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2024! What to Expect at our Events!

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

10 YEARS!!!! 2024

So many things have changed in the last 10 years! It’s time to update you on what to expect!!

Here is a list, step by step, of what you need to do to come to our Playday.

REGISTER. https://hoovesandhalos.org/blog/post/step-by-step-instructions-for-registration-of-schooladult-groups The deadline for March 28th playday is March 7th. After you hit the "I'm not a Robot" and "Submit" buttons, please watch for the Thank you screen. If you do not see this, your info did not get to us.
RELEASE FORMS: The link is on the registration form and in the blog section or at the top of the registration form. Everyone must have one to attend the playday.
CONFIRMATION EMAIL: When you have registered successfully, you will receive this in a few days. PLEASE read this carefully. Important information is in there that you will need.
IT’S PLAYDAY DAY! Make sure the map works in your phone (and share with all those coming!). GPS doesn’t find us, many times.

ADDRESS: 2391 CR 3442, Winnsboro, Tx. 75494

DO NOT FORGET YOUR RELEASE FORMS!! WE DON’T WANT YOUR KIDDOS TO MISS THIS DAY, BUT WE CAN’T BE LENIENT WITH THIS. We do have forms here for you to sign, if needed, but we cannot accept a signature for a child/special adult unless you are the guardian.
THE TRIP AND PARKING-We are in the country, so expect a possible traffic delay. The “Woods” are here where we live, on our farm/ranch. We use the pasture for car and van parking, unless you have someone that cannot walk. (The walk is not too far for most of us!) The buses, vans and cars carrying people with mobility problems park close to the woods.
The first people that you will see will be our parking crew and they will meet you on the road and direct you in the direction that you need to follow. They are working very hard to make sure that traffic flows well. Please listen to them and go where they send you. Let them know if you have special circumstances that require you to stay close to the activities (wheelchair, inability to walk, ect).
7:30am-Volunteer briefing and prayer. If you aren’t here, pray where you are!
Please go see Kasie and her team at registration and sign in, fill out a release, and get an assignment, if you don’t have one.
You will be told what time your lunch is scheduled.
Remember to treat everyone that you meet like you want to be treated. Love them like Jesus loves us!
8am Horses must be here and ready to test at the ramps
Volunteer buses start to arrive
All areas should be ready to set up and start preparing for our guests.
9am -Here we go! Our guests start arriving. (Some are coming from so far away that they won’t get here until 10-10:30).

NOW, WHAT YOU, AS GUESTS, CAN EXPECT!

Welcome to the country!! Where you are standing, parking, and playing is usually occupied by horses, cows, dogs, and sometimes chickens and ducks. Watch where you step. But, seriously, try to find a moment to be still and soak in the beauty of God’s creation. Listen to the birds and breathe the fresh air. Welcome to our home!

REGISTER- You will be greeted at your car by our registration team or your leader will go to the registration desk

WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND DO- One of the first things you will see are tractors waiting to take you on a hayride. Take a ride if you want and see what is going on out here. This will give you a better idea of where you want to start playing! You’ve had a stressful morning getting everyone ready, loaded and here for this adventure. Take a bit of time to relax and enjoy the journey.

As you journey along the hayride, you will see the HH Building in front of you. Located here you will find registration, the office, mercantile, a real restroom, the kitchen, eating tables and the Snack area. Along this ride you will see a mechanical bull to your left. Next, games and activities will be scattered out everywhere. The playground is directly behind the HH building. Horse rides are going on in the middle of the woods. The petting zoo and Longhorns are around the corner. There is no telling what else our volunteers will come up with!!!!

Everything is free! No charge to anyone who comes to our Playdays. Aren’t our sponsors amazing?!!!!

People from all walks of life give what they can to make this adventure possible for us all!!!

LUNCH You will be served hamburgers or hot dogs, your choice on the registration form. If you need a private/quite place for feedings, please go to the office. Get your lunch time at the registration desk. We serve around 200 people every 30 minutes, so please be patient. The groups from the farthest distances will eat first so that they can leave early and not leave hungry. When you are finished eating, please let someone else have your seat at the table. We are working on more seating, but at present we have the bare minimum to accommodate those eating.

