Advocacy - Representative Spencer Roach
On Monday, October 23 - Anna (my 17 year old daughter) and I were fortunate to be invited to Ft. Myers to participate in an advocacy discussion with Florida District 76 Representative Spencer Roach.
My friend and mentor for advocacy, Barbara Beasley, prepared for the meeting with Representative Roach through a contact of hers, another educational advocate - Sarah Clements.
We were also accompanied by Mary Jo Walsh, a private school owner and special needs advocate from West Palm Beach, FL. As a response to the difficulties her school has faced receiving funds from the Family Empowerment Scholarship, Mary Jo and her director came to the meeting with stacks of data from hundreds of other private schools around Florida.
The meeting lasted about an hour and it was productive. Representative Roach was unaware of the problems parents, providers and private schools are facing. Shortly into the meeting, while we were presenting our collective data, he voiced an understanding of the “dumpster fire” on how the school choice legislation is being executed. He agreed the private company managing this scholarship needs to be held accountable and reminded that it works for the tax payers of Florida.
Yes, yes it does.
There is a special session being called in Tallahassee the week of November 6th. It is during this special session there will be more opportunity to meet with other legislatures and help inform them of the financial crisis so many parents, providers and private schools face because the company administering these Dept of Education funds can’t seem to get the money to the people.
Thank you so much to those who donated. As of Tuesday, 10/24, 12!! individuals donated a total of $495 to help offset our printing and travel costs. We used my husband’s hotel points for our hotel night and we ate on the cheap. I will link a spreadsheet to our travel costs here soon.
Our next focus is the November 6th - November 9th special session in Tallahassee. The school choice bill specific to unique abilities (HB1) is being addressed. If there are hearings - then public comment is welcomed (and encouraged!). The only way to be heard and to make a difference is to communicate. show up. Write letters. Share your stories. We will keep advocating and this has to be a community effort. We all must participate to have our voices heard.
More soon…
Advocacy & News 13
Here is a link to the interview that aired on October 19 on News13
News13 recently came to Cheyne Ranch to film a story on my friend Barbara Beasley, a mom and a tireless advocate for special needs education in Florida. They filmed for 3!! hours and created a 3 minute story about a few important points regarding the Family Empowerment Scholarship. I wish we could share the entire 3 hour conversation - there are so many ways this special needs education legislation is a long answered effort.
However, carrying out the vision and purpose of this legislation doesn't happen just because a law was passed - there is still so much work to do. Barbara (along with other moms who are BIG advocates) spend so much of their personal time helping other families navigate this messy maze. They keep researching the issues, writing the letters, keep speaking up, finding the contacts, making the appointments, explaining the issues AND discussing and proposing solutions. And they don't stop. They keep communicating and keep educating - it is just so inspiring.
We keep advocating for ALL Florida families because our future looks so much brighter when our children receive the best education possible.
Here is a link to the interview that aired on October 19 on News13
collaboration
I remember an evening in 2007, I was sitting in a college class at MNU in Olathe, KS. We were learning about “synergy.” I was skeptical. I don’t even remember the exercise we did to demonstrate the effect of synergy. But somehow, at the end of that class period, my skepticism was being replaced with the eagerness that accompanies an emerging realization. We aren’t talking about all those “group” projects assigned in high school - where it was usually one person doing the work while the others… what did the others do? This kind of exciting synergy is when capable & willing people come together - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
I must have known that prior to 2007 (age 29,) right?
I can’t say that I was aware of the concept before it was so clearly demonstrated, but since then - one of my favorite things to do is to work with others, capable others to create ideas, content, programs, summaries, clarifications, anything actually. Because the output is so much better when done together.
When I met Julie Gerhard, a speech therapist, she said out loud more than once how much she enjoyed collaborating with others. And I thought to myself, ummmmm… I better step-up my thinking momentum. Julie is BRILLIANT. And a woman who gets stuff done. And I want to be someone she collaborates with.
And then my friend, Jenine, an occupational therapist, she is so TALENTED working with kids and understanding all the things about how to get their brains grooving and their bodies moving. I was thrilled when I learned Jenine wanted to talk about being part of things at Cheyne Ranch. Once again, I thought to myself, ummmmm… I better step-up my brain power. Because I want to be part of this incredible thing Jenine offers.
