief to be among people who see his strengths, and do not stand with crossed arms and pursed lips as they view him through eyes narrowed in judgement and disapproval. Reminds me of how great it is to hang out at the ranch and has given me lots of food for thought. And what a relief for my son to know that people wouldn’t be upset with him or disappointed by his choices to participate or not. That in and of itself was a huge gift.”
Finally, I can’t forget to thank our horses for the camp; Bob, Bert and Django – stars forever!
photo by Debbie TolaneySuper Bob the Wonder Pony always brings a smile!
“Cavalia is a fresh mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects. Conceived by Normand Latourelle and often labelled an equestrian ballet, Cavalia is a spectacular and moving tribute to the relationship between men and horses throughout history, a dream of freedom, cooperation and harmony. In a fairy tale setting filled with poetry and emotion, the show innovatively integrates acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts, live music and equestrian arts. Under the White Big Top, a 50-metre stage permits the horses to express themselves in all their splendour, nobility and strength, often completely free.”
Square Peg was given a unique opportunity to partner with Cavalia. We have been granted a block of tickets to the show on Saturday, August 4th.
100% of the sales of the tickets below will benefit Square Peg programs. Join us on Saturday August 4, 2012 as we enjoy the show in community. See you there!
Tickets are limited and it will be first come, first served. All tickets will be at Will Call. Please know that there will be no refunds.
Every time we can, we try to let the kids speak for themselves – especially when it comes to horses they love. What follows is a statement from the heart about our beloved Cometa from a child who knows and loves him like no other.
“Roughly five years ago, a skinny, unhappy, 15.3, bay OOTB gelding was brought to Square Peg Foundation and my life was forever changed. It becomes hard for me to put into words how much this little horse, Cometa, means to me because everyday he continues to drastically change my life in the most amazing ways. Throughout these years, we have flown over courses and 3’6 jumps, galloped down polo fields, and continued to support each other through it all. If I am ever off my game, Cometa knows just what to do, where to be, and can figure out a way to end my day with a smile. Through the thick and thin moments in my life, he has always been my rock; the one I can trust and count on to brighten my day. Because of his easy going personality & willingness to do anything his mount asks of, Cometa is one of our best lesson horses. I’ve back ridden with him, been certified in the Horse-Boy method, and he is always my go-to guy when i want to try any stunt that comes to mind. Everyday I am so thankful for having Cometa in my life because without him, I truly don’t know where I would be, who I would be, or if I could make it.”
Farris Scott, age 15 Square Peg volunteer and student since 2005
Unique Venture Brings Horseback Riding, Camping and Surfing Experience to Autism Families
It all started at a coffee shop in Half Moon Bay. Rupert Isaacson, founder of the HorseBoy Foundation was sipping tea and chatting with Joell Dunlap, Executive Director of Square Peg Ranch before heading out to do an intense training with a dozen autism specialists, parents and therapists at Square Peg Ranch.
“I’ve always had this dream” said Isaacson while stirring his tea “The work we do with autism kids and horses – we know the reason it works is because we are getting these kids moving in rhythm and in a way that connects them to the natural environment. Right? If it works with horses, it will work getting these kids in the ocean and taking them surfing. We just need to find people that know how to get these kids in the water safely”
Dunlap smiled, pulled out her phone and made a call to Half Moon Bay Surf Club’s middle school coach Rocky Raynor. Within minutes a meeting was set up, the dream was now an idea and plan was in motion to make it a reality.
Meanwhile, in Wilmington North Carolina, Jack Viroel was planning the 3rd annual trip to India. Why? To take 60 orphaned street children and teach them to surf of course. IndoJax Surf Charities has been offering surfing to disadvantaged populations for years. When the phone lit up with his old friend Rocky Raynor’s name, Jack answered eagerly to hear what his west coast friend was up to. “I’m talking with these folks that do work with autistic kids and horses and they want to incorporate surfing.” said Raynor.
Since then, Jack has travelled to HorseBoy’s central location outside of Austin Texas to see what HorseBoy is all about. An instant meeting of minds was apparent with Isaacson and Viroel. “Rupert and I hit it off immediately and realized there was a lot of common ground between horses and surfing when dealing with children with special needs.”
Back in Half Moon Bay, Rocky Raynor and Joell Dunlap started laying the plans for the camp. A beautiful camping spot was found, volunteers lined up to help, the local authorities were notified about which beach the surfing and possibly riding on the beach would occur. Dunlap submitted a proposal to the Jan, Mace and Samantha Siegel CARMA Foundation to help fund food, travel and camping expenses for the event and was thrilled to find out it was approved in early June.
On July 21 through July 23, several local autism families will camp in the coastal hills. The whole family, siblings and parents alike will participate in riding horses under the care of HorseBoy and Square Peg instructors. There will be opportunities to share music and food and art throughout the camp. On Tuesday, July 22, they will travel to the famous Surfer’s Beach just north of Half Moon Bay for a day of surfing, also for siblings and parents as well. The idea is to give the families something special and challenging to do together as a family and to live for a few days as a community that supports them and each other. HorseBoy Foundation has run scores of these camps with horses in Texas, in the UK and in Canada but this will be the first to offer surfing as well. Square Peg Foundation has been offering a riding program to autistic kids on the Coast and surrounding areas since 2004. The Half Moon Bay Surf Club has been encouraging local kids to surf and to excel in school through their innovative programs since 2009 and IndoJax – well they’ve been tirelessly offering the magical surfing stoke to kids all over the world.
Other organizations have pulled together to help make this dream a reality as well. Local equestrian leader Carl Hoffman has offered his coastal horse camping spot to the effort for less than cost. The HMB Fire Department wants in on the fun too and plans to bring an engine for the kids to explore. Musicians, cooks and restaurants keep calling to offer their services to make this camp something special.
The financial support of the Jan, Mace and Samantha Siegel CARMA Foundation makes this possible. The Siegel family has provided unparalleled support to CARMA since its inception in 2008 and the Jan, Mace, and Samantha Siegel CARMA Foundation is dedicated to funding unique and innovative ways of supporting racing’s retired stars. CARMA has been funding accredited Thoroughbred aftercare facilities since 2008 and has been impressed with the work that Square Peg Foundation of Half Moon Bay has been doing with their herd of predominantly ex racers. “CARMA is pleased to be involved in this exciting program using off-track Thoroughbreds. Joell has put together an exciting group of organizations for this event and we are glad to be a part of something that brings horses and kids together,” said CARMA Executive Director Lucinda Mandella.
We have joined five charities, 30+ volunteers, local businesses and government agencies together to serve autism families. This is the very spirit of community and unity.
Please check back regularly for photos and stories of our shared adventure.
