The Tucker County Giving Circle is proud to be able to partner with Saddles and Smiles, a local not-for-profit organization, to host their second annual week-long Barn Rat Assistance Training Workshop. Aimed towards children from Tucker County, the program is free to all participants. Held throughout the summer at Saddles and Smiles on the Cortland Road in the Canaan Valley, children ages 12 and older had the opportunity to learn about horses and to become a part of the Barn Rat Program. The TCGC grant provided the funds to support the Barn Rats as they learn to care for the horses, while learning leadership skills, building confidence and self-esteem, and enjoying positive social interactions in a screen-free environment. In addition, the Barn Rats provide essential assistance during the three week-long horse camps hosted by Saddles and Smiles.
For more information regarding Saddles and Smiles and the Barn Rat Training Workshop, contact Amelia Preusch at amelia@saddlesandsmiles.org. To learn more about the Tucker County Giving Circle, contact TCGCofcrs@gmail.com. To apply for a TCGC grant, go to the Tucker Community Foundation website: TuckerFoundationWV.org.
From left to right are: Mollie, a Barn Rat participant; Amelia Preush,Saddles and Smiles Program Director; Allison, Barn Rat Participant; Emma, Barn Rat participants; Wendy Steensland, TCGC Chairperson; Grace, Barn Rat Program participant