GIFTS- You will get your t-shirt in a bag or box when you get here. You also may go in the mercantile (after things calm down at registration) and help your kiddos/adult guests pick out a stuffed animal, Bible, and book.

RESTROOMS-There is a real restroom at the building and porta potties scattered throughout the woods. The potty suites, for wheelchairs and larger guests, will be close to the building. There are changing stations in the restroom and in the office for diaper changes.

Wheelchairs and their occupants-We are set up as well as we can be at this point to accommodate all of our guests. Unloading at the building is ideal. Restrooms and eating areas are easily accessible. But, the woods can be challenging for heavy wheelchairs. If you need help maneuvering around, please go to registration or to someone with a pink shirt on (director color) and ask for a volunteer.

LOST AND FOUND Please go back to the registration area/office to turn something in or report something lost.

If you have a “runner” in your group, please make us aware. If you have a child/adult that is overstimulated, take them to the office. It is a quieter place. If you have any trouble, find one of us and let us help!!

THE MAIN THING!!!!

Come, enjoy yourself, and leave with a smile!! That’s our goal!

Step by Step instructions for registration of SCHOOL/ADULT GROUPS!!!

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Good Morning!!!

Registration is open for the March 28th Spring Playday. Registration closes March 7th

If you have questions, read this. If you don't find the answers, let's talk. Send me a note and I will add questions and answers here.

Internet Explorer is not compatable with our Website. You will need to use a newer browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, ect.

Take a breath and look around. It really gets easier after you have looked around a little.

School/Adult group Registration:

Go to REGISTER at the top
Click on Guest (or the form that applies to you)
Click on the link above group name line and download both release forms
Put the leader of the group first
Click on Add Attendee. All that plan to attend need to be registered and have a release form.
Fill in one sheet for every guest (It helps decrease confusion if you have your list on paper, go down the list, check each name off after you have registered them)
Check "I am not a robot"
Hit Submit

Your registration comes to us.

You will see a Thank You page. Download your registration and check it for accuracy. ( If at all possible, use Microsoft Edge Browser, everything works better in there) If there are any problems, send me the info by email or contact form .

I promise this will actually be easier for all of us, once we have worked with it a little.

Pray you are having a blessed day!!

Johnette

Release Form Links

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Just thought we would make it easier to find the release forms!! Everyone who attends, needs to have one.

Here are the links. Just click and download what you need.

Guest/Minor Release form: https://hoovesandhalos.org/uploads/Minor-Adult%20with%20Gaurdian%20Release.pdf

Adult/Volunteer form: https://hoovesandhalos.org/uploads/Adult-Volunteer%20Release.pdf

Spanish Minor release form: https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=37E00B71807EE4F8!1146&ithint=file%2cdocx&app=Word&authkey=!AH5zY_4Ip_fmW2k

Spanish Adult/Volunteer release form: https://onedrive.live.com/edit?id=37E00B71807EE4F8!4419&resid=37E00B71807EE4F8!4419&ithint=file%2cdocx&authkey=!ACLp_xp1d_u9saM&wdo=2&cid=37e00b71807ee4f8

Remember, if you have any problems, we are just a call, text or email away!!

Pray you are having a blessed day!!!

2023 What to Expect at the Playday-Registration Deadline October 13th

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

2023!

So many things have changed in the last 9 1/2 years! It’s time to update you on what to expect!!

Here is a list, step by step, of what you need to do to come to our Playday.

REGISTER. https://hoovesandhalos.org/blog/post/step-by-step-instructions-for-registration-of-schooladult-groups The deadline for Nov 2nd Playday is Oct. 13th.
RELEASE FORMS: The link is on the registration form and in the blog section. Everyone must have one to attend the playday.
CONFIRMATION EMAIL: When you have registered successfully, you will receive this in a few days. PLEASE read this carefully. Important information is in there that you will need.
IT’S PLAYDAY DAY! Make sure the map works in your phone (and share with all those coming!). GPS doesn’t find us, many times.

