Today is the International Day of Peace!
As an organization founded in Quaker guidance, Thorncroft is led by the testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.
We aim to steward peace through our work by seeking simplicity and encouraging a communal care and responsibility for each person and animal in our environment.
We invite you in for a peaceful moment between herd members who often serve as the gentlest reminders to exist mindfully and with acceptance.
The Patrick Fund
The Patrick Fund
Founded in 2023, the Patrick Fund seeks to raise support for the growth of our herd. Named in honor of Thorncroft's Patrick, born on the Farm on November 7, 1995, spending his 27 years in service to his riders and to his people.
Thorncroft’s deep impact on our community would not be possible without equine partners like Patrick.
Our Goal
Tonight at the Victory Gallop, we are requesting your support for the growth of our herd. Your generosity will create a sustainable future for our Farm and a lasting impact on our community. Please help us reach our goal of $25,000 and join us in building the future for life changing programming at Thorncroft.
How to Support
We invite you to make a gift in a way that best suits you. Thorncroft is happy to accept online donations at https://e.givesmart.com/events/uM6/ or Text Give$ (The amount you would like to contribute) to 76278
Your generosity may also be shared in the form of a check or card as well as via gifts of stock, Donor Advised Fund/Family Foundation Grants and other charitable means.
Please contact Head of Philanthropy Mikaela Potrako at 610-644-1963 to discuss your gift and the impact you wish to have on the Farm.
Thank you for your support!
Congratulations to our 2023 Mainstreamers Team on a wonderful performance today at the Therapeutic Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show!
We look forward to your second performance tomorrow at the Devon Horse Show. Approximate start time is 11:00 a.m.
We are so excited for T.R.D. 2023! May 27-May 28, 2023. In only a matter of weeks, we will welcome over 100 riders to participate in a day of friendly competition with classes in equitation, trail, and dressage. It is an amazing day to celebrate with friends and family members and honor the many accomplishments of our area's riders. The Therapeutic Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to our Grand Champion sponsor Mrs. Jane C. MacElree, to our Devon and Trophy Sponsors Caroline Moran and Jane Higgins & Mary MacKinnon, to our trophy sponsor, Dr. Stephanie Bennett, and to friends Doug and Maryellen Caldwell. T.R.D. is truly a weekend unlike any other and we cannot wait! For more information about the competition, please visit us online.
Mickey welding the halter racks.
Two of the greats: Sam and Maire.
It is always a treat to see one of our instructors and one of the greats, the incomparable Maire, riding. Maire brings with her years of incredible equestrian education and has a indescribable gift with horses and teaching. She is a giver of thousands of “lightbulb” moments and is amazing at giving her riders confidence and guiding them to find their joy with their horse. She knows our horses so well and has an uncanny bond with each of them.
Here, Maire is lightly conditioning one of our greatest horses, Sam. Maire sends him forward to encourage him to use his body, increase blood flow, and loosen any tightness that might be there. As a senior horse, gentle and forward movement like this is very beneficial to Sam’s emotional and physical health.
Thank you Maire and Sam, for all you do! 💕
Alex's Story
Annual Fund 2022 - - Did you know only one third of Thorncroft’s operating costs are supported through lesson fees? The Annual Fund ensures the growth of our riders like Alex and strengthens the community in which we live through inclusion and understanding.
The Annual Fund
- Positively impacts the lives of 350 riders and their loved ones a week through high quality equestrian education
-Fosters a culture where all people are loved and celebrated for their unique gifts
-Grows network of support for Veterans and Military Families and
supports the needs of our first responder and law enforcement community facing daily occupational stress
-Enhances local school curriculums and enrichment opportunities for educational partners
We humbly ask for your generous support so we may continue to provide life-changing services for our community.
Thank you for considering your loving impact on countless riders like Alex.
Make a gift online at support.thorncroft.org or via the blue donate button at the top of this page.
For questions or to arrange a different means of contribution such as gifts of securities, corporate matches or gifts in kind, please contact our Head of Philanthropy, Mikaela Potrako, at 610.644.1963.
Happy Halloween! 🐴🦖
As a Thorncroft horse, we ask a lot of our equine teammates. While it doesn't typically involve being lunged by an inflatable dinosaur 😄, Frosty's confident and calm demeanor demonstrates a trait often found with horses that have great success at the Farm!
Our horses must be patient, steadfast, and flexible to their riders, physically sound, and emotionally grounded. They take to their new jobs with steadiness and grace, offering independence, confidence, and growth to those who ride, care, and love them.
In return, we do our part of providing them a safe, healthy, and relaxed environment, personalized nutrition and wellness programs, and do our best to go above and beyond for their care. Our work would not be possible without this herd.
Join us in supporting the purchase of a new herd member on GivingTuesday on November 29.
Happy Halloween!
Congratulations to the 2022 Mainstreamers team and coaches Jessica and Elizabeth for a spectacular performance at the Lobstah Bake!
In honor of National Safety Week our staff put together a short skit to remind you to mind your melon and make sure your helmet is both properly fitted and up to date!
Did you know helmets expire after five years, even if you have only ridden in them a few times?
No matter the number of rides, materials in your helmet can begin to degrade after a certain number of years. Not sure if your helmet is over five years old? Check the tag on the label located inside the helmet. Purchased your helmet in 2017, or are unsure of the date of purchase? Time for a new helmet!
Did you know you should always have your helmets professionally fitted?
Shopping online is a great way to see what styles you like and where to ultimately purchase, once sized, if desired, but you should make sure to have your head and helmet correctly measured in a store with a fitting specialist. Rick's Heritage Saddlery and Malvern Saddlery Ltd are great resources for helmet shopping and fitting.
Did you know not all helmets are the same?
Just like clothing, not all helmet brands fit the same. A size 7.5 in one brand may vary differently in another. Make sure to always correctly fit your helmet with a professional before riding.
Tips for fitting: Make sure to fit your helmet depending on how you style your hair. Hair in a ponytail versus hair tucked under the helmet will impact the fit. Get a haircut? Time for a fitting!
Remember: All helmets should meet one of the three international equestrian safety standards or marks PAS015:2011, VG1 01.040 2014-12, and ASTM F1163:2015. Always replace your helmet after a fall, no matter how hard the impact, even if you don't see visible damage.
Most importantly, always wear a helmet when riding a horse.
Did you know proceeds from your registration for our 5K Trail Run for Thorncroft goes directly to support our herd and mission?
Here are some of the friendly faces you can meet on September 1!
Sign up to participate in our title event the 5K Trail Run or participate in the 5K Walk or 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk/Move As You Please.
All participants invited to attend the post-race bash with SLY FOX BEER Beer Garden, Dos Gringos Mexican Kitchen and The Flying Deutschman Food Trucks, and live music by the Sin Brothers.
Online registration ends August 29.
Visit us online to register or send us a message for more I do!