April 2026 Update
Celebrating our Core Values: EXCELLENCE
This month we have the privilege of hearing from Renew’s Executive Director, Melissa, on what excellence looks like at Renew from her perspective.
I am excited to write to you about the core value of excellence, as it is one that the Staff and Board of Directors at Renew treasure dearly. It can be challenging to write about what it means to serve with excellence, as it is something that many of us aspire to but if we are being honest, it is hard to achieve. To us, showing up every day and giving our all to what we have been called to do at Renew is an honor and a privilege, but it is also hard. We may mess up some days, as people do. We may not be able to give our all at times, and we rely on others grace. But, we are committed to showing up and doing our best by giving our all. We believe that by being committed to the idea of excellence that others will be blessed and experience a fuller life-giving experience at Renew as a result. It really is why we do what we do.
As an organization, serving with excellence means staying late to muck out a stall, taking extra time with a student to ensure understanding and support, or slowing down to care for a horse in rehab. It means supporting each other with care, concern, and compassion. It means continuing to learn and grow in our understanding of all members of the Renew family — human and nonhuman — in order to do our best with them. It means going the extra mile when it becomes clear that is what is needed. I have witnessed every member of our staff embodying this core value in their work, and I am grateful to lead such an organization as together we pursue excellence.
Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” We cling to this truth as we are collectively called to the work of equine assisted services in our community with excellence. Thank you for being with us on this journey to fulfill our vision of “Positive life change with every horse experience.” It takes all of us to make this vision a reality.
Denim & Diamonds at the Derby
We are humbled and so very grateful by the tremendous support of the Renew family. And, what a fun night we had! Thank you to everyone who partnered in the mission through attending the event, voting for your favorite jockey, playing Bid to Win, and through donations – it takes a caring community of champions to ensure that participants have the opportunity to receive the services that they need.
There were lots of laughs, amazing food, inspiring stories, and Hamlet even made an appearance. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all again next year.
A Weekend of Learning
Renew welcomed around 40 equine professionals and fellow horse lovers to the farm the final weekend of April for an incredible and unique learning experience. Renowned neuroscientist, author, and educator, Dr. Steve Peters, led this immersive clinic which combined live demonstrations, engaging presentations, and a rare hands-on brain dissection to reveal how trust, fear, motivation, and learning are wired in the equine brain.
As the only fundraiser in 2026 to support the life changing mission at Renew, Denim & Diamonds at the Derby is your chance to make a difference…have a lot of fun!
The knowledge and insight gained will be invaluable as we seek to partner with our horses in order to best serve every participant at Renew.
Say Hi at Tulip Time
Come on out to the Tulip Time parade on Saturday, May 9, and say hi to us! Grab your chairs, blankets, and come out for a good time. Snap a picture of Renew as we pass and share it on our Facebook page – we would love to see it!
Get Connected and Stay Up to Date
In an effort to bring you all of the information you need in one convenient place, we have created the HORSE HUB. The HORSE HUB is the place to visit for all of the upcoming event information, programming information, registration links, and more. This living document will be updated regularly, so make sure to check in often.
If you would like to register for an upcoming program? Check the HORSE HUB. Want to know the dates for Hug A Horse or community events? Check the HORSE HUB.
We hope this is a very useful tool for the Renew family.
New Online Store
Renew is excited to be partnering with Homestead Tee to offer you a variety of stylish and comfortable Renew apparel. Located in Hamilton, Homestead Tee is conveniently located to offer you free pick up of your orders. Or pay to have your orders shipped directly to your home.
We are thrilled to begin this new partnership and so grateful that Homestead Tee will donate a portion of every sale back to Renew!
Lots of great Christmas gift items for everyone! Thank you for partnering in the mission in this way and for proudly sharing Renew in the community with every purchase!
Your partnership had a tremendous impact on our community in 2025. Take a look at the full Impact Report and celebrate with us all that God has done through your generosity and service.
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