Idlehurst Foundation

We are looking for a volunteer tonight from 5:30-6:30 if anyone is available and able, please message the page and let us know!

Thank you to everyone who came by to see us at Bridged Nonprofit expo today! It was so great to have so many great providers and families brought together for one cause - to provide support and solutions.

We need volunteers THIS Saturday at Idlehurst Foundation for 8 kiddos

Make Them Carry Their Saddle

A father of a darling girl and I were talking last week and he said that he wanted his daughter to ride more and not have to do the work part of the catching, grooming, and saddling. I smiled as I explained.

Riding horses is a combination of strength, timing, and balance. Kids in this country are physically weak (unless they are actively involved with weight training and physical conditioning 4+ times a week.)

When you walk out to the field, you are clearing your stress from being under fluorescent lights all day; feeling the sun soak into your bones. As your body moves on uneven surfaces, it strengthens your legs and core.

When you groom your horse (especially currying), you are toning your arms and stabilizing your core.

When you carry your saddle, your arms, chest, and back are doing isolated strengthening work.

Being near horses, calms and makes you tune into the splendor of these empathetic animals.

When you ride at a posting trot, it’s equivalent to a slow jog calorie burn wise.

After a lesson, the riders are physically tired and mentally quiet and balanced.

Horses feel your heart beat and mirror your emotions back.

Riding large and somewhat unpredictable animals makes you resilient and pushes your expectations.

Working with horses is so much more than learning how to ride.

So parents, make your children carry their saddles. Don’t do the hard parts for them, as long term it actually hurts them. To advance with their riding, they must get stronger. You can help by doing the high parts.

I love having you all at the farm, and am so grateful to get to share these fascinating animals with you.

Hannah Campbell Zapletal

LOST & FOUND

Please comment or message us if any of these items are yours.

Anything not PICKED UP by noon on Saturday 8/17 will be donated.

Overstock tshirt sale! All $10. Dark grey is cotton, Bella canvase. Sizes are: 4 YS, 4 YM

Light grey is a dri fit shirt. Sizes are: 4 YM, 8 YL, 3 AS, 1 AM.

Honey and bourbon approve of both 😂

Through it all, we are so happy to see Troub looking amazing again!!!! Red cell and grass definitely agree with him! Idlehurst - Horseback Riding Lessons

What a happy win for the perfect boy!

Vote for Idlehurst Foundation for Best Farm in Spartanburg!

Spartanburg Readers Choice 2024 Insert share text here

Owning horses is not for the weak! Thank you to everyone who donated to help make Blue better. We could not do it without all of your help!

If anyone is interested in cuddling Blue while he rests, I'm sure he would love it so just let us know!

If anyone else is interested in donating during our time you can do so via:

Venmo
PayPal [email protected]
Cash app $idlehurst
Or via the Facebook donation campaign!

Thank you all!!!!

Idlehurst - Horseback Riding Lessons Lakin Bowell Khamis

We never post for help, but we truly need it now. Multiple injuries have resulted in numerous bills, and our farrier is also due. It's disheartening and overwhelming when our resources are depleted, but our mission to serve children remains. Any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated. Please consider sharing this post if you cannot donate. Let's continue making a difference together.

Poor blue and his accident prone self. What a way to start Sunday! Good thing the vet was already out here to help us flush and mend!

Thank you Katie Amsler Ackley

We are in need of volunteers for two neurodivergent riding days at the farm! The days are August 10th and 17th from 9 am - 11 am. These hours can count towards volunteer requirements for school and other activities! If you are interested in volunteering please sign up using the form below!

www.signupgenius.com

We know it's early but it always fills up fast!

🎅🎄 Sensory Santa Experience 🎄🎅

Looking for a magical, stress-free Santa visit? Join us for our exclusive Sensory Santa event! 🌟

📅 Dates: November 23 & December 14
🕰️ Time Slots: 8 AM - 5 PM
📸 Location: Idlehurst Foundation - 4279 Highway 101, Woodruff SC 29388

Enjoy a private 20-minute session with Santa, complete with TWO beautiful backdrops, cozy hot chocolate, and delicious popcorn. Plus, meet and pet our adorable chickens and bunnies! 🐔🐇

✨ All photos will be delivered digitally within two days! ✨
🎟️ Cost: $50
💵 Deposit: $10 (applies towards final cost)
Reserve your spot today and create unforgettable memories in a calm, welcoming environment. Spaces are limited!
All proceeds benefit Idlehurst Foudation.
🔗 https://www.cognitoforms.com/idlehurstfoundation1/sensorysantasignup

Come meet Thunder tomorrow at the Woodruff City Farmers Market and pick up delicious treats from these farmers, artisans and more!

Ross Family Farms LLC - EVERYTHING you could want in pork - patties, ground, brats and more!

Reedy River Coffee Company - GREAT coffee flavors in beans and ground. It is delicious hot or cold AND they offer free delivery.

Stones Feed and Hauling Company LLC - Candles and other local goods. Also stop in their new store for the best feed prices around!

Rooted Acre Homestead - Stop to see her for everything sourdough and more. She makes products like pancake mix, bagels, noodles, bread as well as magnesium spray and bath bombs!

The Backyard Chicken Farm and Apiary - Veggies and Eggs anyone? Check out their table for fresh vegetables, honey, eggs, soaps and more!

