Attractions
Whispers of Hope Horse Farm
By Judy Wade
Whispers of Hope Horse Farm is a therapeutic horse riding facility located on Parkhill Road in Wichita Falls on acreage donated by its founder and executive director Mary Elizabeth Pearce. It is a non-profit organization with a 100 percent volunteer staff designed to assist physically and mentally challenged individuals through therapeutic riding at no cost to the individual. Its goal is to provide a safe, educational and therapeutic environment for the horse and rider in a Christian-based atmosphere.
All services are free; Whispers of Hope operates solely on donations and volunteers.
The facility currently serves 217 youth and 30 wounded veterans in classes held on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Three full-time adult volunteers (Helen, Janis and Pearce) are assisted by two young men, one of whom lives on the premises, and 32 junior volunteers ages 10 through 17 who work various schedules. Pearce said, “There is no greater joy than what you can do for others.” When speaking of the junior volunteers, she added, “Children helping children is a wonderful thing!”
Pearce explained the reason therapeutic riding is beneficial. “Individuals with impaired mobility can benefit from the gentle, rhythmical movements of their bodies with the horse, similar to a human’s walking gait. These riders can experience increased balance, muscle control and strength. Individuals with learning or mental disabilities are motivated by riding to increase concentration, patience and discipline. The unique relationship formed with a horse can help improve interpersonal relationships when psychological and emotional disabilities are present. All riders can benefit from increased self-esteem and coping skills.”
To read more pick up the January 2015 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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