About Joe Wappelhorst

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So far Joe Wappelhorst has created 34 blog entries.
26 04, 2019

SIRE Under The Stars – Exceeds Goal

2019-04-26T11:06:48-05:00April 26th, 2019|

SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship commemorated 35 years of transforming the lives of people with special needs through horse therapy and that intuitive connection between horse and human by achieving its $200,000 fundraising goal at SIRE Under the Stars, April 5, at River Oaks Country Club.

Carol and Jim Farnsworth and Mary Elizabeth Wise Sand co-chaired the western chic-themed event that honored Jana

26 04, 2019

SIRE LOVES VOLUNTEERS

2019-04-28T16:00:01-05:00April 26th, 2019|

SIRE riders rely on the dedication of our incredible volunteers. Annually, SIRE volunteers donate more than 30,000 hours of service. This is equivalent to 15 full-time employees working for the entire year!

Recently at SIRE, each site held an appreciation event for volunteers and recognized those with 500+ and 1,000+ volunteer hours.  It is this dedication and passion that runs through

28 02, 2019

Shelby Overcomes

2020-01-30T10:05:10-06:00February 28th, 2019|

SIRE Helps Erase the Fear, Build Strength and Confidence

Shelby Day used to be afraid of almost everything — including animals.

During her first visit to SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship when she was in the third grade, Shelby was hugging one of the horses within no time.

That was 20 years ago. Since then Shelby has

28 02, 2019

Welcome Christine

2019-03-03T14:25:03-06:00February 28th, 2019|

Please welcome Christine Starkweather to the SIRE team at Hockley. Christine started with SIRE this past fall volunteering in the arena and is now working for SIRE as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Hockley location. She brings a passion for horses and a dedication to helping those with special needs. We are thrilled to have her and encourage you to get to know Christine.

As I begin

27 12, 2018

Horse Show for the Holidays

2018-12-28T14:33:16-06:00December 27th, 2018|

The 4th Annual Holiday Horse Show was a great success. The horses were blessed, and Santa presided over riders as they showcased their talents with Elf Equitation and holiday races. Everyone enjoyed a fajita lunch catered by the incredibly generous Cisco’s Salsa Co. The festively adorned barn popped with color and sparkle.

In this season, we are blessed with incredible riders,

27 12, 2018

Retired Couple Lends Double Dose of Support

2018-12-28T14:36:14-06:00December 27th, 2018|

Teri and Don Page prepare Special Olympians for competition. They guide specially trained therapy horses to adapt to their riders with special needs. Providing moral support and encouragement, they impact the lives of people—both riders ad families—by volunteering with SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship.

On most Thursdays, the retired energy industry professionals can be seen around the Hockley location. Pairing up to help

30 11, 2018

GE Healthcare Aids Horse Comfort, Builds Rider Course

2018-12-27T20:13:01-06:00November 30th, 2018|


GE Healthcare Aids Horse Comfort, Builds Rider Course

 Both horses and humans had a great night’s sleep after GE Healthcare’s volunteer brigade finished work on SIRE’s Fort Bend facility at Richmond State Support Living Center.

As part of a community volunteer and team-building project, 25 GE Healthcare employees journeyed in from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi to

30 11, 2018

SIRE Rider Earns Special Olympic Gold & Star Musician Status

2018-12-27T20:13:15-06:00November 30th, 2018|

SIRE Rider Earns Special Olympic Gold, Star Musician Status

Having benefited from therapeutic riding in another state, the Maleriches were familiar with harnessing the connection between horse and human to enhance the lives of people with special needs. But it took a move to Texas and immersion into the SIRE family for Carol Malerich to fully benefit from learning how to

30 11, 2018

A Message of Celebration!

2018-12-27T20:13:20-06:00November 30th, 2018|

At SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship, we experience gratitude and friendship every day.

The success people find at SIRE is the result of the trust and connection between humans and horses. This bond facilitates life-changing events for our riders. Some find new strength and physical skills. Some learn social skills and overcome anxiety. Everyone gains confidence and a well-earned sense of achievement. For

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