Support NJ veterans with a donation to Spring Reins of Life. Operation Horse sessions are booked through May 2024, but we need your help to ensure we can deliver the mental health care our vets need. Make a tax-deductible donation today.

The Straw Memorial Fund

Most all of our efforts in fund-raising are directed toward programming and services so that we can have the ability to provide EAP / EAL  services free of charge to the trauma survivors that we serve.  The HORSES at Spring Reins of Life, are our business. They are our biggest overhead cost, they are also our biggest asset!  Without their help and assistance there is no “E” in EAP.  People often ask if they can help support or donate to the horses…the answer is YES!

HERE IS HOW:

  • The Straw Memorial Fund

    The value of what our HORSES give to trauma survivors is far more valuable than the costs required to keep them healthy and happy.   We graciously accept donations of money, tack and services to help The Herd.  So avid horse lovers, equestrians, past clients, and to those who support our work and the populations that we aim to help – please consider The Straw Memorial Fund as a way to make a difference in the lives of others – both 2 legged and 4 legged!  Your tax deductible donation will go a long way towards creating a greater good for trauma victims (and their families) who seek and receive solace from the horses.

    The Straw Fund  was originated in 2011 by one of our powerful EAP mares who came to our program in a very special way.  “Straw” embodies courage, strength, heart, determination, independence and a super can-do attitude.  The Straw Fund began in November 2011 when we suddenly had to raise funds to cover cost of care for an essentially abandoned horse whom we knew was a brilliant EAP healer / EAL teacher!  We met Straw at our first location in Pittstown in 2010, and began leasing her to work for our clients. The farm went into foreclosure and she needed a home.  We raised funds on Straw’s behalf to cover the cost of her base care needs – and exceeded our goal with the help of Viggo Mortensen, Jewel, Betty White and 61 other caring people.  Professionals continue to donate services on her behalf (Shari Silverman VMD,  Judith M. Shoemaker DVM, Daisy Haven Farm, and more). Our “Miracle Mare” ZIP in the STRAW (3/31/91 – 4/29/14) moved mountains and our hearts.  Straw was nominated and won recognition in the 2013 NJVMA Service Animal Hall of Fame awards for her work with veterans and youth. In 2014 Straw’s story was selected by Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Miracles Happen book (page 27 “The Miracle Mare”) about her work with PTSD veterans. Hoof-o-graphed copies are still available and proceeds go to her fund.  Sadly in April 2014 Straw made the journey to heaven, we still miss her presence every “other” day but still feel her presents every single day. To honor her legacy and her work this fund was made memorial to help her current Herd-mates and future horses that may be similar to her situation.

    Always THANK YOU Momma Straw!  Forever in our Hearts…and our EAP Arena.
    Straw / ZIP IN THE STRAW
    March 31, 1991 – April 29, 2014

    • Gift Certificates/Cards:  Graciously accepted from Tractor Supply, Horsemen’s Outlet, Belle Mead Coop, Dover Saddlery…
    • To mail in a check/money order for The Straw Memorial Fund Send check or money order to: Spring Reins of Life, Inc. 410 Main Street, Box 302, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. Donations also possible on PayPal. Or email us for more information. (*Checks are payable to Spring Reins of Life, with “Straw Memorial Fund” in the memo line to appropriate usage).

  • Volunteer Time

    The farm always produces work that needs to be done.  The horses deserve clean fresh paddocks, turn-outs, stalls and barn.  We are always gracious to accept help from those who can donate time, effort, labor and expertise in various areas.  If you have seasoned horse experience we can utilize those skills also.   Please see our Volunteer Page for more information or email us at info@springreinsoflife.org  (Can download the SRoL Volunteer Application here:  SROL Volunteer App-Agreement)

  • Used Tack / Apparel Donations

    SRoL gladly accepts Used Tack and Apparel Donations (gently used / good condition) because even though our programs are un-mounted, we are able to sell tack on consignment and use the proceeds for feed, supplements and other supplies for the horses. By keeping overhead costs down, it allows more funding to become available for programming.  Horsemen’s Outlet in Hunterdon County is where we are able to bring in used tack, wait for it to sell and apply the credit towards the horses needs.  DIK receipts are offered to tack donors based on “estimated value”.  Items that are always in demand are:  Saddles, Bridles, Girths, Martingales,  horse show items (boots, jackets, shirts – No helmets accepted), etc.  If you have items to donate and are not sure if appropriate, please contact us at info@springreinsoflife.org