Persnickety Poultry check out her INCREDIBLE tallow balm made from grass fed and grass finished cows. She offers sunscreen and plain balm for anyone needing natural, heeling moisturizer for their skin.

Blooming Haven Farm - Stop by and pick up a bouquet for your loved one or yourself. All of her flowers are grown from seed, hand cut and arranged by her to create the perfect center piece for you day.

Aull Turkey Farm - If you're not eating pasture raised, non-GMO chicken then you're not doing it right! Pick up a chicken to cook or smoke for your next big get together!

Planet Plants - All the plants you could want from indoor to outdoor veggie starters grown by young entrepreneur James!

Blooming Sunflower Handmade Soaps and more - Did someone say soap? Check out home grown luffas, soaps and more! Each soap with its unique smell and texture.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wspa.com%2Fvideo%2Fzip-trip-idlehurst-foundation%2F9919997%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0ppQbrCRCIdbHDk05G4zsc54ztBuD6NLb5B8ictm8nF761pMfKb9_UfTI_aem_Qe8eLRJVkqne0QKjU8zZyw&h=AT2Zt2SyG0BN8HNs2FC5NGEV-krhJP4P0dx9bWgpyABJf6nKIvyN2yh29iPFS4kb1oIkt9AqPOqZttrXJqO5vtLOmD1VmF3sOJmPwIuiBaKhJMI2FE2dXCAxmCFNZ-SZiw

Zip Trip: Idlehurst Foundation Zip Trip: Idlehurst Foundation

Let us know asap!

We are having alfalfa from AZ brought in this Friday at $340 a bundle. A bundle is 21 bales 55-70 lb each. If anyone is interested please let me know! The bundles will be delivered to the farm and pick up will be here as well!

Individual bales available if we get enough orders!

Meet another one of our instructors!

Lakin moved to the upstate of South Carolina in 2020, after calling Indiana her home for 25 years. She was a horse-obsessed little girl and never outgrew her love of horses. Lakin began taking lessons at the age of 8 at an English Eventing Stable in Greenwood, IN, Dan Hobyn Stables. Her time at this barn solidified her love for horses and she knew she had to have one of her own one day. At the age of 13, she changed disciplines and began riding Western at a family friend’s farm. It was here that she met her “heart-horse”, April, and owned her for 15 years.

Lakin attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Health and a Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree in Environmental Health. While she was in college, she donated April to Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding in Zionsville, IN. After college, Lakin began volunteering as a side walker and horse leader and found a new love of teaching students to ride horses and create relationships with them. In 2019, she went through the PATH, Intl. mentorship program under Elizabeth Coit to become a Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

Lakin believes that the foundation to create a lasting relationship with a horse starts with time spent with them on the ground. She considers the time spent grooming and performing ground-work is invaluable and it allows the horse to trust the person working with them.

Lakin is excited to work with students of all different ages and abilities at Idlehurst. She hopes to help her students discover more about themselves and their abilities and have fun while doing so.

She teaches beginner/intermediate English and Western lessons as well as therapeutic on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

Fill out the form below if you are interested in signing up for lessons!

https://www.cognitoforms.com/IdlehurstFoundation1/SignUpForRidingLessons

Meet the Instructor

Ellen McCrary (fondly known as Ellie) is a lifelong equestrian. She began riding family horses and her miniature pony in Western style as a young child. At age 9, she started lessons with a USPC instructor at an eventing barn. During her teenage years, she explored hunter jumper and dressage, becoming a high point winner with her first lease horse and enjoying showing other horses. Alongside her mother, she trained a pony for her younger siblings, who are now actively showing.

At 17, Ellie began leasing a young warmblood, training it to entry-level dressage and crossrails. After the lease ended, she acquired a pleasure-pointed paint mare, which helped her master neck reining and soft Western gaits. Ellie is dedicated to providing a strong foundation for riders to excel in any discipline.

Her teaching approach includes stretching, pattern work, and groundwork. She introduces weekly/monthly challenges such as ba****ck riding, lunging, stirrupless practice, discipline switching, and more. Ellie believes that determination and passion are key to becoming a good rider.

As a young mother, Ellie has limited availability but regularly accepts new students. She has limited available spots. If you are interested, please fill out this form.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/IdlehurstFoundation1/SignUpForRidingLessons

We have some open availability coming up for certain ages. Please fill the form below if you are serious and ready to commit.

Sign Up for Riding Lessons | Cognito Forms

I guess we all get a little hangry sometimes. 😳👀

Take two minutes and vote for Idlehurst Foundation!

🐴✨ Enter Our Ultimate Horse Feed Sweepstakes! ✨🐴

15 Grand Prize Winners & 15 Charities will each receive a $2500 gift card! That's right, you and the equine charity of your choice could win horse feed for a year! Don't miss your chance to make a difference for your horses and your favorite charity!

🎁 15 Winners
🐎 15 Charities
💸 $75,000 in Prizes

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 7/14/24 at 11:59:59 PM ET. 48 US/DC/HI, 18+. Rules: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/social-contest. Void in AK & PR and where prohibited.

Blooming Haven Farm has some GORGEOUS hand cut flower bouquets leftover from today's market! Now is the perfect chance to get some for yourself or someone special in your life! We are happy to help arrange pick up! Make sure you follow them for your next special occasion or event!