Our History
The riding program was founded by Jodi Geerlings in 2009. The following year, Jodi and Phyllis DeHaan both achieved their Instructor Certification with PATH International and began offering lessons at Rusty Spurs Ranch. Since, the program has experienced tremendous growth, and we have continued to add horses, staff members, and volunteers to support program needs each year.
Some of the highlights in our history include:
2012
Shaina Faber Strikwerda joined the team and became a Certified Instructor
2013
Melissa Conner was hired as the first Executive Director and Advanced Instructor
2013
2014
Renew began a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a build out at the current Rusty Spurs location where the program leased land
2015
The program was able to add horses and hire additional instructors as well as a part-time Barn Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
2015
2018
Renew purchased 20 acres on the south side of Holland, which is now our permanent home built intentionally to serve our current and anticipated growth in number of students and programs offered
2019
Renew moved to the location (5080 146th Ave) at the end of 2019, and construction of the state of the art indoor arena was completed in early 2020
2019
2020
Renew TRC continued to creatively serve the community and expand programs during the COVID-19 pandemic