And Shawna, a woman who has an endless ability to to turn everyday moments into learning moments for her kids and any others that are fortunate enough to be in the vicinity. When she said she wanted to teach a class here, I was ecstatic. And once again, inspired & challenged to step up my game. Because once again, I want to be a collaborator of Shawna’s.
We are headed into our 4th! school year of outdoor learning programs this August. And I am so so proud of the collaborations coming together at Cheyne Ranch. We have an incredible teacher on Mondays, a brilliant speech therapist on Wednesdays, and a talented occupational therapist on Fridays:
Mondays: Farmyard Explorers w/ Shawna
Wednesdays: Communication (Social) Skills w/ Julie, Speech Therapist
Fridays: Little Sprouts w/ Jenine, Occupational Therapist
These professionals hold their own with their own professional lives and practices - I’m just so proud of the matched philosophies and passions that bring us together here at Cheyne Ranch a few hours each week. We all believe in providing a safe, inclusive and accessible way for people of all abilities to experience the wonder of the animals and learn more about animal care and connection. We all believe that real learning happens when students are relaxed and enjoying their environment - and all the better if that learning space is outside, in nature.
Please reach out if you have any questions about any of these programs. Please share and support these impressive professionals as they work to bring their services to your student here at Cheyne Ranch.
Hello Fall STUDENTS! Lots of good info
Our next 8-week session STARTS this THURSDAY, August 17th!!!!
I'm so excited!
We outlined a weekly calendar with 65 Cheyne Ranch program spots - and all 65 are filled!! Whew! that took some maneuvering, thank you all for your patience while I got that together.
Here are some important notes:
Fall 2023 | two 8-week sessions | chra.us/p
Thursday. August 17th - Wednesday, October 11th
Thursday, October 19th - Thursday, December 21st
Consider bookmarking this weblink (chra.us/p) for your future reference. The next 12 months of Cheyne Ranch dates can be found here.
RAIN or SHINE!
There are no refunds for missed classes
There is 1 make-up lesson offered every 8 weeks for riding lessons and PALS.
There are no make-up lessons offered for group classes such as Nature Club and Treasures
In the case of an instructor absence, a make-up will be offered
PAYMENT | chra.us/pay
Invoices will be emailed soon
You do NOT have to wait for an invoice, please feel free to pay anytime, here is a link for all the ways to pay: chra.us/pay
$400 for 8 weeks of
horseback riding lessons
PALS
Nature Club (Nature Club has sibling discount)
$320 for 8 weeks of
Friday night Treasures + optional dinner donation each week
Other costs & timelines:
Shawna’s Farmyard Explorers
Occupational Therapy - Little Sprouts Craftivity 4 weeks
Social Skills / Speech Therapy / Social directed language coaching
Is your child on FL Medicaid Sunshine Health? If so, we can get a $200 yearly credit toward your activities here at Cheyne Ranch! email me for more info
Is your child on the FES/UA scholarship? If so, all of our Cheyne Ranch classes are reimbursable. Our invoices are all set up for reimbursement. You need 2 things to submit for FES/UA reimbursement
An invoice (being emailed soon)
Receipt for proof of payment (if you pay through the email invoice, the invoice also now becomes your receipt!)
WHAT TO WEAR
Our lessons meet rain or shine, please have your child dress in layers for working in varying weather conditions
Hiking / work boots are so helpful!
Old tennis shoes are also an option
Rain Boots are not very comfortable for any extended walking or animal care and they are not great for riding
Ariat is my family's favorite brand of work and/or riding boots - they are expensive, but they last a long time
Tractor Supply has boots to try on and purchase
Please consider bringing a change of clothes. We get really dirty and/or wet out here working sometimes.
WATER! and snacks!
A refillable water bottle is SO ESSENTIAL! we have cold filtered water available to refill
Snacks are welcome, no eating in the barn please. We eat on the playground or the pool patio
HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS | chra.us/hbr
If your child is in horseback riding lessons, PLEASE read our FAQ. Keep scrolling on the web page to read about our:
Instructor policy
Lesson horse policy
Rider level policy
Small group lessons
Horsemanship philosophy & emphasis
FAMILY VISITS! KIDS NIGHT OUT! BIRTHDAY PARTY! FIELD TRIPS! | chra.us
If you have family or friends in town and want to show them our animals + each kid can have a horse ride, please bring them to Cheyne Ranch for a family visit!