ADDRESS: 2391 CR 3442, Winnsboro, Tx. 75494

DO NOT FORGET YOUR RELEASE FORMS!! WE DON’T WANT YOUR KIDDOS TO MISS THIS DAY, BUT WE CAN’T BE LENIENT WITH THIS. We do have forms here for you to sign, if needed, but we cannot accept a signature for a child/special adult unless you are the guardian.
THE TRIP AND PARKING-We are in the country, so expect a possible traffic delay. The “Woods” are here where we live, on our farm/ranch. We use the pasture for car and van parking, unless you have someone that cannot walk. (The walk is not too far for most of us!) The buses, vans and cars carrying people with mobility problems park close to the woods.
The first person you will probably see is our resident greeter (my husband Johnny). He has worked very hard to make sure that traffic flows well. Please listen to him and go where he sends you. Let him know if you have special circumstances that require you to stay close to the activities (wheelchair, inability to walk, ect).
7:30am-Volunteer briefing and prayer. If you aren’t here, pray where you are!
Please go see Kasie at registration and sign in, fill out a release, and get an assignment, if you don’t have one.
You will be told what time your lunch is scheduled.
Remember to treat everyone that you meet like you want to be treated. Love them like Jesus loves us!
8am Horses must be here and ready to test at the ramps
Volunteer buses start to arrive
All areas should be ready to set up and start preparing for our guests.
9am -Here we go! Our guests start arriving. (Some are coming from so far away that they won’t get here until 10-10:30).

NOW, WHAT YOU, AS GUESTS, CAN EXPECT!

Welcome to the country!! Where you are standing, parking, and playing is usually occupied by horses, cows, dogs, and sometimes chickens. Watch where you step. But, seriously, try to find a moment to be still and soak in the beauty of God’s creation. Listen to the birds and breathe the fresh air. Welcome to our home!

REGISTER- You will be greeted at your car by our registration team or your leader will go to the registration desk

You will see the HH Building in front of you. Located here you will find registration, the office, mercantile, a real restroom, the kitchen, eating tables and the Snack area. Along this ride you will see a mechanical bull to your left. Next, games and activities will be scattered out everywhere. The playground is directly behind the HH building. Horse rides are going on in the middle of the woods. The petting zoo and Longhorns are around the corner. There is no telling what else our volunteers will come up with!!!!

Everything is free! No charge to anyone who comes to our Playdays. Aren’t our sponsors amazing?!!!!

People from all walks of life give what they can to make this adventure possible for us all!!!

LOST AND FOUND Please go back to the registration area/office to turn something in or report something lost.

THE MAIN THING!!!!

Come, enjoy yourself, and leave with a smile!! That’s our goal!

Spanish Release form for Minor-Adult with Guardian

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Several of you have asked for Spanish versions of our release/waiver forms.

To download a copy of our Spanish Minor Release Form, click HERE

If you have any problems downloading or printing, send me a note on the contact page and I will email it to you.

The New Adventure!!!

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Oh how things have changed since November 2020!!!!

We are officially up and running!! Since our beginning, we have had 18 events, 7 of those in the HH Woods! The main building is up with the kitchen and office/changing station complete. The mercantile (with all the gifts for our guests) is complete.

We are working hard to get a permanent restroom/changing station for our guests. We are still using borrowed porta potties, but most of our guests don't mind! (A huge thank you to Ford Septic (Clint and Trish) and Jotts rentals (Chris Stuckey)

Since our humble beginnings in 2014 (15 guests and 100 volunteers). we have been blessed beyond measure! At our largest, before Covid, we had around 1700 people. Now, that we have moved home, we have around 500 four times yearly!!!

Original blog post 11/30/2020

It has been months since my last update. I must apologize! As you can tell, we had to cancel our October event, as well as the spring. Can you believe it has been over a year since our last Playday!!! (*****If you would like to attend a small event in the future, please send me a message from the “contact me” page. I will add your name to the list. Since we will have to limit guests, we will start at the top of the list and work our way down.)

