Horse Shelters

This April and May, Rinderknecht Construction came to build two new horse shelters. Miracles needed additional shelter space so that the herd can be moved into different pastures as the grass grows and gets grazed. The construction crew worked quickly and through some very hot days. Thank you.

Spring Gardening

The Cedar Rapids Garden Club, at Miracles President Lauren Crippes's request, came to clean up the flowers by the farm house. And what a job they did. If you come to Miracles now, you will see that the plantings are thriving. Members of the club come to Miracles from time to time to deadhead flowers and remove a few more weeds. 

Growing at Miracles

You helped Miracles grow! Thanks to all who donated a tree and/or attended our Grow with Miracles event on April 30.

Despite a cold and windy day, attendees came to say “hi” to our three miniature horses, Lucky, Little Guy, and Mr. Sea; planted a few seeds (in line with our “grow with miracles” theme), and took home manure tea bags. Tree sales exceeded our expectations! At least 13 were sold, with promises of a few more. And more than 20 kids and adults participated in a scavenger hunt for horse-related items. 

Miracles Began Its 35th Year

At the beginning of April, Miracles began it’s 35th season of providing adaptive (therapeutic) riding lessons to those with challenges!  At last year’s Upmier Arena dedication long-time volunteer, Jackie Wallace, shared  the story of how Miracles came to be.

Classes Started April 4th

Here are some reminders for parents, students, and volunteers.

Classes times:
Adaptive Riding--Monday 6:00pm and 7:00pm class, Saturday morning 9:00am and 10:00am class.
Adaptive Horsemanship-Wednesday 6:00pm and 7:00 pm class.

Weather cancellation. Classes will be cancelled:
* If the temperature or heat index is 90 or above at the time of class.
* If the cold index is 30 or below at the time of class.
* If the National Weather Service has forecast a warning of lightning, tornadoes or severe winds during the hours of classes for the areas of northwest Johnson, southwest Linn, southeast Benton, or northeast Iowa counties.

Help us keep everyone safe. No pets other than therapy dogs, gum, smoking, or plastic bags are allowed at Miracles. Only instructors, designated volunteers, and participants are allowed on the mounting ramp. Participants and the family or companions must stay in the Upmier Arena addition or in the arena behind the rails. Please do not stand on the railings. Please have all cell phones silenced when in the Upmier Arena.

Training and Mock Classes Scheduled

Training and Mock Classes have been schedule for 2022. Training to be a side walker, instructor's aide, barn assistant, and horse leader will be held on the following Saturdays:

June 25; July 30; August 27; and September 24

Mock classes will be held on the following Sundays:

July 10; August 14; and September 25

Read the flyers with details about Training and Mock Classes.

Thoughts from Incoming President

I’m so delighted (and a bit nervous) to take over as President of the Miracle’s board for 2022. Having started out as a volunteer, then board member, and now incoming president, I’ve been so impressed with the depth of community support for our organization. Just this week (early December), our Director of Operations, Deb Leichsenring, and I attended three events where we were presented with checks to help with the property, horse care, and mission. The Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Association is helping to fund new shelters for our horses through their Building Our Community Program. (And it is possible through connections at their banquet, that they will help with the actual building of the shelters!) The PGI Riders/Paternal Guardians of Iowa donated to support our mission and American Legion Riders Post #166 from Shellsburg will be sponsoring one of our therapy horses in 2022 [see photo below]. It was a great week (with the exception of both Deb and I coming up with flat tires in all our travels!)