SunDance News

Vol. II, Issue III Summer 2007

Horse Show a Success!


June marked the second annual Hawley Horse Show - a great event for anyone who loves horses, and an exclusive fundraiser to further the SunDance Riding's mission of providing therapeutic horse interaction for people with disabilities.

Held at the Hawley Rodeo grounds, spectators enjoyed activities suck as barrels, four in a line, keyhole, and ride a buck. Races included the egg and spoon, sack, baseball bat and tennis/racquetball categories.

CBS/KX4 news anchor Shawna Olson not only covered the event, but participated as well in a sack race.

"This was a great event for not only fundraising, but having everyone come together to enjoy an entertaining show and help get the word out about SunDance," said Director Shannon Nowak. "I'd like to thank all our volunteers and riding families who helped make the event possible by helping with concessions, donating prices or food, and working the show," she said.

Brandi Alm of the Stable Mates 4-H played an important part by organizing and promoting the show, recruiting other 4-H clubs to participate, and serving as the announcer of the show.

SunDance Secretary karin Kirkey said:

"It was an awesome show! Everyone was so impressed with the entire show...the prizes, the concessions, the show events, the organizers and the attendees. The organizers kept the show so much FUN that everyone had such a great time. Everyone was so encouraging to the many first-time horse show participants which made the events and show so relaxing and fun. Everyone wanted to just get out there and try new things - events that they had never tried before...or even heard of! It was a success for all veteran and rookie horse-riders and horses. What a great combination to add to the success and support of the wonderful program that is offered through SunDance!"

Thanks To All Hawley Horse Show Donors
  • Tractor Supply Company
  • Walmart
  • Thrivent Financial
  • Microsoft
  • Hawley Rodeofest
  • Hawley Golden Riders
  • Stockmens Supply
  • CashWise
  • Sunmart
  • Hornbachers
  • Pat Parelli
  • Charmein James
  • Pet Nannies Plus
  • Bonanzaville
  • Farnam
  • Target
  • West Acres
  • Stablemates 4-H
  • Nardini Fire Equipment
  • Rising Star Farm Design
  • Kmart
  • The many wonderful individuals that donated their time, prizes, and concession food.



Horse Spotlight: Little Joe


Five year old Little Joe is a Shetland Pony that is loved by all. When he's not busy as a therapy horse, he enjoys working the pony right at public events, birthday parties and pulling kids around on a sled.

He's been a therapy horse for SunDance since last year. His owners are Charmein and Lee Gray.

Thanks Little Joe!


Thank You...New Donors


  1. In Loving Memory of Robert T. Duggan, Gary and Carol Duggan
  2. Dennis Seeb
  3. Moorhead Kiwanis


Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Jane Haugen


Mary Jane Haugen of Moorhead has volunteered for SunDance since July 2006 as a sidewalker and leader. She grew up on a farm with work horses and two ponies.

Retired now, she enjoys volunteering for several organizations. She uses her experience working with the disabled at her job of 24 years at the Moorhead Public Library.

Mary Jane found out about SunDance Riding through the Fargo Forum and says she enjoys volunteering for SunDance because, "I love the whole idea, and of course, the horses!" She also says, "I'd been waiting for a now-for-something-completely-different opportunity and I found that in SunDance."

She continues, "It's a triumph for many of them to sit on a big horse and tell it to stop and go. And I love seeing them have this chance!"

Thank you Mary Jane!