Ivy Hill Announces New Executive Director

The Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is pleased to announce Susanne McMahon as their new Executive Director. Susanne has a long association with Ivy Hill going back to 2018 during which time she was a Riding Instructor and Volunteer Coordinator. She holds a Masters Degree in Education and has worked in the Colonial and North Penn School Districts as a Special Education Teacher. She has been certified by PATH International as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Mentor as well as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Susanne has a passion for Ivy Hill’s mission and the families we work tirelessly to serve. She is excited to be stepping into this new role.

Susanne replaces Laura Brockett-Srausser, who is stepping back from the Executive Director responsibilities to pursue the next chapter of her life. Under Laura's leadership, Ivy Hill's programs flourished, our community connections expanded, and the Foundation’s financial performance continued to grow, all despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura will continue to be a strong supporter of Ivy Hill, and is grateful for her time serving as Executive Director.

We wish both Susanne and Laura continued success in the years ahead.

2023 Spring Home Show is a “Huge Success!”

On Sunday, April 23rd, the Ivy Hill barn was full of family, friends, and fun for the Spring Home Show! This annual event gives every Ivy Hill rider the opportunity to “show” off their horsemanship skills in a friendly competition where each rider competes in two classes each. It is always a highlight of the year for our riders and their families!

Program Manager, Erin Dart, says of the event: “The Spring Home Show was a huge success! All of our riders performed wonderfully. I would like to thank all of the riders, parents, volunteers, staff, and horses for helping make the day go as smoothly as possible. Riders, give yourself a pat on the back; you make Ivy Hill so proud!”

Ivy Hill is grateful to have been introduced to Chelsea, a photographer who is good friends with our Barn Manager, Olivia Gardner. Chelsea has provided her skills to Ivy Hill many times, and once again generously volunteered to take photographs during this year’s Home Show. All of the photos can be found on her website, and they are free to download. Thank you, Chelsea! Check out a sneak peek below:

CK Photography

CK Photography

CK Photography

Home Show, November 2022

CK Photography

Our Ivy Hill riders had yet another fun and successful Fall Home Show this year! Despite the chill in the air, the horses came ready to work, and the riders came ready to show off their skills. This year, we had the privilege of having CK Photography at the show to take beautiful photos throughout the day. Be sure to check out and download the photos here!

Congratulations to all of our riders and their families!

Sonflower Studios Sponsors Photoshoot at Stable

On a sunny weekend in April there was more hustle and bustle at the barn than usual. The horses, staff, and riders were expecting a very special guest: Hailey Gamling of our local Sonflower Studios was coming to do a photoshoot!

Hailey came ready to photograph headshots of our horses, staff members, and Board members, but most importantly, she came to capture the beautiful connection between our riders and some of their best friends - their lesson horses.

Board Member Lauren Kocsi, who worked with the Board’s Marketing Committee to plan the event, said “we are so grateful to Hailey for not only donating her time and expertise to help us update our website photos, but we are inspired by how she was able to capture the relationships and stories between our riders and horses in her photographs. I get emotional every time I see them!”

Check out some of the beautiful photos by Hailey below, and be sure to check out and support Sonflower Studios on social media: https://www.facebook.com/sonflwrstudios

Stephanie Schwartzberg Named to Ivy Hill Board of Directors

Stephanie Schwartzberg Named to Ivy Hill Board of Directors

Penn Community Bank General Counsel joins leading therapeutic equestrian center 

PERKASIE, Pa. (August 2021) – Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Schwartzberg to the board of directors of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. In the new role, Schwartzberg will provide governance and aid in development opportunities over a two-year term.  

"Stephanie has been volunteering her time at Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center since the fall of 2020. In our hour of greatest need, she stepped up and worked with our most vulnerable population,” said Laura Brockett-Strausser, Executive Director of Ivy Hill. “Her service above self, is commendable and Ivy Hill is very lucky to have gained such a dynamic ally.” 