So, we are not going to be defeated by this change, we will adapt. Our plans, going forward, are to create an area for smaller events. I will share the dream with you in the following paragraphs. This was the Facebook post announcing our plans:

***Changing with the times!! So, we are not going to have our "Big Fall Playday". Since circumstances require that we cancel our event, we are going to go a different direction to accomplish the same goal. We will reach smaller groups of people more frequently. We are in the planning stages for this change, and need some feedback from you, our guests, and volunteers. If you would be interested in attending a "mini" Playday, here at our place, send me a message, please. Or, if you would be interested in a few of us coming to your school or dayhab, let me know. We had a small gathering (trial run), in July, and other than the heat, it went very well!! We have a very peaceful place in the woods where we let people ride horses, play games, eat lunch, and get away from the craziness that is going on in the world. Hope and pray this finds you well and having a BLESSED day, and hope to hear from you soon. ***

In response to this post, we have many people wanting/needing what we have to offer, a getaway from the craziness. It feels “normal” when you are out in the woods, riding horses or playing games or just sitting at the picnic tables eating lunch and visiting with others. Oh, how we need peaceful normal.

Since this announcement, we have begun construction on the "Old West Town”, out in our woods. The storage building (General Store/Mercantile) is completed, on the inside, and almost full. We still need to cover the shipping container with wood and build a front porch, but it is functional. We are starting the office and registration building (I think this should be the Sheriff’s office). The kitchen, dining and restrooms will be next on our agenda. For now, we are using what we have, and no one seems to mind (my husband’s smoker, picnic tables out in the open, and porta potties).

We have opened this area up for small groups to meet and have had a couple of “primitive” gatherings. What struck me as confirmation that we are on the right track, was a statement made by a little girl that came out for Wednesday night Bible study. She stopped, looked around, and simply said, “This is so peaceful!”. That is exactly what we wanted to build, a peaceful place away from the chaos.

Please pray with us (and help, physically or financially, if you feel led) that we continue to reach the special and hurting people that we are meant to reach! I promise to keep you all updated more often.

In Christ's Love

Johnette

P.S. If you have creative ideas, the gift of carpentry or painting, please let us know. We are very open to ideas and help!

Sadie's story

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Sadie's Story-

Hooves and Halos is all about helping and loving people; special people, hurt people, sad people, lonely people. But, sometimes animals need our help, too. We are not a equine rescue. I was told about Sadie by a friend, and immediately wanted to go get her. So, Johnny and I prayed about it for a few days, and off I went- have trailer (and Gabriel) will travel.

She was 4 months old, and the only thing I knew about her was that she needed a home. The first three pictures were taken the day I brought her to live with us. She was hurt and malnourished, stunted and pitiful, definitely not the prettiest rose in the garden. She looked like a starved child from a third world country. ( My only hope for her was that she would live to be a pasture pet, nothing more) The halter, that had been on her, had grown into her face and she had an abdominal hernia that would have to be repaired. Otherwise, physically, she was ok. I was told that she would bite and kick people. I saw her attack a teenage boy, only to realize later, that he had been the one that hurt her. She was only defending herself. She has never bit or kicked since she came to live with us. As far as her mental and emotional state (yes, horses have those), I had no way of knowing how she would turn out. At first, she was scared of fast movements, and some people, but gradually grew out of that.

She has attended every HH Playday since we got her, only as a bystander. I wanted her to get used to the noise and chaos of the event.

Fast forward to last Saturday- June 2019 (Gladewater HC Rodeo)---
We took her to this event to train her to work in the future. She is two years old and I've just started training her to ride. ( with a little help from Johnny, Lily and Bella)
So, we led her through the ramps,,,,no problem. I got in the saddle and had Kenny lead her around while I acted "wild" on her back,,,no problem. NOTHING scared her!!! She acted better than several of the older more seasoned horses. Ashlee, one of my favorite little helpers, rode a few rounds, with Kasie sidewalking, and helped us train-NO PROBLEMS!!!
She got her yellow ribbon!!! I cried like a baby or a proud Mama!! The ribbon means she passed the test to be a horse at the HC rodeo! We very rarely use young horses, but Sadie is an exception. She acted like she had been born to carry "special" people on her back. She never made a bad step or wrong move, all day.

