Your Gift Is Alive in the Arena: A Fall Update from Rhythms of Grace
Since our February Gala, the barn near Dallas Center, Iowa, has been full of activity, hope and healing. We have already completed three riding sessions this season, and the support you gave that night is showing up in the arena every week.
Your gift did not end at the Gala. It is alive in the arena. Here is what your generosity has made possible so far.
How did the gala change things for our horses?
For the first time since Rhythms of Grace opened its doors six years ago, the annual cost of caring for all twelve of our horses was fully funded by generous donors who raised their hands to support this mission.
“What came as a complete surprise to me during our Gala was no surprise to God,” says founder Dawn Carlson. “For me, it was an extraordinary moment, and a powerful affirmation that this important work is meant to continue.”
Soon we will gather at the barn to celebrate the individuals, families and businesses who are helping provide annual care for our horses. Because before our horses can take care of our riders, someone has to take care of them.
Who is Dallas, our newest horse partner?
Then something happened that was not in the program. Our auctioneer, David Whitaker, recognized that the retirement of one of our horses had left an important opening in our herd. He asked the room who would help Rhythms of Grace invest in our next horse partner.
Hands began to rise, from $5,000 gifts all the way to $50 gifts. So many people became investors in a horse we had not even met yet.
We took that responsibility seriously. We pursued one prospect, decided he was not the right fit, and were then introduced to a horse who had not even been on our radar. That horse was Dallas, a beautiful four-year-old Gypsy Vanner.
And yes, Dallas now lives in Dallas County, near Dallas Center, Iowa. We are not calling that a coincidence.
His arrival was bittersweet for the young woman who trained him and shared an extraordinary bond with him. She recently returned with her family and friends to visit Dallas in his new home, and together we celebrated the next chapter in his story. To Susan, her father David Miller, and their entire family, partners and friends: thank you for entrusting us with this remarkable horse.
To every donor who raised a hand that night: Dallas is here because of you.
Meet Dallas and the rest of the herd →
What does a ride really mean for a family?
Rather than simply tell you what your support makes possible, we want you to hear directly from one of the families we are privileged to serve. Their story offers a glimpse into what happens when a child, a horse, a family, trained professionals and dedicated volunteers come together.
Every ride represents much more than time in the saddle. It can mean greater strength, confidence, communication, independence and emotional regulation, and sometimes simply the joy of accomplishing something that once seemed impossible.
This is why we do what we do.
How are grants making our barn safer and more accessible?
Several foundations and charitable organizations have helped make Rhythms of Grace safer and more accessible for the individuals and families we serve:
The Chris Norton Foundation made it possible for us to install a platform elevator that safely lifts riders using motorized wheelchairs to the mounting platform. The foundation also fully funds the Chris Norton Wheelchair Camp, free to families.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, with additional support from the Bock Family Foundation, helped fund a mechanical transfer lift and platform area. This equipment lets us safely assist riders onto a horse’s back without relying solely on manual lifting.
Variety has since awarded Rhythms of Grace another grant to strengthen the safety and security of our entire facility, helping us monitor and secure our entrance, driveways, arenas, barn areas, therapy spaces and other program areas.
That adds a layer of safety and privacy for the children, adults, families, therapists, volunteers and horses who spend time here. We are incredibly grateful for these organizations and their investment in the people we serve.
Volunteer spotlight: who is Mark Hantsbarger?
Mark Hantsbarger is what we like to call a “pitch-in” kind of person. He first learned about Rhythms of Grace four years ago when Dawn spoke at New Hope Church. He had recently retired and was looking for meaningful ways to volunteer.
He thought his role would involve maintenance projects, and he has done plenty: staining, painting, horse waterer maintenance, facility projects, open house preparations and countless other jobs around the property.
Then we needed sidewalkers, and Mark stepped up. He had very little horse experience at the time, only a couple of trail rides, but through training and hands-on experience he became a confident sidewalker and horse leader. He has learned to help prepare horses for sessions and especially enjoys leading Crystal.
His advice to prospective volunteers is simple: “You don’t have to have any experience to volunteer. There is plenty of ongoing training offered.”
For Mark, one of the greatest rewards is seeing riders progress from week to week. “Every client is unique, and that makes it interesting. It’s rewarding to see things they couldn’t do three weeks ago that they can do now.”
He remembers one rider who could barely tolerate sitting on a horse during her first session. Today, with sidewalkers beside her, she can ride multiple laps around the arena. She is stronger. She is more focused. She can hold herself upright better. And she loves every minute.
Mark also volunteers with other organizations, including Kiwanis. He wants others to know there is a place for everyone at Rhythms of Grace, whether or not they are comfortable around horses. Every volunteer role matters.
What’s coming up at Rhythms of Grace?
Volunteer Orientation and Training: March 2027, for anyone interested in joining our volunteer team.
Rhythms of Grace Fundraising Gala: Saturday, February 20, 2027, at Country Lane Lodge in Adel, Iowa. More information is coming soon.
How can you be part of what happens here?
Whether you give, volunteer, pray, share our story, sponsor a horse or simply cheer us on, you are part of Rhythms of Grace.
Give to programs and everyday care (choose Monthly if it fits)
Thank you for believing in this mission, caring for our horses, supporting our families and encouraging our volunteers. Thank you for helping us transform lives.