Schedule online: chra.us/f
Kids' Night Out is SO FUN!! Ages 5 - 12ish, once a month during the school year:
Schedule online: chra.us/kno
We LOVE hosting birthday parties, they are small, laid back and REALLY FUN!
More info: chra.us/bday
FIELD TRIPS!! For Scouts, homeschool groups, clubs - the itinerary can be modified to your groups’ needs.
More info: chra.us/groups
LAST (but not least) PLEASE DONATE | chra.us/donate
We LOVE sharing our animals with the community. We believe so wholly in our mission to teach people of all abilities animal care and connection. Horses, animals, staff wages, insurance, software - it is all SO EXPENSIVE! There are so many ways to contribute, here are a few ideas:
Read the above expectations and participate in our incredible community with patience and compassion
Donate to Cheyne Ranch, Inc - $10 HELPS us!!
Find out how your employer might match your donation
Volunteer at Cheyne Ranch
Purchase things from our Amazon wish list
Spread the word to friends and family about Cheyne Ranch - help us continue our mission as we continue to learn and grow together!
Please let me know if you have any questions, thank you for being part of our awesome community!
Sally Ann Cheyne
Founder & President
Cheyne Ranch, Inc.
nonprofit 501(c)(3)
Located in Oviedo, FL
Call / Text: (407) 205-7744
email: Sally@CheyneRanch.com
Website: www.CheyneRanch.com
Facebook: facebook.com/CheyneRanch
Instagram: instagram.com/CheyneRanch
Cheyne Ranch is a nonprofit that provides a safe, inclusive and accessible way for people of all abilities to learn about animal care & connections.
We serve our local community through providing scholarships to our lesson programs, caring for the many farm animals that have been donated to us, and advocating for inclusive, accessible experiences for all individuals.
Please donate and help us with our mission: chra.us/donate
August Newsletter: Fall Programs! Summer Recap & NEW programs
Cheyne Ranch is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides a safe, inclusive and accessible way for people of all abilities to learn about animal care and connection.
We are SO EXCITED about our line-up of fall classes!
first, a summer recap…
We had an AMAZING summer!
6 teen volunteers | 4 workers | Over 400! appointments slots between Nature Clubs, PALS, Riding Lessons, & 4 weeks of Summer Camp | 8 weeks of Friday Treasures for 6 spectacular teen girls | 25 family visit appointments | 20 speech therapy appointments | over 80 appts donated for FREE as part of our scholarships | 10! horses, 3 goats, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 14 bunnies, 30ish chickens | a NEW kitten | + all the Cheyne family adventures, fishing for Evan, theater for Sophia, Law camp! and horseback riding for Anna and… 40 days of roundtrip drop-off and pick-ups downtown Orlando for our ballerina Graci (over 4,000 miles!)
and it isn’t even August yet!
++ a BIG Thank you to our workers and volunteers! Thank you for showing up! Thank you for sharing your ideas and your enthusiasm, taking photos, having fun together and most importantly - working so diligently and keeping everyone SAFE!
THANK YOU to our hardworking staff (in order of hire date - I think): Preston, Kayla, Tatiana & Kai
THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers: Gabriella, Abby, Julia, Giana, Emilyse (and Jamie! for showing up with no notice to teach for an entire week!)
THANK YOU to our students who stepped up so much this summer and I can’t wait for you to be “official” volunteers: Skyler, Eva, Kate, Miranda & Harrison
THANK YOU to the Philip & the Cheyne kids - you work 7 days a week helping to take care of our animals and how quickly I forget to thank you for all your hard work, patience, and support
I love this beautiful orchestra of talent and fun that I get to conduct - I’m probably forgetting some names - but THANK YOU!
+++ a BIG Thank you to the families: moms, dads, grandparents who donate their time, money, ideas, food, encouragement, hard working selves & driving kids, and keep showing up to be an incredible part of this Cheyne Ranch community. I’m so thankful for all of you.