As Penn Community Bank’s General Counsel, Schwartzberg drives the overall legal strategy for governance, corporate law, risk management, and a wide range of contract negotiations across all business functions. In addition to Ivy Hill, she serves as a member of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Legal Affairs Advisory Committee and a mentor with the Mount St. Joseph Academy’s Firebirds 433 all-girl robotics team. Schwartzberg holds an undergraduate business degree Villanova University and a law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

About Penn Community Bank: Penn Community Bank holds more than $2.5 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking, lending and investments at 22 bank branches and three administrative centers throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania. As an independent, mutual financial institution, Penn Community Bank is not publicly traded and operates with its long-term mission in mind: to help businesses grow and prosper, to provide financial resources to individuals and families throughout their lifetimes, to strengthen the local economy, and to partner with local organizations to act as a catalyst for positive growth in every market it serves.

About Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center:  Ivy Hill uses equine-assisted services and therapies for differently-abled individuals in order to help them develop self-sustaining life skills and the confidence to use them. For more information, visit https://www.ivyhillequestrian.org/

Ivy Hill and Penn Charter School Help Each Other Reach Important Goals!

John Cochrane, Treasurer, John Leidy, Parent, and Chris Brockett, CEO & President of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center joined Allen Steere, Vice President of Ivy Hill at the Penn Charter School annual Bert Linton golf outing which supports Penn Charter one of our country’s oldest schools founded by charter from William Penn in the year 1689. Each year Ivy Hill supports Penn Charter’s mission of providing exemplary elementary and secondary school education for young women and men. In turn, Penn Charter supports Ivy Hill each year by sponsoring and sending golfers to Ivy Hill’s golf outing helping Ivy Hill provide quality therapeutic services to differently abled individuals. This example of helpful reciprocity benefits so many people in the Philadelphia and its suburban areas. Congratulations to Ivy Hill and Penn Charter for helping each other achieve important goals!

Pictured left to right are John Cochrane, John Leidy, and Chris Brockett representing Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

A Perfect Team!

Ivy Hill was featured in a video by Quarry View Building Group and the Maryland 5 Star.

First Responders Horse Handling Training Event planned for August 30, 2020 at 10 a.m.

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is hosting a training event for First Responders to become more familiar with handling horses in an emergency situation.

Horse behavior, basic terminology, horse body language and the basics of horse handling will be reviewed. Hands-on opportunities for First Responders to halter and lead the horses will be offered.

"In light of a recent occurrence in our area in which the bravery of local officers helped save a horse from a large barn fire, Ivy Hill realized how valuable basic knowledge of horse handling and behavior could be to local First Responders. We are so appreciative of our First Responders and are grateful for the opportunity to help them while also helping horses." said Instructor, Janna Pitak.

For further information, please contact Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center at 215.822.2515.

Trumbauers Lawn & Garden Donates Mower to Ivy Hill

Trumbauers Lawn & Garden in Quakertown, PA, in conjunction with Toro and Equine Equipment, is proud to donate a Toro mower to the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center located in Perkasie, PA.

Trumbauers Lawn & Garden recognizes the important work Ivy Hill performs. “We urge everyone to support this fine facility and are proud to donate this Toro mower to them. We appreciate Toro and Equine Equipment for their part in this effort,” said John Trumbauer with Trumbauers.

“Ivy Hill is changing the lives of these kids and making a difference; we applaud their efforts” said Trumbauer.

“Trumbauers is proud to support this fine therapeutic riding facility and we are happy to have them as one of our dealer partners” said Steve Andersen of Equine Equipment.

“This donation is very much appreciated; especially in these unprecedented times. The kids and the horses are our number one priority. Donations like these make a big difference for our program and we are thankful for the generosity. Thank you, Trumbauers Lawn & Garden and Toro,” states Laura Brockett-Strausser, Executive Director of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center Releases New Theme Song

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center, the leading therapeutic equestrian program in the region, has just released their new theme song just in time for the Miles for #WHIiIVY race on June 20, 2020.  Joy Walter, a member of the Board of Directors, explained that a group of good Samaritans had come together to help the Ivy Hill organization, who provides a much-needed service to those with disabilities in our community. This group of young adults volunteered their time, pooled their musical talents and made use of other donated resources to create a lasting identity for Ivy Hill Therapeutic Riding Center. The mission of those that produced this song is to help all involved move forward during the challenges of the COVID pandemic.

To support the “Miles for #WHYiIVY” please visit  WHYiIVY.givesmart.com.  Please be sure to check out the Ivy Hill live feed of the event and enjoy hearing the new theme song. 

