Mindy Chernoff, Spiritual Horse Director, Visits Thorncroft

On Tuesday, July 3, 2012, Mindy Chernoff, a distinguished spiritual director and equestrian professional, exhibited her unique bridless riding at Thorncroft in our new Jimmy Moran Indoor Arena.

Mindy demonstrates her unique riding skills with Thorncroft riders.
She helps those who seek more spiritually guidance
 using special the connection between humans and horses.

Many of Thorncroft's riders and volunteers were treated to Mindy's demonstration of working with a horse without the formal use of a bridle (that is, no use of a bridle at all).

Mindy and Thorncroft are good friends as they both approach the strategy of life with more emphasis on communiction through patient listening and gentle direction. Mindy, however quite the experienced horse rider and trainer, focuses more on the spiritual aspect of an individual and animal.

Mindy introduces a Thorncroft rider to her horse, Flirtin' With Music

"Years of intense training as a Spiritual Director and her sensitivity to God's leading allows her to utilize unique methods of exploring God in sessions with directees that come from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds. In addition, the welcome presence of the animals often creates a delightful sense of the sacred amidst what at first glance appears to be very ordinary, mundane moments. Being present to such moments is what Mindy excels at."

Riders look on as Mindy explains her movements

Thorncroft truly appreciates Mindy sharing her special talents and gifts with the rest of the farm and our community.

To learn more about Mindy, visit her home page

ABC 6 Comes Out to TEC!

On May 26, 2012 Thorncroft hosted the Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show. Nearly 200 riders with special needs came to compete in dressage, trail, equitation and jumping classes. Here is a clip from Philadelphia's ABC 6 news crew who covered the event during its nightly news report

This Week at Thorncroft!

Summer Camp!

Falling on the heels of the new dedication of the Jimmy Moran Indoor Arena, Thorncroft welcomes returning campers and counselors for Summer Camp 2012. In true Thorncroft style, aspiring counselors in training (CITs) arrived last week to work through the camp's schedule and organize the various activities. Some of the CIT's who are participating in this weeks Advanced Riders session shared the typical day for a camper at Thorncroft:

Arenas are filled with horses and riders at 9 AM either developing (for the beginners) or refining ( for the intermediate) their technique . Following the riding lesson, campers cool off in the farms pool or create arts & crafts under the shaded shop.

An example of some arts & crafts riders will enjoy during camp. Personalized horseshoes. 

Today, after the CITs finished their jumping lesson, they started decorating horseshoes that accompany a picture of themselves with their favorite horse. Thorncroft's summer campers are both able bodied and handicapped as well as ranging from beginner to intermediate and beings the second session July 2nd.

The first session of Advanced Riders who will transition into CITs at the start of the second session.

Register for Summer Camp!

Thorncroft Talks

Thorncroft at its most basic is a non-profit therapeutic equestrian center. However, at Thorncroft, while we may start with the basics, we do not stop there. In fact, we do not stop at all. We do not stop because there is never a time to cease encouragement; there is never a time when support and love expire. Thorncroft enhances the lives of everyone, training able-bodied individuals and those with special needs.  Just as Thorncroft uses horses, so too will this blog. This blog will share stories of horses and riders from riders as well as giving up-to-date inside information of events and daily routines at Thorncroft. More than an organization, Thorncroft flourishes because its nourished as a community; and as any successful community, we foster an environment of open dialogue and constant communication. If it’s a moment between a rider and a horse or a rider and instructor, we always strive for communication. Here, we encourage every person that volunteers or rides at Thorncroft to share some of their most favorite stories!