After The Finish Line Supports Reeses' Care

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As many of you know, our beloved co-founder, Reeses, is a senior-age Thoroughbred mare with some on-going health challenges.

We are honored to have received generous support from a wonderful foundation who provides critical funds for Thoroughbreds, called After The Finish Line. Their grant will cover the cost of essential medical procedures, diagnostics, treatment and medications for Reeses, helping Project Horse to keep Reeses at optimal health & wellness!

On November 29, Reeses paid a visit to the Marion DuPont Equine Medical Center (EMC) in Leesburg, Virginia for a recheck of the growth behind her left eye socket. You may recall in December 2017 that a growth was discovered which necessitated the removal of her left eye. The surgery brought relief from pain and pressure (she had already lost sight in the eye several months prior).

The follow-up appointment, which consisted of a wellness check, CT scan and endoscopy, showed the growth was moving towards the sinus cavity - which is very good news!  It is hoped that when Reeses has her next follow-up in six months, a tissue sample can be obtained to determine what the growth is.

The staff at the EMC remarked how wonderful Reeses looked and that she was bright, alert and was showing no ill effects of the growth.

Project Horse staff continue to monitor Reeses for any changes that require intervention.  Reeses is enjoying life - as it should be!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generosity of After The Finish Line for providing a grant to ensure Reeses’ ongoing good health and comfort.

Please take a moment to check out the great ways After The Finish Line helps so many Thoroughbreds in need across the United States. And be sure to visit and LIKE their Facebook page!

#ATFL #healinghorse #healingthoroughbreds #therapyhorse #Reeses

Diamonds, Denim & Hope, Oh My!

Saturday was an absolutely wonderful evening, and we had so much fun celebrating our 10-year anniversary with everyone! On behalf of our volunteers and staff, we say thank you to Project Horse friends and fans, both old and new!

Diamonds, Denim & Hope was a successful fundraiser and a joyous celebration for Project Horse, and we hope everyone enjoys the beautiful photos that captured the evening. We thank our amazing volunteer photographer, Gail Kelly, for her great work!

Please take a minute to provide your feedback and suggestions below, so we can improve our next event! Our goal is to hear from everyone who was in attendance. Thank you!

Your feedback is extremely helpful! You may also email any comments, brief or in depth, directly to me @ Darcy Woessner, Executive Director. Thanks so much!

Project Horse Announces 10 Year Celebration

In partnership with rescued horses, thousands of people have been helped over the past decade


Project Horse Empowerment Center proudly marks its 10-year anniversary with a gala fundraiser on Saturday October 20, held on Trillium Farm in Lincoln. The gala, with a diamonds and denim theme, offers an opportunity for key stakeholders, volunteers and supporters to celebrate a decade of service and accomplishment, while raising mission-critical funds for the Loudoun-based nonprofit.

Gala attendees will enjoy live music, delicious wines by Sunset Hills Vineyard and a fabulous dinner by A Taste of New York Catering. The list of wonderful silent auction items continues to grow, and includes a private cooking class with dinner by James Beard award-winning Chef Dinah Corley, and an overnight stay and trail ride for two by Marriott Ranch.

In addition to a joyous celebration and fundraiser, attendees will learn how Project Horse has contributed to the wellbeing of the community over the past decade, impacting the lives of local veterans, families, at-risk teens, individuals with special needs, those dealing with addiction, and children with trauma exposure. Project Horse has achieved exceptional growth over the years and continues to expand community wellness and therapy offerings, and boasts a very experienced team of licensed therapists, facilitators, equine specialists and therapy horses.

Project Horse is one of the only equine therapy centers in the United States focused exclusively on mental health and wellness. The organization has repeatedly demonstrated the power of partnering with horses—in non-riding interactions—to effectively achieve personal growth and healing.

I was the first therapist to work at Project Horse, and now we have 6 clinicians on our team! The organization has grown and evolved significantly, but we still don’t offer any riding. It’s a unique but powerful approach, and I believe it’s what makes this modality so effective for a wide variety of people. It enables a client to gain the awareness and skills needed for a truly collaborative, safe relationship with a horse. The skills built in the paddock are the very same valuable skills that help people thrive in all relationships and everyday life.
— Florinda Reid, LPC, RPT-S, Lansdowne, Virginia

This year, Project Horse is pleased to thank Lockheed Martin, Summit Insurance Services and My Plumber for generous corporate support. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available, accommodating organizations of any size. In addition to annual benefits and exposure, all sponsors receive tickets to the October 20 gala. Individual gala tickets are also available and must be reserved in advance. Event proceeds and sponsorships will benefit Project Horse and help replenish their Foster Scholarship Fund. The Foster Fund provides financial assistance so families in need can access equine therapy and wellness services.