Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
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Fran Henderson brushes Danny-Boy, a baby miniature pony that is part of her New Hope Equine Ministries.
New Hope Equine Ministries is once again on the hunt for a new, permanent home.
Fran Henderson has been running free pony day camps at a temporary location along Maryland Avenue since August.
"Now it’s time to find something that’s winterized," Henderson said. "I don’t want to have to shut this down."
Henderson would like to find a spot where she can run programs year-round.
"We don’t need much space," she said. "Five to 10 acres is fabulous. A use of a barn (would be) incredible. It doesn’t even have to have a riding arena."
Henderson said that more than 30 children between the ages of six and 12 are participating in the after-school programs.
"It’s just like they have their own horse," Henderson said. "They brush, feed, ride bareback and really learn about different aspects of horses."
The day camps, Henderson says, are an opportunity to mentor children on how to communicate and work with animals.
"We’ve got a lot of kids that are so excited about this," she said.
Since 2003, New Hope has rescued ponies and horses that have been neglected, abused or just not wanted anymore.
Henderson’s own experience as a child inspired her to start the camps. She came from a broken home and found that animals made a big difference in her life.
"There were times when the only friend that I could share my deepest secrets with were animals," Henderson said in a previous interview with the Sun. "So I know that there are kids out there that need that too. That’s really what we’re all about."
This summer, the camp had been running on a portion of land east of The Green Spot, but was shut down due to zoning violations. The Mazer family stepped up and offered use of their land for the remainder of the season.
Henderson said it’s important to offer the camp to children for free.
"We want this to be financially accessible to everyone," she said.
Henderson is hoping someone in the community will be willing to offer the camp a place to call home.
"Somebody who has a heart for kids, who wants to see the community blessed by having the programs there," Henderson said. "Just somebody who really believes in what we’re doing."
If you’re interested in helping New Hope, contact Fran at 204-717-0325.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition September 29, 2012
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New Hope Equine Ministries is once again on the hunt for a new, permanent home.
Fran Henderson has been running free pony day camps at a temporary location along Maryland Avenue since August.
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New Hope Equine Ministries is once again on the hunt for a new, permanent home.
Fran Henderson has been running free pony day camps at a temporary location along Maryland Avenue since August.
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