This poor, ugly, abused, useless, good for nothing little creature has turned a beautiful swan! (The last pictures are of Sadie, now)

Isn't it funny how the Lord uses the least qualified, the least capable, the most rejected, the horribly abused, the discarded animals and people to do HIS work!!!

Thank you Lord!!!

Todays Questions!! Everyone that comes to the Playday has to sign a release

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Do the parents, and all that are coming, need to sign up?

Yes, everyone that comes needs to have a waiver/release form signed, and in your envelope. Also, if we don't know you are coming, we won't have food and tshirts for you.
There will be a form for the leader of the group to sign, when you get to the Playday, that states that "everyone in your party has a waiver/release in the envelope".

Can you use waiver/release forms from last Playday?

If you made copies and had the parents sign for this event, that will be fine. The DATE needs to be at the bottom of the sheet

Adult/Volunteer Release form, download HERE

Minor Release form, Download HERE

HERE WE GO! THE NEW ADVENTURE, LIGHT AT THE END OF A DARK WINTER

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

We are sooo excited.

One month and we play! April 24th (Saturday).

If you are ready to get out and have some fun, come join us! Register on the website and we will have your lunch and gifts ready! https://hoovesandhalos.org/

This is a work in progress for our new adventure. Here are a few pictures of what we are doing. (Please don't expect a pristine park in the city).

We will welcome you to the country! Country folks, in a country setting, the woods. This is the life we live every day: normal, quiet and peaceful. (Well, we can debate the normal part. Who knows what that is these days???)

Hope to see ya soon!!!

(PS. the third picture is of our first "guest". This is Sadie checking to make sure we are doing everything perfectly. If a board is not put up, she will walk in the door with you!

Spring Playday 2020 Canceled

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:00:00 +0000

On Tuesday morning, March 10th, this email was sent, and then a Facebook post. What a roller coaster day!!! As horrible as I felt cancelling this event, the blessings were absolutely miraculous! We had felt, for about three weeks, that we might have to cancel due to the threat of coronavirus. I couldn't accept this at all, at first. I know the Lord was preparing me the entire time, for this decision that I've never had to make in the history of our organization.

Good Morning,

I will post on Facebook, soon, this very difficult announcement. We are canceling/postponing the Playday, until the Fall. This is so hard! My heart is breaking for the guests and all of you that have to tell your kiddos and adults that we won't be playing. Those of you who have spent hours planning, buying and preparing for our guests to have the time of their lives, I feel horrible.

We protect our families and loved ones with all our might. You all are family to me, to us., and we love you all!!! We go above and beyond to make sure that everyone is safe and protected at our events. We have plain clothes off duty Police, uniformed Police, EMS, Fire Department, Nurses, retired Military/Police that mingle among us at all times, just to prevent "problems". We spend hours trying to foresee, and prevent, any incidents that could happen. We even get the train slowed (it stopped at last event) just for us!!!!

We can not see this threat, the viruses. We have germ x, cleaners, and everything else that we could get to fight this invisible enemy. But, even with all that, I don't feel that we can take a risk of even one of our guests coming in contact with one of the flu viruses. I can live with the disappointment, but not the idea that one of our guests could become ill, or even worse, because of our event.

Please send me pictures of your kiddos, your Easter posters and anything else that you would like to share with the rest of this family. I will post them on Facebook and we will have a virtual party. (Please protect any faces that do not need to be shared).

Planning to see you all October 1st at our next event!!!

Praying for all of us, and look forward to seeing you soon!!

On Facebook-

Today, I must make an announcement that I’ve never had to make before. Due to extenuating circumstances, we must postpone our Playday until Fall. We have no way of protecting our guests and volunteers from the threat of illness.
We work diligently to protect our guests from anything that would injure, or in any way hurt them. Being a nurse of 35 years, I may be over-reacting, but we cannot take this chance. I can live with the fact that so many will be disappointed, easier than I could live with the fact that our event was the reason someone became ill and possibly worse.
We have worked around floods, mud, cold and heat. We have overcome obstacles that should have shut us down. We have persevered through some rough times and insurmountable obstacles. But, this threat from an unseen virus, is beyond our ability to overcome.
In closing, I would like to thank all the unsung heroes, that enable us to pull off these miraculous events!!! Your work and perseverance do not go unnoticed. We thank you and expect to see you October 1st at our next scheduled event.
Praying for all and look forward to seeing you in the Fall.t6g.