Ivy Hill Announces “Miles for #WHYiIVY”

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center invites you to join us for a walk, run, or ride around your neighborhood on June 20, 2020

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center invites the community to join them for a walk, run, or ride around their neighborhood in support of Ivy Hill on June 20th at 9AM.

In these unprecedented times Ivy Hill has been forced to close their doors due to COVID-19, and as a result has been unable to generate lesson income for their services. However, that does not stop the bills from piling up. Ivy Hill has a herd of 12 horses. For horse expenses alone including farriering, vetting, dental, feed and bedding it costs about $60,000 a year and that is just the tip of the iceberg of the cost that it takes to run the center.

After a very successful “#WHYiIVY” social media campaign where riders, families, instructors, supporters, and staff took to social media to share heartfelt tributes to why they are involved with Ivy Hill, they have decided to continue the important message through this event. In order to keep generating these profound stories of hope Ivy Hill needs the community's help. Participants of the “Miles for #WHYiIVY” event can register as an individual participant or elect to join a team made up of coworkers, friends, family, or a team of supporters for a specific rider or person.

“Although we are staying physically distant, we are inviting the community to come together for a cause that provides life changing therapies for our special needs community,”  said Laura Brockett-Strausser, Executive Director of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. “I have spoken with parents that have expressed the immense detriment that they have seen physically and emotionally in their child since their therapy has been postponed. We need the community's support to ensure that we can continue to fulfill our important mission for years to come once it is safe to do so.”

To register for “Miles for #WHYiIVY” please visit  WHYiIVY.givesmart.com. We hope to have your support on June 20th.

Ivy Hill Receives COVID-19 Grant

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has received a grant from the Foundations Community Partnership to help secure their future.

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center - the leading therapeutic equestrian center in the region serving individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs – is overjoyed to have received a grant from the Foundations Community Partnership to assist with the center’s COVID-19 relief.

Ivy Hill applied to the Foundations Community Partnership’s COVID-19 Response Grant and has been notified it will be receiving a $4,500 grant. This grant will be going towards supporting riders who want to return to their needed equine assisted therapy, but due to COVID-19, may have a new financial hardship.

Ivy Hill has always put a large effort into finding ways to provide therapy to people of all financial backgrounds. The Bonnie Sames Financial Assistance Program was established at Ivy Hill with a vision of having no rider turned away because of their financial situation—that all who need or want to experience this life-changing program would always be able to do so.

“We are so grateful to be the recipients of this grant,”  said Laura Brockett-Strausser, Executive Director of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. “The special needs community has been uniquely affected by the current public health crisis with their much needed equine therapies being postponed. We cannot wait until we can safely welcome riders back to our facility”.

To learn more about Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center visit our website at https://www.ivyhillequestrian.org/ and don’t forget to check out the Foundations Community Partnership at https://www.fcpartnership.org/.

Therapy Horses Connect with Riders for Weekly Story Time

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center invites you to join us for a Virtual Story time with one of our treasured therapy horses.

PERKASIE, PA 4/27/2020 - Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center - the leading therapeutic equestrian center in the region serving individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs - is continuing to find ways to connect with their riders and community by inviting them back to the barn for a virtual story book reading with the Therapy Horses.

Our first story time took place on Facebook Live Saturday, April 25th and was a great success. Lauren Kosci, Volunteer Coordinator, led a reading of I am Peace, A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde. Lauren was joined along side Pebbles, a small, white therapy horse with a big personality. Pebbles is a barn favorite and the riders were over joyed to see her and be able to spend time with her.

“In the special needs community many of our riders thrive with a routine. With their lives being changed with having to stay at home due to COVID-19, I am grateful we are able to offer a small sense of normalcy being able to see their therapy horses,”  said Laura Brockett-Strausser, Executive Director of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. “We are excited to be able to virtually open our doors and invite our riders and community back to a place that so many of us consider a home away from home”.

To learn more about Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center visit our website at https://www.ivyhillequestrian.org/ and don’t forget to join us every Saturday at 3:45PM on Facebook Live for a story time with one of our amazing therapy horses.

ABOUT IVY HILL THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER: Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center creates therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs utilizing the equine experience. Our vision is to be the recognized standard bearer for professionalism, excellence, advocacy and sportsmanship in equine-assisted activities and therapies. Horses + Love = Hope.