It’s a giant rubik’s cube of appointments I can’t wait to solve! Please visit this INTEREST page to let me know your preferred classes and times.
**Some programs vary in length (6, 8, 10, or 16 weeks)
Interested in joining us? Please complete the interest form
Now, back to our fall programming…
Drumroll please…………………………….. It’s BACK!! 10 weeks this fall!!
Social Skills Class!
Julia Gerhard, CCC-SLP, DMA, Speech Therapist will guide our kids in communication and connection with peers while having fun at our farm!
Please email or call Julie with any questions: Juliadgerhard@gmail.com | (215) 767-9455
This is NEW! This is so exciting!!
FARMYARD EXPLORERS with SHAWNA!
Shawna is a homeschooling mom to 3 adventurous kids and a former Tinkergarten and Timbernook instructor. Shawna loves facilitating natural play-based learning, where kids discover and learn as they play, especially outside! Shawna helps us all feel comfortable getting messy while we play and learn (kids LOVE it!) She has an incredible line-up of outdoor activities and learning ready for fun this fall.
Interested in joining us? Please complete the interest form
Please email Shawna with any questions:
Cheyne Ranch programs…
Heading into our 4th fall this August 2023. They just keep getting better... PALS, Nature Club, Riding Lessons
Our fall semester is 2 sessions of 8 weeks each:
8 week session: Aug 17 - Oct 11 | $400
8 week session: Oct 19 - Dec 20 | $400
Interested in joining us? Please complete the interest form
PALS
Learn animal care and connection with our 2 feet on the ground (not riding). We will gain valuable life skills as we push ourselves to grow taking care of the horses, chickens, goats, bunnies, cow and pig.
Small group lessons of 2 - 3 students at a similar level.
Horseback Riding Lessons
Horseback riding lessons are so fun! We offer them every week, for 1 hour in small groups of 2 - 3 students of a similar level. We are so excited about our new curriculum! Combining the best from CHA, USPC and HSLL - we have a google classroom with more learning at home! (optional)
Students have option to participate in Rainbow Learning Levels for the riding / mounted curriculum!
Nature Club!
Choose either Wednesdays afterschool (3pm - 6pm) or Friday mornings (9am - 1pm). We are starting our 4th school year offering Nature Clubs and it is outdoor small group learning at its best!
Students have option to participate in Rainbow Learning Levels for UNmounted curriculum!
Interested in joining us? Please complete the interest form
Donation considerations:
We strive to be INCLUSIVE and ACCESSIBLE to ALL students - we have 75 students each week joining us!
We offer over 20% of our lessons FREE to the community members who might not otherwise be able to experience this!
We spend hundreds of hours each year training and mentoring teenagers as volunteers as they develop real job skills for their future
We adopt and care for animals in need - all of our 10 horses have been specifically placed with us because their owners knew our high standard of care and knowledge would be the right lifetime home for their animals
Please donate
Do you remember this DONATION post from 3 months ago in May? We were fortunate to raise almost $4,000 in donations this summer. It helped us prepare for our “light” lesson schedule the first 3 weeks of August. Here we are, at the end of July already and it is time for our FALL FUNDRAISER. Our goal is $10,000. In the meantime, there are so many ways to offer your support:
Please Donate:
Sponsor a student! Sponsor a program! Each class is $200 for 8 weeks, a program like Treasures is $2,000 for 8 weeks. When making your donation, write “scholarship” in the comments
Donate money to Cheyne Ranch, Inc chra.us/pay (we take money almost every way you could possibly pay it) for our farm upkeep, there is always a long list of repairs and improvements. Fences, water pipes, drainage improvements, a need for loads of sand, it just keeps going.
Find out how your employer might match your donation
Purchase a Lowes, Home Depot, or Tractor Supply gift card for our animals.
Call Horstmeyer’s in Sanford and add money to our account - this is where we buy a lot of our hay & feed.
Purchase anything from our Amazon wish list
FEELING LOW ON FUNDS?
Here are some ways to support Cheyne Ranch that are not monetary donations:
REFER US! WE love offering family visits, birthday parties and meeting new people. Tell your friends and neighbors about us so they will come see us too!