It is now almost 10pm, and messages, texts, calls, and emails have finally slowed down! I can't tell you how many people I talked with today. Not one!!! was negitive or critical. Many were terribly dissapointed, but all encouraging and supportive.

May God Protect us!! Please keep on praying, we Will make it through this, we know the ONE in control (and it's not any human!!)

Your sister in Christ

Johnette

What to Expect at the Playday

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0000

What to Expect at the Playday-

On March 26th, 2020 we will hold our 13th special Playday. Everything is the same as the Fall event, except the date and theme (our theme will be Easter )

We will have a volunteer breifing at 7:30am in the Civic Center Building. Volunteers, please try to attend this short meeting.

Volunteer buses and vans start arriving as early as 8am at 960 Wheeler Drive, Winnsboro, TX. 75494. Horses need to be there (with their humans!!) by 8:00. (REMEMBER COGGINS) Our participant buses usually start arriving between 8:30-9am.

Our activities include: horseback riding, mini horse cart rides and petting area, games and activities, animal balloons by Sonshine the Clown, face painting, music and dancing, lunch, and any other activities that our amazing volunteers bring.

Everything is free to our guests (this includes everyone that comes with our special guests- family, teachers, caregivers, and support staff.) Everything that we give our guests is donated by someone!!! Thank you to our sponsors and those special donation angels that help us pull this off!!!!

We are so excited that we will see you soon!!!

Registration for Spring 2020 Playday

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Registration for the Spring 2020 Event will run from February 10th-March 5th. The Registration Forms are available, now.

Look forward to hearing from you, soon!!

Johnette and Kasie

Physical Address to the Playday

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0000

All entrances will be closed except this one!

2391 CR 3442

Winnsboro, Tx. 75494

I WILL HAVE TO DROP A PIN TO YOUR CELL PHONE OR YOU WILL GET LOST. ALSO, YOU WILL GET A MAP IN YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL

Your bus/van drivers will need the address for their requisitions and GPS, this will get you to the only entrance to the park that will be open. Turn north between Tractor Supply and East Texas Automotive. This is an oildirt road, not a highway.

All entrances will be closed except this one!

Fall 2019 Registration Dates-Opens August 12th

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Registration for the Fall 2019 Event will run from August 12-September 9th. The Registration Forms are now available, but please don't expect confirmation emails until after the 12th.

Look forward to hearing from you, soon!!

Johnette

April 30th, Save the Date, Make a Difference!!!

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Would you like to help create some precious smiles???

We, Hooves and Halos, are joining an amazing event held here in East Texas, for East Texans! This is our first time to participate, so it is definitely a learning experience for us. Our details on the ETGD site are sketchy, but you can find all the info about our organization within the pages of this website.
As you all well know, our Playdays are free to all those who attend (participants, families, caregivers, teachers, all support personnel and volunteers). We have been so thankful to be able to give everyone a t-shirt, food, gifts and prizes. Every penny that is donated to Hooves and Halos goes toward making this all possible!
On April 30, 2019, from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, Hooves and Halos will be participating in East Texas Giving Day. ETGD is an 18-hour day of giving that provides critical funding for nonprofits by connecting donors with organizations like us.
Please visit https://www.easttexasgivingday.org/hoovesandhalos anytime between 6:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., and click "Donate Now." Your donation will go a long way in helping us provide for close to 2000 people at our October 3rd event. We invite you to participate April 30th in this area-wide day of giving back--whether from your desk, your cell phone or off your couch! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Please feel free to share this info with anyone that you feel would like to join our amazing group of sponsors!

We sincerely appreciate your gifts that help bring smiles to our special guests!

Johnette

Spring 2019- Perfect!!!

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 05:00:00 +0000

PERFECT!!!

If you could have a perfect springtime day, with almost nothing going wrong (nothing major), WE HAD IT!!!

