May 2026 Update
Celebrating our Core Values: EXCELLENCE
This month we have the privilege of hearing from Ashley Smith Ragans on what excellence looks like at Renew from her perspective.
Excellence is a value that has always meant a great deal to me. To me, excellence is not perfection — it is the commitment to do the very best you can in every circumstance for the benefit of others. My perspective with Renew comes through two roles: as the owner of Heidi, a horse on loan to the program, and as a certified professional mentoring staff pursuing Interactive Vaulting certification. In both roles, I have witnessed excellence lived out in ways that are intentional, compassionate, and deeply rooted in stewardship.
A few months after Heidi arrived at Renew, she began showing signs of neck stiffness. Without hesitation, the team sought out the best care possible through Dr. Van Wessum, whose diagnosis and treatment plan created an incredible path forward for her. Today, Heidi is thriving and serving in speech, vaulting, and other equine-assisted services. What stood out most to me was not simply the medical care itself, but the unwavering commitment to “doing right by the horse” — even when that requires extra time, resources, or difficult decisions. At Renew, excellence means seeing horses not simply for what they can do, but honoring them as valued partners whose welfare comes first.
I have also seen this same spirit of excellence poured into people. The leadership, staff, volunteers, and community invested their time, expertise, encouragement, and resources into supporting Kayla’s goal of bringing Interactive Vaulting to Renew. Watching that support culminate in Kayla officially becoming a Certified Interactive Vaulting Instructor was incredibly special — congratulations, Kayla, and vault on!
After nearly 15 years in this field, I can confidently say Renew is unique. The excellence woven throughout the program is evident everywhere — in the horses, the staff, the volunteers, the donors, the board, and the care given to every part of the mission. It is deeply rooted in vision, faith, and service, and it is something you can truly feel the moment you become part of the Renew family.
Special Programs Return for Summer
Renew is once again offering special programs during the summer to broaden impact and offer opportunities for life change in fun and meaningful ways. Along with a shortened therapeutic riding session, there will be Speech Camp, Interactive Vaulting, Drill Team, Pony Pals, and more.
These programs offer children, teens, and adults the opportunity to engage in fun, unique activities while also growing physically, mentally, and emotionally. During Speech Camp, campers find their voice. Interactive Vaulting and Drill Team participants build confidence as they tackle new challenges, learn how to better communicate and work as a team, and also build muscles and get their bodies moving. Pony Pals campers get the chance to learn about their own emotions, build confidence, and build trusting relationships.
If you would like to learn more about any of these programs, please reach out to Kennedy at programs@renewtrc.org. We are looking forward to a transformational and fun summer!
Free Rein Fridays
Renew is excited to provide four Free Rein Friday events this summer. It is our honor to welcome active military, veterans, first responders, and their families to the farm for a chance to relax, make memories, and reconnect. Come for one, or come for all.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shaina at shaina.strikwerda@renewtrc.org.
Reading Wranglers
The horses are excited to meet your young readers this summer and go on all sorts of amazing adventures together! The horses are superb listeners and provide a fun, nonjudgmental space for your reader to build confidence and a love for reading.
If you are looking for ways to encourage your child to read throughout the summer, we would love for you to visit the farm during one of the free weekly Reading Wrangler sessions. Find more details and register early at Herrick District Library.
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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