Calvin Center Equestrian Program

One of our incredible GOLD LEVEL donations was made anonymously. What they wanted written in place of a logo on our shirts was “in memory of Redford.” This is the impact our horses have. They become our friends. They become our loved ones that impact us in mighty ways. So to honor this gift, if you have memories or pictures of our sweet Red, post them in the comments as a way to remember our friend and honor the gift made in his name.

A big thank you to Southern Charm Feed Store and Triple Crown Grain for teaming up as co-sponsors for our t-shirt sponsorship drive. Every week we get our excellent Triple Crown grain from Southern Charm and we couldn’t be happier with the quality of the feed or the service. Thank you both for your support of our horses and our program!

MY CALVIN STORY: MACKENZIE
My name is Mackenzie and I’m the barn manager here at the Calvin Center. When I tell you I absolutely love my job, that’s an understatement!
I have been riding horses since I was three years old and since then, horses have been an incredibly important part of my life. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve dreamed of being “the one who took care of all the horses.” I also had dreamed of owning my own horse and I’m now coming up on a year as Horse Mama To my boy Ace. 🥹
I didn’t know about the Calvin Center until I started looking for a new job— something different; something I could make a career out of. And that’s when I came across it.
The longer I’ve been here, the more grateful I am for this place and the incredible impact it has on everyone here. I can’t thank the Lord enough for leading me right where I was supposed to be!

Our T-Shirt Sponsorship Drive is almost over and we have most definitely made some progress! Our total donations are currently around $11,200! This will go a long way towards getting our horses the hay and blankets they need. Thank you, thank you!
My friend, and fellow committee member Jeff, is always challenging me not to limit God. So I am going to channel my inner Jeff and ask YOU and ask GOD to keep going! $20,000 feels like a Goliath sized goal, especially in the final week of this drive. But we at the Calvin Center have a David-sized faith!
If you own a business, please consider becoming one of our sponsors at the $250, $500 or $1000 level.
If you are an individual that just loves what we are doing and wants to make sure we continue to serve riders, veterans and their families for years to come, I would humbly ask you if you might consider giving as you are able.
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to our program and our horses.
Give today at https://givebutter.com/EQ_shirtsponsor!

Who is ready for another great week of lessons?! Our first fall session is in full swing and we couldn’t be happier to have our barn bustling again. These faces, both horse and human, are the reason we do what we do. 💕

So excited to introduce you all to our newest member of the Calvin Equestrian Family. Please join me in welcoming Bobby Magee!
Bobby is the sweetest of boys and seems to be settling in to his new home very well. He already has his name plate up and has already been spoiled by Mackenzie and the rest of the team. A HUGE thank you to Patricia Collins for entrusting Bobby’s next chapter to us and for the gift you are giving to all the riders who will be blessed to ride and love on him!
For the next few weeks Bobby will be kept separated from the rest of the herd to ensure everyone stays healthy. So when you come to the barn, feel free to blow him some kisses, knowing that in a few weeks he will LOVE the rubs as well. 💕

Such big thanks to all of our sponsors and individual donors who have given to our fall fundraising drive thus far!
As you can see from the neat graphic that my son with far superior technological skill than me created, we are approaching 50% of our goal! We still need your help! Whether you are an individual who loves our program or a business wanting to get the word out; whether you have $20 or $2000, WE NEED YOU!
Give today at https://givebutter.com/EQ_shirtsponsor!

I have only been around the Calvin barn for a few years. But in that time, every horse I have met has left an imprint on my heart. I can’t imagine the number of hoof prints some of you have on your own hearts! 💕
A couple of years ago I started intentionally photographing each of our horse heroes. When sweet Raja died, I gave Kate the portrait I had taken of him. She chose to put it by the bathroom sink, along with a braid from his tail. When Pongo passed, she asked for a portrait of him to add.
One of the gifts Paisley had hoped to give before she finished up as barn director was to create a tribute to our fallen friends over the washer and dryer in the bathroom, as a way of honoring and remembering their service every day. A few weeks ago, Andrea Mills made that desire a reality.
We hope that when you walk into that place and see those sweet faces you thank God for the gifts they each were to you and many others. 🐴