Ivy Hill Community Grows Closer While Sharing "Why They Ivy"

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center Community is sharing their stories  of what led them to Ivy Hill, and what keeps them coming back in touching social media posts.

PERKASIE, PA 4/24/2020 - Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center - the leading therapeutic equestrian center in the region serving individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs - is taking this time apart to grow closer as a community and focus on what riders, families, and volunteers have in common: a love for Ivy Hill.

Using the #WHYiIVY hashtag on Facebook and Instagram, the Ivy Hill family is sharing what brought them to Ivy Hill, and what keeps them coming back. What has emerged is a heartfelt tribute to the benefits of equine therapy, the special needs community, and the incalculable impact Ivy Hill has had on so many lives.

“With riders being forced to take a hiatus from their time with their favorite four-legged miracle workers, the #WHYiIVY campaign is something that continues to unite this community of riders, instructors, staff, and supporters,” said Laura Brockett-Strausser, Executive Director of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. “As we navigate through these difficult times we have an amazing opportunity to focus on what brings us together and share our stories with those throughout our neighborhoods.”

There have already been many heart warming testimonials to the power of Ivy Hill and equine therapy:

·         “So you ask #WHYiIVY? Because, if our lives had been reversed, Dave would do everything I’m doing and more for me.” - Chris Brockett, President of Ivy Hill Foundation, writing about his late brother, Dave, who lived with special needs.

·         “It gets me through the tough times that I have had.” - Lia, Ivy Hill Rider

·         “They treat me the same, it’s like a second home to me.” Sophia, Ivy Hill Rider

·         “I am honored & blessed to be in the company of 16 magnificent horses every week to groom, tack, lead & most of all love & hug. The past weeks have been extremely hard due to not being able to see them but we are all 1 day closer to putting this all behind us”. Debbie Knouse, Ivy Hill Volunteer

To learn more about Ivy HIll Therapeutic Equestrian Center visit our website at https://www.ivyhillequestrian.org/ and don’t forget to search the hashtag #WHYiIVY.

ABOUT IVY HILL THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER: Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center creates therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs utilizing the equine experience. Our vision is to be the recognized standard bearer for professionalism, excellence, advocacy and sportsmanship in equine-assisted activities and therapies. Horses + Love = Hope.

Ivy Hill Recognized in the U.S. House of Representatives

Amid the partisan rancor and division in Washington, D.C., one thing our elected officials should agree on is the importance of supporting programs dedicated to an exponentially growing special needs population.

On February 5, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) recognized Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and commended the organization on its more than 20 years of changing lives for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs. In his remarks, Fitzpatrick highlighted the hundreds of program riders, staff, and volunteers, as well as Ivy Hill’s collaboration with community partners to provide job training through specialized programs dedicated to the special needs population in Southeastern Pennsylvania. 

“[Ivy Hill’s] motto is ‘Horses + Love = Hope,’” closed Fitzpatrick. “[H]aving heard firsthand the heartwarming testimonials of riders and their families, it is clear this equation is holding true. 

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center Receives 2019 Best of Perkasie Award

PERKASIE October 8, 2019 — Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has been selected for the 2019 Best of Perkasie Award in the Equestrian Facility category by the Perkasie Award Program.

Each year, the Perkasie Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Perkasie area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2019 Perkasie Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Perkasie Award Program and data provided by third parties.

The Perkasie Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Perkasie area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Perkasie Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Quarry View Building Group – Blue Ribbon Sponsor for Ivy Hill Polo Cup Event!

Ivy Hill thanks Quarry View Building Group for their Blue Ribbon sponsorship of Ivy Hill’s first Polo Cup benefit match.  In addition to a beautiful day, great conversation with friends  and the exciting match, Quarry View Building Group and other guests were able to experience the halftime tradition of stomping the divots. To learn more about Ivy Hill’s Therapeutic riding program visit them at www.ivyhillequestrian.org. 

Double D Trailers and Ivy Hill – How Horses Can Help Heal Those in Need of Physical and Mental Support

Great article written about Ivy Hill’s program and posted on Double D Trailers!  Follow the link  to Learn How Horses Can Help You Heal Physically and Mentally and read on about our amazing people and horses!

https://www.doubledtrailers.com/ivy-hill-therapeutic-equestrian-center-perkasie-pa/

Athletes Helping Athletes supports Ivy Hill!

