Gabby's Sanctuary ARK

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit No Kill Shelter and Animal Rescue Specializing in Horses, Cats, Dogs, Education and Equine Therapy.

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We bloom where we are planted

August 28, 2019 By Robb Lawson

Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK (GSA) would like to honor the volunteers we have had over the summer. We have really bloomed this year with a new garden and a new horse “Cookie” ( 16 hand saddle bred). We have also re-homed two beautiful horses this year.

As the school year starts a lot of the students have gone back to K-12 school or started their first year of college. Javier Flores is one our volunteers that has started a new chapter from high school to college. Javier has been with GSA over 2 years and has mastered the horses and taken on a leadership role at the barn. He has been a role model for many of our young students that volunteered this summer. We wish you the best Javier and look forward to a visit every once in a while. The horses will miss you too! Best wishes, we are very proud of your accomplishments!

Javier

GSA is very grateful to the sister and brother team Amos (Certified in irrigation systems) and Susannah Lapp (master gardener). They have planted a garden at the barn that is simply fantastic! The garden includes: squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, collard greens, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, basil and much more. They also provided the tilling and seeds to grow the vegetables and fruit that is for the community. Our primary resident gardener Marty has watered and provided care for our lovely garden weekly, as well. It is so massive that we need more help. So if you feel as though you have a green thumb come out some time and help. We need a few good gardeners! You also get to take home fresh produce that you harvest and the produce is massive.

Finally, we have had many volunteers over the summer and what we found at GSA is that horses heal people when they both connect. We have seen some wonderful transformations in both people and the horses. One example is a father who walked over 3 miles with his son to volunteer with GSA because, his son just relocated from Houston and loves horses. He made it happen for his son that was accustom to spending time with horses every day. That is dedication!

Finally, please do not forget the North Texas Day of Giving, September 19, 2019. GSA appreciates the past contributions that have assisted our organization , however, we need your future contribution, as well. Please get up and give. Thank everyone for the continued support you have provided GSA over the years. More to come in the coming months. Happy trails!

Filed Under: Events, Featured, News, Stories

North Texas Giving Day is Sept. 14, 2017!

August 25, 2017 By Karen White

WHAT IS NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY?

North Texas Giving Day is an opportunity for you to help nonprofits, like Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK, by donating money towards their organizations. The total dollar amount of donations towards an organization determines whether and how much they will receive in bonus dollars from the North Texas Giving Day organization.

WHY GIVE TO GABBY’S SANCTUARY ARK

To us, it means a chance to increase the funds in our operating fund that are used for feed, hay, vet bills, nutritional supplements, classes for the volunteers and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Agricultural lab students in Lancaster ISD. Besides benefitting rescued animals, you will be contributing towards the education of our youth.

Although primarily working with the Agricultural students, we hope to start with the youngest students and go through the grades, teaching them about animals and respect for all living creatures.

WHEN IS NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY?

North Texas Giving Day falls on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. This year, you can schedule your donations as early as Thursday, Sept. 7, and they will be posted on Sept. 14.

HOW DO I GIVE?

Go to https://northtexasgivingday.org  between Sept. 7 at 8:00 a.m. and Sept. 13 at midnight to schedule a donation early. On North Texas Giving Day, Sept. 14, you can donate from 6:00 a.m. until midnight. All donations that were scheduled early will be posted on Sept. 14.

On the North Texas Giving Day website, search for Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK on the Leaderboard. From there, follow the instructions to make your donation

Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK is working with other nonprofits in the Cedar Hill area to raise awareness and donations. Donation stations will be set up at various locations in Cedar Hill, such as restaurants, the library (Sept 7-14) , and Hillside Village (Sept. 7, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.). Someone at these stations can help you with the donation on a computer. A list of locations and times will be posted soon.

THANK YOU!

We appreciate all of our donors, volunteers, and supporters throughout the year. North Texas Giving Day is an opportunity to make your donations go a bit further with the bonus dollars provided by the Communities Foundation of Texas. Please continue to support Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK through your tax deductible financial donations, time, and talent.

