As the year draws to a close, we invite you to be part of something truly special. At Taking the Lead, we believe in the power of horses to inspire, heal, and transform lives. Our therapeutic horseback riding programs are helping veterans and individuals with disabilities gain confidence, independence, and a community. But we need your help to continue this life-changing work.

The Impact of Your Gift

In 2024, we’ve seen more riders than ever before walk through our doors—children and adults with disabilities who are achieving things they never thought possible, thanks to the support of our compassionate staff, volunteers, and our incredible horses. From regaining strength and mobility to learning valuable life skills, the progress of our riders is nothing short of inspiring. We have had nonverbal riders speak their first words on horseback and even had one young lady take her first independent steps down the aisle of the barn during a session.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of supporters like you to sustain and grow our programs. This year, we're excited to invite you to join Charlie’s Circle, an exclusive group of dedicated donors who share our vision and commit to long-term support.

What is Charlie’s Circle?

Charlie's Circle is a special community of donors who help ensure the future of Taking the Lead. Named in honor of Charlie, a beloved therapy horse who inspired the founding of our organization, Charlie’s Circle is designed for those who want to make a lasting impact in the lives of our riders.

We launched Charlie’s Circle at our June fundraiser, and now, we’re extending an invitation for you to join us as a founding member. Members commit to a pledge of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 annually for the next five years, providing us with the stable, long-term funding we need to continue expanding our program and serving more individuals in our community.

Your Support Means More This Year

Thanks to the incredible generosity of an anonymous donor, the first $10,000 contributed by new members of Charlie's Circle will be MATCHED dollar for dollar. This means that your commitment to Charlie’s Circle will have double the impact, helping us reach our $10,000 fundraising goal even faster.

When you join Charlie’s Circle, you are not just making a donation. You are joining a community of supporters who believe in the power of therapeutic riding to create positive, lasting change. Your gift will allow us to expand our programs, bring more horses like Tobi (Piper’s foal) into our care, and provide more riders with the tools they need to succeed.

Why Your Gift Matters

At Taking the Lead, we believe in the transformative power of horses to unlock human potential. For children like Marty, who once struggled to speak and connect with others, riding has been a bridge to communication and independence. For adults like Tom, who faced significant challenges in his physical mobility, horseback riding has helped him regain strength, confidence, and the ability to take on new tasks in daily life.

These stories are just a glimpse of the profound difference your support makes in the lives of individuals with disabilities. And as a member of Charlie’s Circle, you’ll help us ensure these life-changing programs are available for years to come.

Become a Founding Member of Charlie’s Circle Today

This holiday season, we ask you to consider making a long-term commitment to Taking the Lead and our mission. By joining Charlie’s Circle, you’re helping us provide a brighter future for our riders—and helping us build a sustainable foundation for years of continued growth and success.

How You Can Help:

Become a founding member of Charlie’s Circle by committing to a gift of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 annually for the next five years.
Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to our generous anonymous donor.
Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

No matter the size of your contribution, every gift counts and every dollar helps. With your support, we can ensure that Taking the Lead continues to inspire and empower those who need it most.

Make a Difference Today

Join us as we work to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Visit our website today to become a member of Charlie’s Circle or to make a one-time donation to our End-of-Year Giving Campaign. Your support is the key to our success. Together, we can transform lives, one ride at a time.

Thank you for being part of our mission, and for helping us build brighter futures for our riders.

2024 TTL End of Year Giving Campaign

By Taking the Lead, Inc.

2024 TTL End of Year Giving Campaign

Changing Lives, One Ride at a Time

Team Members