Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Crusaders 2012


The Crusaders Equestrian Team has completed their second year and what a year it's been. A big THANK YOU to our entire team. The compassion, drive and dedication of the entire team was awesome. I'm so proud of what we accomplished and who we helped. 

It all started with at Stock Show where our royalty were consumet show woman. They worked hard, and brought recognition to the team, all while smiling until it hurt. As we all know Stock Show is one of the biggest horse venues in Colorado. So it was an honor for our girls to be invited. They helped the Horse Protection League with their booth, bringing awareness of neglected horses to the public’s attention. 


In February the team went to Mount Saint Vincent’s, a residential therapy home for abused children. We split into four groups and spent some much needed quality time with the kids. We created memories and bonds that they can take with them throughout their lives. It left a print on our hearts as well. 

In April we participated in the registration for the “Miles for Hope” walk, which raised money for brain tumor research. We collected over $60,000 and added to the monies from pre registration it was almost $120,000 for Colorado. We also kicked off the walk by coming together for Pastor Ty's prayer of blessings for the survivors and their families. There wasn't a dry eye in the bunch. After the walk we were honored to present awards to the winners. 

April also brought the beginning of our team practices, which continued throughout the summer. 

In June Becky hosted an amazing barbeque at Mount Saint Vincent's. The residents enjoyed hot dogs, lemonade and cupcakes. Our youth team and royalty played kickball with the kids and their compassion shined through. Remember, we are the only group invited to interact with the residents. What a special honor! That day was an example of peers enjoying peers, no differences just making all feel loved. 

Also in June we attended the Horse Protection Leagues barbeque, helping raise money to feed the horses. The royalty were so gracious, teaching line dancing and keeping the momentum of the fun. Who knew we could all dance so great. 

In July we held our first drill performance raising money for our practice arena. The kid's team made the adults looks like armatures. We participated in the Beyers Independence Day Parade, a job well done and a day to remember. The Granddaddy of them all, Cheyenne Frontier days parade was our favorite parade and full of horse lovers and rodeo stars from all over the country. It was another opportunity for us to look amazing. Late July brought another chance for us to help raise money for 32 Colorado charity groups at Heaven Fest. Our team helped with security, quite an adventure enforcing the rules all while enjoying great music. Who knew we could be so tough and look awesome doing it. It wasn’t all work and no play, though, we had so much fun competing in a Gymkana at Adams County fairgrounds. 

In August we took part in “National Night Out” with the Millikin Police Department. The royalty, teamembers and Knight mascot helped promote community relations. We gave rides and the line was backed up a block, just to get a chance to sit on a Crusader horse. The horses were so good and patient as the kids enjoyed them. 

We also participated in the Keenseburg parade, showing off our team and well behaved horses. The team went to Horse Protection League again performing for the kids of Mount Saint Vincent’s. The Queen’s and Princess’ did a great routine, then the youth team, followed up by the adult team. Hay prices were very high, so our fundraising performance brought people to the garage/tack sale. Good job by all! 

September brought a day none of us will forget. We played a healing role in the lives of many families affected by suicide. We brought the horses to the Suicide Prevention walk and took pictures with each family who’d lost someone they loved. It was as though the horses were stand ins for the missing family member. Such a heartwarming moment and a spiritual reminder that loved ones are always with us. Each team horse carried the shoes of the missing loved ones and lead the walk. The horses were a surprise to the other participants, but the role they played will be remembered forever. Horses mere presents had an impact more than words. The cross on our shirts that day was a challenge as most family members were in different stages of grieving and some were blaming God. We as a team reminded them He did not do this and His heart was breaking for them. 

The Crusaders Equestrian Team, Buffalo Soldiers of the American West and Lone Star Steakhouse of Brighton, teamed up to help a local family whose son was lost to suicide buy a headstone for his final resting place. Lone Star donated 15% of the meals sold while we were in the parking lot giving rides. 

The royalty kept busy soliciting donations throughout the entire mall. Of course their cuteness helped raise a lot of money. Our Knight mascot was also there with his trusty stead giving rides as well. Our coordinated effort helped raise over $900 for the headstone. Super teamwork! 

In October we went to Home Depot for a safety clinic along with the fire department, police department and other public safety groups teaching local kids how to be safe around horses. Because of the urban encroachment on rural areas it is so important that they learn how to stay calm and approach their horse neighbors. 

November brought a huge change, we found a new home for practices. The Sweeney's have graciously become part of our family and devoted time and attention to expanding our teams skill set. 

We began our annual Christmas drive in November with the help of Fantastic Sams of Brighton, and Kintecare. In December we loaded up the goodies and played giver for the day. We visited as many needy families as we could and passed on the generosity of Brighton and true meaning of Christmas. Once again the horses were center stage with their reindeer hats and patient acceptance of all the attention. The royalty were on hand taking pictures with the families, reminding us that simple gestures can bring such joy. We even had enough to donate to the Denver Rescue Mission. I think the day reminded us all of how blessed we are and as Christ did, always remember those in need. 

Thanks to the generosity of the team, we helped a special family this year who, due to circumstances beyond their control, were struggling to give their 3 kids a traditional Christmas. As a team we donated $100 to buy presents and were able to secure a donation from Fantastic Sams for a $100 food card from King Soopers. This family was able to have a Christmas to remember. Thank you, team! 

Well that sums it up. As you can see we were busy. I look forward to what 2013 is going to bring. Thanks to each and every team member we are carrying the cross and riding with it. God Bless us every one. 

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