REVIEW US! One of the primary ways small businesses gain new customers is by having a lot of positive online reviews! Please write us a positive review us on google, facebook, or anywhere else you visit on the web
FOLLOW US! By following us on Facebook / Instagram, you help keep our sporadic posts in other people’s news feed. More views creates more views. Interacting with a photo or a post on social media (like, comment, share) is even better!
VOLUNTEER! If you are an existing family who is part of our Cheyne Ranch community, please reach out to me and let me know if you want to come clean some stalls, sweep the floor, fill some waters or even organize anything! Email me for more info
We have made so many big connections this summer:
We have partnered with Ladies327, a nonprofit that exists to support other nonprofits. The founder, Kim Colegrave and I connected right away over our shared love of horses, our motivation to help others and our similar stories of finding ourselves the founder and president of nonprofits while we wade our way through the buerocracy (her nonprofit is 8 years ahead of Cheyne Ranch - I have so much to learn.)
We have implemented a new curriculum for both our riding and (some of) our ground programs. It is called HorseSense Learning Levels and it has been so exciting to try out so many new games, patterns, and ideas. Also, the founders of HorseSense Learning Levels are like-minded in their emphasis that horse care and connection are the primary focus of lessons - not to be overshadowed by the physical skills. This fall semester, we are rolling out an option for students to earn a ribbon for passing each level - IF they want to do some additional learning away from the barn. More details coming soon…
We are in talks with Glorious Hands, Inc, a nonprofit in Sanford, Florida that seeks to provide mentoring opportunities for teenage girls, and we hope to come up with opportunities to host fun and learning classes for their organization.
Cheyne Ranch is beginning volunteer advocacy work to help other providers and families who utilize the Family Empowerment Scholarship. Our goal is to utilize this website to help others understand some of the technical nuances and possibly create short manuals / guides for providers and families.
We are navigating through insurance liability options so we can provide services for families the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida.
We welcome Jenine Moore, an Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with special needs kids! Jenine is available for in-home and farm! OT appointments.
And the list of connections keeps growing, our momentum is exciting. And the need for these kind of services is big. So big that every time we add a new lesson time slot or a new class, it gets filled and there is a waiting list. So big that I don’t have time to return voicemails. So big I am finding myself sharing our philosophy and approach with others in hopes they will open up their businesses with the same accessible and inclusive mission that we have. We are offering something big. But the need is still bigger.
Interested in joining us? Please complete the interest form
That’s about all for now! There are more programs and developments in the works - I am so excited to be on this journey with you all.
Sally Ann Cheyne
Founder & President
Cheyne Ranch, Inc.
nonprofit 501(c)(3)
Located in Oviedo, FL
Call / Text: (407) 205-7744
email: Sally@CheyneRanch.com
Website: www.CheyneRanch.com
Facebook: facebook.com/CheyneRanch
Instagram: instagram.com/CheyneRanch
Horse Shows + Big Feelings
Just some of my own musings (or what is a softer word than ranting?)…
For many people, horseback riding is a sport, and riders love to compete. In fact they LIVE for horse shows. It is their happy place, what they research, save for, think about, plan for and dream about anytime they are not already at a horse show. For so many, it is a hobby or profession that becomes an obsession, part of a multi-billion dollar equine sport industry, just in Florida! And exponentially that amount world-wide. My daughter, Anna (age 17) is one of these people. Anna loves the sport of riding, specifically the discipline called hunter / jumpers. And she loves LOVES horse shows. Anytime we are anywhere near Ocala, FL, she is over the moon because we go walk around this beautiful 350 acre campus like oasis called the World Equestrian Center (WEC).
A few years ago, I talked to a local trainer who ran a big lesson program with 25 horses in her barn. She looked around her property and waved to the barn and said - “if life circumstances changed and caused me to give all this up and go live in a condominium… I could do that, but I would still board a horse at someone else’s barn and I would still spend my weekends attending horse shows.” That is some serious love for horse shows.
However, I have some big feelings about horse shows. Often, I describe Cheyne Ranch as the anti-show barn. I find horse shows to be confusing, expensive and stressful. Our mission at Cheyne Ranch is to provide inclusive and accessible teaching about horse care and connection. From what I have experienced, there isn’t much that is inclusive or accessible about horse shows. Part of the reason horse shows are stressful (and confusing) to me is the cost. It is SO MUCH money to attend a show. I am very much about paying for people’s time and expertise, but the money just keeps adding up.