When you plan an event like this, with "special guests" and animals, primarily horses, you can expect that something will go amiss. I have heard a few suggestions for improvement, which we always listen to and try to accommodate, but 99% of the responses have been overwhelmingly positive.

Thank you all for coming and having a great time with us.

Pictures will soon be available for viewing! It takes a while to upload all these wonderful memories!

Your friend

Johnette

Registration opens Feb 1st for Spring 2019 Playday

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Here we go again!!!

We are getting ready for the Spring event. Registration does not officially open until Feb. 1st, but some of our amazing volunteers have already started signing up!! I am constantly blessed by the people that come to help and love our guests. I can promise, there is no organization on the planet, that can boast of a better quality and quantity of volunteers than we have. If you've been to our Playdays, you understand what I mean when I say, we are family. There is a bond between us that you rarely find. We all come together, join hands and create an adventure for our guests that they will never forget. We never tire of the "heartwarming" stories that evolve from the love and compassion that is shown by guests and volunteers at these events.

Pray for a warm “springtime” day and come enjoy the adventure!

Your friend and co-worker

Johnette

VOLUNTEER GROUPS ( anyone that is registering more than one person). Questions answered here.

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

To register more than one volunteer:

Go to REGISTER at the top
Click on Volunteer Group
Put the leader of the group first
Click on Add Attendee
Fill in one sheet for every guest (It helps decrease confusion if you have your list on paper, go down the list, check each name off after you have registered them)
Check "I am not a robot"
Hit Submit

Your registration comes to us.

You will see a Thank You page. Download your registration and check it for accuracy. If there are any problems, send me the info by email .

I promise this will actually be easier for all of us, once we have worked with it a little.

Pray you are having a blessed day!!

Permission From Parents or Guardians/What do you do with the release forms?

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

If you have not obtained permission from the parents, yet, don't worry. If you receive a NO on any of the forms, note that on your packet of waivers.Your waivers need to be in an envelope and handed to the registration attendent upon arrival at the Playday on Nov. 1st. You will sign a form on entrance to the park, that states all of the people in your group have signed waivers/releases in the envelope.

We need your help in keeping kiddos off the horses, if they don't have permission. And, we can't control all cell phones, so please let the parents know this, and help by instructing people that are snapping photos, that your child's photo is not to be taken.

Thank you for your help!!

See ya soon!!

P.S.--Yes you may use forms from previous events (only slight change in the photo area). We need the signature and DATE at the bottom of each form.

Amazing Fall 2018 Playday!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

What a wild ride!!!

Wednesday night storms passed through and the rain stopped about 1am, Thursday morning. With a little rearranging, the horseback riding arena was moved to higher ground and the event went on as planned.

We are still returning borrow items to their rightful owners. I promise to add pics, soon, as well as some precious stories.

Thank all of you, volunteers, caregivers, teachers, and families that came out and enjoyed the day with us!!!

So many prayed, and so many prayers were answered!!!!

Be back soon

Johnette

Playday is NOT Cancelled

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

THE PLAYDAY IS NOT CANCELLED!!!

The rain is gone, we are set up. With just a little tweaking, we are ready for horseback riding, and all the things you love to do. Dress warm and we will see you all soon.

You would not believe how peaceful it is at the park, right now. But just wait,,,,in a few hours, that will change.

Thank you for your prayers, and thanking the Lord for the answers!!!

See ya soon!!!!

Johnette

Wednesday Weather in Winnsboro

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

THURSDAY PLAYDAY IS NOT CANCELED. I'll keep you posted.

We got a brief shower and then it was gone. It didn't even create any good puddles to play in!

I know what the radar shows. Keep on with the prayers.

See ya soon

Johnette

Weather Update

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Weather Update- We have no reason to cancel the Playday Thursday. Unless a catastrophic event occurs, the show will go on! We have tweaked our set-up a bit and will adjust as needed. The rain looks like it will be through our area about 1am. We plan to have all the outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. We always have Plan B!! We have had events after a big rainstorm, so we know how to adjust. Dress warm and come enjoy. There's lots of hamburgers and hotdogs, hot chocolate and coffee to warm you up. The heater in there works really well!!!

