19/12/2024
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Today, I find myself writing an extremely vulnerable letter to the public that I hoped never to have to write. The Red Barn Project at Triple Moon Equestrian, a sanctuary for horses and a haven for our community, is on the brink of closure due to severe financial constraints. Despite the unwavering support of our handful of dedicated students and generous community members, we are in a state of emergency.
The past 18 months have tested our resilience in ways we could never have imagined. The economic inflation has squeezed us tightly and is crushing us. Every small disruption—from unexpected student breaks during the holiday season to the destructive bomb cyclone—has rippled through our operations, pushing us further towards the edge.
Two years ago, we were a thriving hub, offering numerous scholarships and second chances to horses in need. Now, those scholarships are frozen, our hands tied by the delay in securing grants—a process that requires a professional grant writer and time we do not have.
In response, I've thrown myself into creating and selling products inspired by my designs, developing a website, and learning the intricate dance of SEO and online marketing. It is a full time job on top of the operations of the barn. This is coupled with a learning curve that takes people years to achieve. Despite these efforts, the truth is stark: these initiatives cannot swiftly transform into the financial lifeline we desperately need today.
I recall, decades ago, my mentor once telling me that choosing this path meant embracing a near vow of poverty, recognizing the immense effort required to share the healing power of horses. It's a path of emotional highs and lows, one that demands a thick skin and offers profound rewards as we see lives transformed through our work.
To those reading this: your support has never been more critical. We are out of hay, our utilities fund is depleted, and we are striving every day to keep our promise to the horses and people who rely on us. Here's how you can help:
- If you are a student, please come to your lessons scheduled.
- Donate to our hay, farrier and utilities fund. We urgently need to raise $4,600 monthly to meet our hay needs alone.
https://venmo.com/u/TripleMoonEquestrian
-Spread the word about our plight and the services we offer.
-Purchase our gift certificates, equine assisted sessions, riding lessons, available alongside our equestrian-themed journals, tumblers, candles, and custom barn merchandise on our fundraising Etsy and Farm Shop.
https://triplemoonequestrian.org/collections
https://triplemoonequestrian.etsy.com
-Connect us with angel investors or organizations that assist with emergency animal feed.
This is not just a call for financial assistance; it's a plea to preserve a 30-year legacy of education, healing, and community. Closing our doors would not only jeopardize the future of our horses but also dismantle a vital resource for at-risk youth and all who have found solace and strength in our programs.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. Any help, no matter how small, can contribute to keeping our doors open and our mission alive. Let’s stand together to save a place that has given so much to so many.
With deepest gratitude and hope,
Cat Snapp
Founder
The Red Barn Project
Triple Moon Equestrian
425-219-2270
www.triplemoonequestrian.org