For example, Anna is planning to attend a horse show this coming Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 28th - 30th. Keep in mind we have our OWN HORSE! and our OWN TRAILER! We are still estimating the cost for the 3 day show is $2,000. this DOES NOT include hotel and meals.
A breakdown:
Friday / Saturday / Sunday show at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL (95 miles northwest of our home)
$375 Stall for horse at WEC
$150 Braiding Twilight's Mane (required at WEC)
$500 WEC Class entry fees (estimate)
$300 Trainer fee (estimate)
$300 Trainer travel costs (estimate)
$100 Health Certificate for Twilight
$200 Show coat (her other one is too small, using $100 gift card as discount from $300 purchase price)
$150 Gasoline for our trailer to transport horse (it would be $400+ if trainer hauled horse)
$2,000 TOTAL
If we didn't have our own horse and trailer, the cost would be an extra $500+ because we would be paying a “day-lease” fee for use of the horse + an increase cost to haul the horse.
Anna already has:
$400 Show boots
$400 Show helmet
$400 Show pants (2 at $200 each)
$150 Show shirts (2 at $75 each)
$50 Hair nets / socks / boot polish
Also, the horse’s tack has not been mentioned - the horse needs appropriate show saddle, saddle pad, bridle & bit. We have some of this tack - we are borrowing some of it. If we had nothing and needed to purchase everything, the cost could be anything. Probably the following:
$5,000 new | $700 used Saddle
$500 new | $200 used girth, stirrup irons, bridle, bit, saddle pad
Lastly, the horse needs to be in top shape for a show. This means a farrier visit, a vet visit, and a chiropractor visit - all within 2 weeks of the show dates.
Admittedly, going to a show at WEC Ocala is in the top 10 of high-end show venues in the US.
Alternatives to these BIG cost shows include trailering in for a 1-day local show (no stall fees) and not having a trainer (no trainer fees, no trainer travel costs). We are fortunate to have a place called Silver Sands Bridle Club, where there are a couple shows a year where Anna can trailer in her own horse. Our expected costs for those shows (assuming no new tack or wardrobe pieces) is about $400 total.
My confusion / frustration comes from the lack of economic diversity, and also a lack of physical and neurodiversity. In other words, if you don’t have the money, resources, body type, and physical and mental abilities, your choices for participating in horse shows is sadly limited, almost nonexistent.
Our mission at Cheyne Ranch, Inc. is to provide an accessible and inclusive way for ALL people to learn about animal care and connection. The equine industry can seem so elitist, so inaccessible. Cheyne Ranch strives to welcome ALL people, and this includes offering an accessible financial way to experience horses. We strive to offer inclusive ways for all kinds of neurodiverse individuals to learn and thrive in our barn. We are certainly not alone in our efforts, there is an entire sub-industry called equine assisted therapy & equine assisted learning that we try to study and participate in the growing community as practitioners of this model.
We offer 3 main programs that meet weekly, each of these programs is subsidized by donations from our community and strives to be inclusive for a variety of special needs:
PALS - unmounted activities, emphasizing animal care, connection, farm knowledge, outdoor work
Horseback Riding Lessons - beginner & intermediate riding lessons emphasizing safety, care, connection, with up to 25% of lessons being off the saddle - taking care of the horse.
Nature Club / Treasures - group activities emphasizing community, animal care, connection, farm knowledge.
I don’t know how to help horse shows become more accessible and inclusive, so I am doing what I know I can do today - opening up my barn and sharing my animals for all people to experience the benefits
The point of this post is my usual point - I want to share my knowledge. I want to pass along what I have learned (often the hard way) and I want to help inform the curious. I am still learning, still growing and very proud to be a lifelong learner. I welcome your feedback and dialogue about this topic.
FES Update
Hello families who are using the UA FES / Gardiner Scholarship though StepUp for Students!
