February 2026 Update
Celebrating our Core Values: EMPOWERMENT
This month we have the privilege of hearing from a Renew parent on what empowerment looks like at Renew for her son, Eric.
Therapeutic riding has been part of Eric’s life for many, many years. Seven years ago, we moved from another state where Eric had been riding at a therapeutic riding center. Immediately upon visiting Renew, he felt the Renew Spirit and said I want to ride here. The camaraderie provides him with a sense of acceptance and belonging. The opportunity for him to connect with a horse is the highlight of his week.
During the winter of 2024-25, he had several very serious surgeries. We did not know if he would ride again – BUT the call of the horse is powerful! He was determined to ride again (it is called SISU in Finnish), AND ride again he did by working hard in PT and OT, and with the support and encouragement from his instructor Ellis. Even though he now has Renew’s wonderful side walkers and a lead, his ability to still sit up tall in the saddle and direct Babe’s movements gives him sense of accomplishment every lesson.
Every lesson is an “I did it!” moment.
Equine Assisted Services on the Big Screen
Earlier this month the Renew family had an opportunity to gather together for a unique experience. Over 100 people came to the Park Theater in Holland to fellowship and enjoy a documentary screening about the numerous benefits of horse-human interactions.
Thank you to everyone who made it out for this event. It was so great to say hello, catch up a bit, and celebrate the amazing ways that God uniquely created the horse to improve our lives.
And thank you to those that filled out a short survey providing valuable feedback. Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable as we try to find meaningful ways to connect and support the mission.
Monthly Lunch N Learns – You’re Invited!
Each month Renew welcomes you to stop by the upstairs of the farmhouse to enjoy your lunch while learning together during the Lunch N Learn events. In early February we were honored to have Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project and parent of a Renew participant, share her message “Be the Bison” – her personal experience with caregiver burnout and how crucial community is/has been to walking through the stresses of being a caregiver to her son who has disabilities. Thank you for speaking with us this month, Jess!
The next scheduled Lunch N Learn will be held on Monday, March 9, from noon to 1:00P. Renew’s Executive Director, Melissa, will share about her recent trip to Managua, Nicaragua where she assisted a non-profit, faith-based organization, Tesoros de Dios. Through stories and photos she will demonstrate how this cross-cultural experience of EAS has impacted her personally and professionally. These events are free and everyone is invited.
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 when registration opens for the next session of therapeutic riding lessons? Check the HORSE HUB. Want to know the dates for Hug A Horse events? Check the HORSE HUB.
We hope this is a very useful tool for the Renew family.
Upcoming Events
Denim & Diamonds at the Derby
Thursday, April 23, 5:30P
Baker Lofts
This event is always a memorable evening! This year, it is the only fundraising event to support the mission and we’ve set a lofty goal to ensure that our community has access to the programs they need. We are expectant and excited to see how God will provide through the Renew family. We hope you are able to join in the fun, whether in person or virtually.
Horse Brain Science Clinic with Dr. Stephen Peters
April 24-26, 2026
Renew Therapeutic Riding Center
This immersive clinic will combine 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. Leave guesswork behind and gain science-based tools to build trust, communicate clearly, and create a calm, connected partnership with your horse.
Save the Date
Denim & Diamonds at the Derby is the signature fundraising event to support the mission of Renew…and it is a whole lot of fun! We hope you are able to join in person this year, but even if you’re not, there are many ways to partner in the mission and try to win some amazing auction packages. Tickets will go on sale February 23.
Thursday, April 23 at Baker Lofts
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 2024. 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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