Look forward to seeing you all soon. (And keep those prayers going!)

Johnette

Schedule for Set Up on Wednesday Oct 31

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, October 31, we will set up everything for Thursday's Playday. At 10am, we will start food prep and decorating in the City Auditorium. We welcome anyone that would like to come help. Outside set-up will depend on the weather. We usually start setting up the loading ramps, tents, tables and activity areas, early in the day. According to the weather forecast, as of this morning, we may start the outdoor setup later than usual. We have scheduled 7pm for testing and training new horses.

Please continue to pray with us for beautiful weather. Stay tuned for updates.

Side note- I know the maker of the weather, and it is not the meteorologists. Whatever we receive, rain or sunshine, is not in our control. What IS in our control, is how we deal with it. I am thankful for the rain, especially after the drought this summer. We are flexible and will work with whatever the Lord sends our way, and give thanks for HIS blessings!

See ya soon,

Johnette

Volunteers- Thursday Schedule

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

We will start Thursday morning with a volunteer meeting @ 7:45am, at the registration desk. It will be set up in the road on the west side of the arena. We will start with prayer and you will receive information that you need for the day. We will all go to our areas and get ready for our guests!! We encourage volunteers to arrive as early as possible. The buses will start rolling in around 8:30, and you don't want to get caught in that line. We expect at least 80 buses, probably more.

Horses need to be in the arena by 8, 8:30 at the latest. We will test them all to make sure they are not having a bad day. They, like us, can get up on the wrong side of the stall!!

Praying safe travels for us all, and beautiful sunny day!

Johnette

Weather-the question of the day!!

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Many are asking "What do we do if it rains?". We always have a continency plan. Everything will go on as planned. Our Plan B will not leave anyone out in the cold or rain!!

See you in a few days!!!

Don't panic! Registration is open until October 9th!!!

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

If you are trying to get your registration completed today, thank you!!!!!!

Please be patient with me, as I answer your questions in the order that they come in to me. If, I have not anwered by the end of your day, please send me a text (903-563-1449). I see those immediately. This is all new to me, too (even the email program,lol). Your questions and comments help us get the bugs worked out.

I will update the blogs with info as it comes to my attention.

Thank you and hope you are having a blessed day.

Fall Registration will begin September 11th

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Will will open registration on September 11th for the Fall Playday to be held November 1st.

The only difference will be, how you send your information. Under the register tab, you will find the form that fits your needs (on September 11).

The informaton, that we will need, will be the same as in the past (name, tshirt size, food preference {Hamburger or Hotdog}, waiver/release signed).

Click here (http://hooveshalos.gm7site.net/uploads/Minor-Adult%20with%20Gaurdian%20Release.pdf) to download the release form to be signed by parents/guardians. For the adult form, for individuals that can sign their own consent, click here ( http://hooveshalos.gm7site.net/uploads/Adult-Volunteer%20Release.pdf ). We will need forms for everyone who attends, participants, as well as those who accompany them. These need to be turned in at the registration desk upon arrival.

Thank you and looking forward to seeing you all!!!!

Join the Adventure!

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

We have two big events a year, Spring and Fall. Go to the volunteer tab and sign up, if you want to help. But, you may not know that we travel to surrounding areas to help others with Handicapable Rodeos, special events for special needs people, and others with starting programs at their churches. We carry our ramps and horses and help any way that we can. We also have therapy animals that we take to Nursing Homes, Schools and Hospitals. So, no matter what your gift, if it's cooking or playing games or working with horses, or driving a tractor or team of mules in the hayride, or simply loving people, there is a place for you. Our next stop on this adventure is SAFFE Day in Kilgore on Saturday September 15th. We would love for you to join us, as a volunteer or a special hero guest.

Launch of New Website

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

We are thrilled to have the GroupM7 team helping us get online! With our numbers growing with every event, we needed a different way to do registration for guests and volunteers. We have grown from 15 to 1500!!! Not only will this website make our lives easier, but people will be able to see what we do without going to Facebook (believe it or not, there are many people who don't "do" Facebook or any other form of Social Media.) So, feel free to come on in and browse around. We would love to have your feedback.