 

Filed Under: Events, News

Upcoming Groundsmanship Class

August 8, 2017 By Karen White

August 19, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.

ABOUT THE CLASS

On Saturday, August 19 at 8:00 a.m., Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK is offering a groundsmanship class taught by Scott Shepherd of 4Shepherds Horsemanship. A tax-deductible donation of $10 entitles you to participate in the class, eat lunch, and enjoy the day with our equine buddies.

The class will take place at the Roy Crawford Agricultural Complex, 2415 Sunny Meadows Rd., Lancaster, TX.

 

WHAT IS GROUNDSMANSHIP?

Groundsmanship refers to the art of training a horse while remaining on the ground instead of riding the horse. You can gain the horse’s trust, teach the horse different maneuvers, and correct bad habits.
WHO IS SCOTT SHEPHERD?

Scott Shepherd has been around horses in different capacities all of his life. He served with the Dallas Police for 27 years. He joined the Mounted Unit in 2008 and trained the new horses and new riders coming into the program.  Scott believes in gaining the respect and trust of any horse he works with. He believes in fostering a horse’s willingness to work and creating a soft, confident horse is the objective of each ride and training session.

Filed Under: Events, Featured, News

A Place to Learn

July 16, 2017 By Karen White

Recently, Scott Shepherd from 4Shepherds Horsemanship presented a program on groundwork training for horses. He started with Gracie, who was donated to Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK by Scott and has since been adopted. Gracie remembered her training and performed well.

Groundwork includes: getting the horse to trust and cooperate with the trainer, working on problems that the horse may have, and exercising the horse in a controlled setting. During all of this, the trainer is standing and not riding the horse.

Bella was up next. She didn’t like to have people handle her feet and lift them off the ground for cleaning, checking for injuries, or trimming her hooves. After gaining her trust, Scott used a rope to add enough pressure to encourage Bella to lift her foot. This exercise will have to be repeated  by the Gabby’s ARK trainers to teach her to allow the action consistently.

Scott gave Bella some exercise while training her to go the direction that he wanted. This exercise is done in a circle, with the horse on a long lead rope and the trainer in the center of the circle. Bella seemed to enjoy stretching her legs.

More Opportunities Coming!

More classes will be scheduled for this fall, including safety classes. Some will be open to the public, and others will be restricted to the Lancaster ISD STEM students. A calendar of events will be published on this site once dates are confirmed.

You can help us out by sharing this on Facebook and Twitter.

Filed Under: Events, News

April is Help-A-Horse Month! Note change in location for April 2.

March 9, 2016 By Karen White

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In April 2016, Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK will be celebrating the ASPCA’s 150th anniversary! Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK is competing for a $10,000 grant by hosting several events throughout the month. You can help us achieve that goal by attending and supporting Gabby’s ARK through your donations.

  • April 2, 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. – Scott Shepherd of 4Shepherds Horsemanship – demonstration and horsemanship training. Registration: $25.00
  • April 2 – Silent Auction – 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m.

April 2 events will be held at the Texas Horse Park at the Trinity, 811 Pemberton Hill Rd., Dallas, TX 75217.

  • April 22,  6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.– Dancing for Dollars Contest– Dance contest and The Spoken Word (open to everyone) includes prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in both categories – Limited space available. Admission: $5.00.
  • April 23, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Overton Brooks – demonstration and groundwork training. Registration: $25.00.

April 22 and 23 events will be held at the Rollin’ C Ranch, 1916 N. Westmoreland Rd., DeSoto, TX (between Danieldale Rd. and Wintergreen Rd.).

  • Virtual Feed Store – Help a horse with online donations at Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK’s Virtual Feed store.

For more information, contact us at info@gabbysark.org or 972-765-2575. #helpahorse

Filed Under: Events, Featured

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All Donations are tax deductible and can be made through our "Virtual Feed Shop". Please donate now to help meet the ongoing needs to rescue, care for and find homes for these animals.

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