Athletes Helping Athletes, Inc. has presented Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center with a check to support its programs for special needs children and adults.

The power of participation was on full display on March 16 at the Ivy Hill equestrian facility when Board members from Athletes Helping Athletes presented their check supporting Ivy Hill’s equine therapy programs.

Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA) betters the lives of all athletes by funding organizations that provide specific opportunities for special needs athletes throughout Bucks County and surrounding areas. They also increase awareness and community support through inclusion in local athletic functions and offer extra-curricular events and activities for athletes and coaches to share their experiences as well as their love of sport.

Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA) betters the lives of all athletes by funding organizations that provide specific opportunities for special needs athletes throughout Bucks County and surrounding areas. They also increase awareness and community support through inclusion in local athletic functions and offer extra-curricular events and activities for athletes and coaches to share their experiences as well as their love of sport.

“Athletes Helping Athletes is a big part of the LOVE in our equation Horses + Love = Hope,” said Laura Strausser, Ivy Hill’s Executive Director.

Ivy Hill Foundation, Inc., dba Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Ivy Hill) is a community-based non-profit 501 (c)(3) located in Perkasie, PA.  Ivy Hill’s mission is to create therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs utilizing the equine experience.

The Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a community-based nonprofit located in Perkasie, PA.  They are currently serving 153 program riders with 15 therapy horses, 32 staff members and 168 volunteers, who have contributed 7,674 volunteer hours in 2018.  In addition to equine-assisted activities, Ivy Hill collaborates with several community partners to provide job training through specialized programs dedicated to an exponentially growing special needs population.

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center earns GuideStar 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Ivy Hill Foundation, Inc.) earns GuideStar 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency, putting them in the top 0.5 percent of Guidestar profiles.

GuideStar provides information that helps people make better decisions about nonprofits and the work they do. Each year, more than 10 million donors, nonprofit leaders, grantmakers, government officials, academic researchers, and journalists use GuideStar data to make intelligent decisions about the social sector.

Ivy Hill Foundation, Inc., dba Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Ivy Hill) is a community-based non-profit 501 (c)(3) located in Perkasie, PA.  Ivy Hill’s mission is to create therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs utilizing the equine experience.

In the last 20 years, Ivy Hill has grown to serve a community of 153 program riders with 15 therapy horses, 28 staff and 168 volunteers who have contributed 5,674 of volunteer hours.  In addition to equine-assisted therapies, Ivy Hill collaborates with several community partners to provide job training through specialized programs dedicated to an exponentially growing special needs population.

GuideStar maintains profiles on 2.7 million IRS-recognized nonprofits. These profiles contain information from the IRS and the nonprofits themselves. In addition, GuideStar data is seen on more than 200 philanthropic websites and applications. GuideStar is itself a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is “to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving.”

A 2018 report published in the Journal of Accounting, Auditing & Finance finds that nonprofits that proactively shared their organizational information with the public received substantially more in total contributions the following year than nonprofits that were less transparent. The report, “Determinants and Consequences of Nonprofit Transparency”, was based on data from 6,300 nonprofits in the GuideStar database.

The report found that organizations that voluntarily took action to improve their transparency and earned a GuideStar Seal of Transparency saw an average increase of 53 percent in their total contributions a year later while demonstrating stronger performance across a range of governance, financial, and operational dimensions. Authored by professors Erica Harris (Villanova University) and Daniel Neely (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee), the report draws the conclusion that donors will demonstrate their appreciation for a nonprofit’s efforts to improve its transparency by increasing their funding for the organization.

Ivy Hill is one of only four equine-assisted therapy centers in Pennsylvania that have attained Platinum level, which is Guidestar’s highest category.  At this level, the focus is on reporting of metrics, results and consistency of progress in an organization’s programs and mission.  The reporting of metrics and outcomes is very important for charitable giving.

Chris Brockett, President of Ivy Hill Foundation, Inc. commented, “As stewards of the funds we raise for our clients, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency and fiscal responsibilities and appreciate Guidestar’s acknowledgement of these efforts in this year’s rating.”

For more information about Ivy Hill visit our website at www.ivyhillequestrian.org or visit us on Guidestar