FFT ANNUAL EVENTS

APRIL:
The beginning of April marks the beginning of our program year. We reconvene and rejoice in the lengthening days and increasing warmth. Our Spring session runs for 9 weeks.

MAY:
Our annual fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 1. The theme of this years event will be the Kentucky Derby.

JUNE:
Annual Horseshow Extravaganza
Every spring we host a horse show at home for our riders. This provides our students the opportunity to showcase their riding skills and progress to friends and families in a friendly and familiar atmosphere. Each show our audience grows, and students have had the chance to exhibit their favorite accomplishments to as many as 100 spectators! The creativity and hard work of our staff and volunteers enable us to present a differently themed show every year. It is always a wonderful event as we celebrate the many achievements of our riders! Download Flyer

JULY:
Our summer session lasts nine weeks. We enjoy the opportunity to be out on the trails as well as to enjoy games and begin training for the fall Massachusetts Special Olympics Equestrian Tournament.

AUGUST:
Our staff and ponies take a break from the usual teaching schedule to concentrate on several weeks of specialized training, and to enjoy a well-deserved break!

SEPTEMBER:
Our Fall Riding Session begins on August 31. Pony Partner's will begin on September 11th.

OCTOBER:
Special Olympics On October 17 and 18, riders who reached their eighth birthday look forward to participating in the Massachusetts Special Olympics horse shows, which are held Ironstone Farm and Windrush Farm. Our riders enjoy the challenges of riding horses they have never met – an experience seasoned riders consider formidable! Each rider participates in two classes. The “Trail Class” is designed as an obstacle course which includes steering through cones, walking over poles, and moving objects from one place to another. The “Equitation Class” offers each rider a chance to demonstrate several positions, different gaits, and their mastery of communication with the horse.  Every year our riders bring home medals, and many students qualify for the State Finals!  We are proud of our riders and their achievements, and humbled by their  incredible enthusiasm and great sportsmanship.

Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Hosted by Frank’s Steakhouse in Cambridge, MA., we have enjoyed a sampling of fantastic food complimented by carefully selected wines for the “everyday connoisseur” during the last few years. It is a tribute to our riders to take this opportunity each year to introduce our program to new friends.

Halloween Week - We encourage all of our volunteers and riders to dress up in costume and to feel the magic of Halloween!! Each year our ring is filled with cobwebs, fake spiders, pumpkins and all sorts of new activities. Our riders navigate through the games: stirring up a witch's brew, creating silly pumpkin faces, or sticking the eye balls on a skeleton!

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER:
Volunteer appreciation week - During the last week of our second fall session, we dedicate time to celebrate the gifts of time, love and loyalty our volunteers selflessly give to the program. It is a week we give special thanks to one of the cornerstones of Friends For Tomorrow, our volunteers.

JANUARY:
During this cold dark time of the year, the staff focuses on program development and again devotes time to specialized training, both for ourselves and for the horses! In addition, we find ways to bring our students together for some social time to keep friends and families in touch.

FEBRUARY:
Winter Session - For those riders (and parents!) who are brave enough to ride through the coldest months, we hold a 6-7 week winter session two days a week. We all work extra hard to have fun and stay warm!