Last Wednesday, staff, board members, volunteers, students, parents, community members, friends … and the barn cats gathered under lights in the Taking the Reins arena to commemorate a monumental 2024-2025 year. The group celebrated by giving awards to students, parents, and volunteers for their involvement with Taking the Reins – actions that deserved all the clapping, cheering, and happy tears. It was a time to reflect on students’ journeys, acknowledge ones who are well on their way to being TTR stars, thank those who go above and beyond to support our program, and just to be together.

“Wow. This is a great perspective,” Executive Director Jane Haven’s opening remarks during her message to the crowd. She went on to talk about how much being part of Taking the Reins has changed her life.

Guests were honored with the presence of Debra Avery (co-founder of Taking the Reins), who was met with a standing ovation after delivering a moving speech.

“To see all of you sitting out here tonight – the staff and the volunteers and the students  – it’s a real testament to the statement ‘if you build it, they will come,’ Debra shared. “And here you are. I am just so touched that you are all here.”

Celebrations then continued with a variety of volunteer, parent, and student awards. The full list of recipients is at the end. However, two students received awards that deserve some further explanation. Alyssa N. received the Horsemanship Award and Sally H. received the Director’s Award. These two graduating seniors have been part of Taking the Reins for a decade. They both spoke of the incredible impact this organization had on them – mentioning the horses, staff, volunteers, and friends who shaped the young women they are today.

“My favorite things to tell the girls when I teach are ‘I will never challenge you with something I do not think you are capable of.’ And ‘please do not say I can’t,” Liz Aulestia, Taking the Reins Program Director, said. “It is my pleasure to get to pick the Horsemanship Award, which this year goes to a student who I have had since she was eight years old, Alyssa N.”

Alyssa gave a wonderful acceptance speech. And during her closing line she addressed the crowd and said, “Thank you for believing in me and creating a space where I can believe in myself too.”

The evening ended with Jane Haven presenting Sally H. with the Director’s Award. This is not given out every year. It is reserved for girls whose journeys embody the Taking the Reins mission in a unique way.

“There have been a few students over the last 14 years who just stand out,” Jane Haven said as she began introducing Sally H. “She is a leader, she is humble, and she is generous. The first time I met her, she had a hard time even walking through the barn. She was scared of horses. Through the years, my main goal with this student was to help her find her voice. Today, she is an instructor, and I can hear her from my office teaching young girls. She has found her voice.”

“This award reflects a decade-long journey that started with fear and uncertainty,” Sally said in return during her speech. “It has grown into one of purpose, confidence, and leadership. These horses taught me more than how to ride. They taught me patience, empathy, and how to face fear with courage. They gave me a place to grow into myself, to find my voice, and eventually to help others find theirs too. Jane and Liz saw something in me before I saw it in myself. I now move through the world with strength I once thought impossible.”

There were not many dry eyes in the crowd as these girls so confidently spoke about how Taking the Reins impacted their lives. Every student who received an award gave their remarks to the crowd. One student at just 12 years old shared wisdom and reflection well beyond her years when she said, “I will carry what I have learned with me always – in and out of the saddle.”

That is the real heart and soul of Taking the Reins – showing these girls they are capable of so much more than they may think. They learn that by bonding with the horses, spending time in the garden, caring for the farm animals, and shaping memories with one another. The lessons and memories will continue to serve them for the rest of their lives.

ALL AWARD RECIPIENTS

Students

• Work Ethic Award: Joy T
• Sportsmanship Award: Roslyn S
• Rising Star: Jaylyn G
• Peer Recognition: Pilar H
• Creativity Award: Lola M
• Teamwork Award: Catherine H
• Eager Beaver Award: Leah R
• Athletic Award: Marianna P
• Helpful Hand Award: Bethany B

Volunteers

• Volunteer of the Year: Devon Deimler
• Above and Beyond Award: Maia Ward
• Instructor’s Dream: Stephania Kay
• Excellence in Animal Husbandry: Carlyn Sylvester
• Herd hero: Abby Ewing

Parents

• Parent Volunteer of the Year: Bethany Harrington
• Community Spirit Award: Beth Dubber