S.M.I.L.E.S. Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills

08/28/2026

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Katie VanEgeren 🌟

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and this month we're excited to introduce one of our incredible volunteers, Katie VanEgeren. Katie took some time to share what SMILES means to her, some of her favorite experiences at the barn, and the impact being part of the SMILES community has had on her life. Read on to learn more about her story and what makes SMILES so special to her! ❤️🐴

About ten years ago, I saw a small article in the newspaper looking for volunteers at SMILES. So, I stopped in at their office and told the staff members that I would like to volunteer.

"Do you have any horses?", they asked.
I said, "Yes, eighteen of them!".
Their faces lit up as they shouted "Great!"
I added, "They are all about twelve inches tall and made of plastic."
Laughing, they replied, "No worries. We will train you."

All these years later they are still training me, but with patience and kindness.

Now let me tell you about one of the most amazing young ladies and her SMILES moment. I met Krista in the barn one morning fresh off the Inspiration Ministry bus. She came to do the "HEARTS" program. It was also my first time working with a "HEARTS" student. I introduced Krista to Marshmallow, our calm white pony. Krista was brushing Marshmallow and teaching me all the parts of the pony's body. Krista, in her sweet voice, was explaining which brush to use as Marshmallow stood in the barn. What amazed me was this beautiful little lady was teaching ME, and yet, Krista was confined to her electric wheelchair and could use only one arm. Krista was one of the most admired people I have ever met. We became pals. One day I asked her if she would like to be in the SMILES Horse Show. Her face said it all! Our instructor, Katie Boss, agreed that Krista could be in the show.

A few weeks later, Krista came riding in with her Horse Show entry fee in a glass jar; the story continues... I had to find an associate at Inspiration Ministry to transport Krista to and from SMILES on a Saturday: another angel! The annual event is an opportunity for all of our riders to showcase their equestrian skills. For Krista, it would be a demonstration of how she could work with Marshmallow. Holding the lead rope in her immobile hand, and controlling her wheelchair with her fully functioning hand, she guided Marshmallow through a course laid out with orange cones. I saw a brave and determined gal, undaunted by her physical limitations, showing off her skill before a packed arena. Krista was awarded a blue ribbon and a trophy that day in recognition of her performance.

Weeks later, my neighbor informed me that my picture was featured in "At the Lake" magazine! I said I was sure she must be mistaken but had to eat my words a few days later when I picked up the latest edition. There I was, pictured alongside my star SMILES student! With magazine in hand, I quickly drove over to Inspiration Ministry where I found Krista having lunch in the gathering room. Krista's friends rushed over with excitement as a I opened the magazine to the page with her picture. One of her friends yelled out "Krista, you're FAMOUS!!". And indeed she was.

Krista is just one of many stories I could share about the many fearless riders and kind volunteers who make these precious moments possible. I keep her show picture on my car visor as a daily reminder to have courage and do the things you love.


If you would like to learn about another one of SMILES great success stories, simply click on the YouTube link below...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvL6nyi9VXM

08/27/2026

🐴☀️Trail Days Are the Best Days☀️🐴

While classes are on break, our program horses are enjoying some time out on the trails! Just like people, horses benefit from a change of scenery. Exploring new areas, sights, sounds, and terrain helps keep them mentally engaged and physically fit.

These rides are an important part of keeping our horses happy, healthy, and motivated so they can continue doing what they do best, changing lives through the SMILES program! ❤️

We love giving our horses opportunities to enjoy being horses and ensuring they continue to love their jobs as our incredible program partners.

📸 Swipe through to see some of our horses enjoying a well-deserved adventure! Do you see any of your favorite program horses? Shout them out in the comments! 💙

08/26/2026

🚧 Construction Update! 🐴

Progress is moving quickly on the barn addition! Excavation is complete, the concrete has been poured, and the beams are now going up.

It's exciting to see this project taking shape and watch our vision for the future of SMILES become a reality. Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort! Stay tuned for more updates as construction continues!

📸 Check out the latest photos below!

08/21/2026

✨ This month, we sat down with SMILES client Liz Atkinson to learn more about her journey as a rider, her favorite memories at the barn, and the special horses that have made an impact along the way. Read on to hear what SMILES means to Liz! 💙🐴

Q: How long have you been riding at SMILES?

A: I have been riding at SMILES for 15 years!

Q: What accomplishment at SMILES are you most proud of?

A: My biggest accomplishment I’ve had at SMILES is gaining the confidence to advocate for myself, and learning to speak up for myself!

Q: Is there a SMILES horse that you've developed a special bond with?

A: There are a lot, but Judy especially. I got to ride her for the first time on birthday.