UA = Unique Abilities
FES = Family Empowerment Scholarship (formerly called the Gardiner Scholarship)
SUFS = StepUp for Students organization - a private (not government) organization responsible for managing & disbursing the funds according to what the Florida law requires them to do.
I know there is a lot of talk on the Facebook pages (here & here) right now about the recently released Purchasing Guide from SUFS. I have spent a lot of time reading everything over as well as meeting and talking with a few of the moms who are part of an advocacy group that advocates on our behalf! They advocate to the leadership of SUFS as well as taking things all the way to our state legislatures in Tallahassee.
(Which is amazing of these volunteers by the way - I want to buy them a cookie and a coffee. And figure out how to do even more soon.)
I am confident that Cheyne Ranch services are going to be covered by 2 different categories that each have NO dollar amount limit (no $ cap!)
The 2 categories are:
Physical Education > Sports Lessons > There is no annual spending cap on Sports Lessons
Home Education > Cheyne Ranch programs seem to qualify for this newly expanded / rewritten category of Home Education. There is no annual spending cap on Home Education
Here are the screenshots from the Purchasing Guide (screenshots taken 7/1/2023)
SPORTS LESSONS: Page 6 & 7
HOME EDUCATION: Page 12 & 13
There are 2 moms that have volunteered to submit a PreAuth for the Cheyne Ranch services soon. I need to update my webpage to make the tuition / fees more clear. I will definitely keep you in the loop as to what SUFS does with these PreAuths.
Please let me know if you have any questions,
Sally Ann Cheyne
Founder & President
Cheyne Ranch, Inc.
nonprofit 501(c)(3)
Located in Oviedo, FL
Call / Text: (407) 205-7744
email: Sally@CheyneRanch.com
Website: www.CheyneRanch.com
Facebook: facebook.com/CheyneRanch
Instagram: instagram.com/CheyneRanch
Introducing... Learning Levels
If I were writing a book, I would be announcing that I am sending a final draft to the publisher (is that how that works)? But it isn't exactly a book - and I'm not sending it to a publisher.
I modified a riding curriculum! And it took 2 years. And I’m sharing it with the Cheyne Ranch students!
It started 2 years ago when I purchased a curriculum for horseback riding lessons called, "Horse Sense Learning Levels." And I took a closer look at it, then put it back on the (digital) shelf because I was more focused on the PALS / Animal Care curriculum I created. From scratch. Because I found nothing to base my PALS vision on, other than… my own vision. PALS has been pretty fabulous by the way.
Recently, our main instructor needed some time off, so I unexpectedly took on her 15 riding students. Then, my daughter, Anna, attended 3! weeks of a nifty overnight summer camp so I also took on her 5 students. So I found myself with 20 extra students and my brain only works in spreadsheets, lists, processes, and an interwoven universe of millions of boxes of information. I really really needed a written curriculum!
So I spent HOURS on the internet searching for some sort of riding instructor curriculum. As a homeschool parent, choosing curriculum is a complete delight, there are SO MANY choices, I can't even begin to evaluate all the options - it is just too many. But the horse world... is seriously lacking a decent curriculum. Especially for our unique (incredible) programs at Cheyne Ranch, where our emphasis is learning animal care and connection, and making this learning accessible to all learners.
So then I remembered the curriculum I purchased 2 years ago. And I looked at it again. And it was overwhelming and I had 2,000 questions. And 4,000 doubts. More or less
One recent morning, I had ONE! conversation with my friend, Jamie, and she SOLVED my entire problem. She said - this is fantastic! Just do it. Laminate the heck out of these pages and just do it! And that is what I did. That very afternoon in fact. I started printing and laminating lesson plans. I started adding students to a handy app called Trello. I started teaching these lessons that very next morning. I spent hours each night reading over the lesson plans. Thinking through and documenting different ideas, modifications, and extra ideas to include.
Final Notes:
There are hundreds of digital pages of content contained in these levels. So far, I have printed (and laminated!) about 100 pages. I have so much more to go. Anyone want to have a laminating party?
There is even more to come. All in time. There are Learning objective checklists. Student study books. Flashcards. Ribbons. Coloring books. We will be adding those slowly.
**there are actually more than 5 levels, but this is as far as I've modified
And now I present to you... the high level view of our new riding curriculum - Learning Levels.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community.