Q: If he/she could talk, what do you think they’d say?

A: I think Judy would say, “Alright, we’ve got to get going! No dilly dallying!”

Q: What is your favorite memory at SMILES?

A: My favorite memory at SMILES was getting to ride a draft horse for the first time, because they are so much bigger than a normal horse.

Q: If you could give a new rider one piece of advice about riding at SMILES, what would it be?

A: If you’re nervous about riding a horse, take a deep breath, hold it for 5 or 10 seconds, then breathe out… and have fun!

Q: If you had to describe SMILES in one word, what would it be?

A: AMAZING!

Q: What are your favorite activities outside of SMILES?

A: Tennis, reading, art, and spending time with my cats.

Thank you, Liz, for sharing your story with us and for being such a valued member of the SMILES community. We are grateful to have been part of your journey and look forward to making many more memories together. 💙🐴

08/20/2026

🎓🐴 Introducing Our Two Newest SMILES Program Horse Graduates: Ty and Goose! 🐴🎓

These two sweet boys have quickly become favorites among our clients, volunteers, and staff, and we are thrilled to officially welcome them into the SMILES program after successfully completing their trial period. 🎊

Goose is an 11-year-old Quarter Horse-type gelding who previously worked with beginner riders at a local stable. His owners knew he had even more to give, and they were right! Goose absolutely loves attention and has proven to be smart, brave, and trusting. He is always eager to try new activities, explore new props, and meet new friends. His curiosity and willingness make him a wonderful therapeutic riding horse, and we are so excited to have him on our team. 🪿

"Cowboy's Black Ty," or as we know him, Ty, is a 13-year-old Paint gelding who spent the last six years traveling the country with his family. Originally purchased as a trail horse, Ty quickly revealed that the arena is where he truly shines. He is calm, social, and known for offering a cheerful nicker after each ride as if to say, “Job well done!” His easygoing personality made his transition to SMILES seamless, and he was a natural in classes from day one. 🤠

We are incredibly lucky to have these two amazing horses join our herd. Watching them settle into their new roles and connect with our clients has been a joy, and we can't wait to see the impact they will have for years to come. 🐴❤️🐴

💙 Be sure to stop by and say hello to Ty and Goose the next time you're at the barn!

08/19/2026

🚧🐴 Big things are happening at SMILES! 🐴🚧

As construction revs up and our Capital Campaign moves forward, we want to make sure everyone stays informed and safe along the way. If you haven't had a chance to read our August 11 Construction Updates & Safety Information blast, please take a few minutes to do so—it contains important information for clients, families, volunteers, and supporters!

Interested in learning more about the Capital Campaign, construction timeline, fundraising progress, and ways to get involved? Join us for one of our informal informational sessions tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, in the SMILES conference room:

Can't make it in person? Click the links to join us virtually!

🕚 11:00 a.m. - https://meet.google.com/hps-kdfn-vwk
🕕 6:00 p.m. - https://meet.google.com/wid-sgwj-gcr

📣 To help everyone stay up to date, we'll be sharing weekly construction updates on our social media channels and through email as the project progresses.

We are incredibly excited about this season of growth for SMILES and grateful for everyone who is helping make it possible. Thank you for staying engaged, informed, and supportive as we build for the future! 💙

08/16/2026

🐴💙EXCITING NEWS💙🐴

On Thursday evening, we officially broke ground on Phase One of our Capital Campaign barn expansion project. Surrounded in a small ceremony by generous donors, dedicated long-time volunteers, staff, Board members, and supporters, we celebrated a milestone that has been years in the making. We were especially honored to have SMILES founder, Sherry Monty, join us for the special occasion!

More than 41 years ago, Sherry started SMILES with a vision of enriching lives through the healing power of horses. Having her with us as we embark on this next chapter was a powerful reminder of how far we have come and the incredible impact that vision continues to have today.

While the evening was filled with great conversation, photos, and food, the true significance of the milestone event lies in what comes next. This project will create a more comfortable and accessible space for equine-assisted programming, improve safety for both clients and horses, and provide room for our mounted and unmounted programs to continue growing and serving more individuals in our community.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for believing in the SMILES mission. Every hour volunteered, dollar donated, social media post shared, and conversation about SMILES, helps make moments like this possible. Because of your support, we can continue serving our clients, caring for our horses, growing our community impact, and building a stronger future together!

Be sure to follow along as excavation and construction begins this week! We will be sharing weekly updates throughout the project. The future of SMILES is taking shape, and we can't wait to bring you along for the journey. 💙🐴

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

Thank you for visiting us Delavan-Delavan Lake Area Chamber of Commerce! We are proud to be Chamber members and are grateful to be a part of this amazing community!