CONTEST WINNER

After receiving over forty-five entries for Stable Management's first annual Giving Back contest, choosing a winner was not easy. The diversity of shared experiences and countless stories of charitable efforts amazed us as the infinite amount of time and effort that peers in our industry dedicate to giving back is tremendous. We thank everyone who participated this year and eagerly look forward to next year's contest!

Click here to view entries of the five honorable mentions and the full list of submissions.

Edwardsville, IL
www.trianglehfarm.com

Marcy Heepke and Triangle H Farm may be big names in the SE IL area horse business world, but it is Marcy’s giving spirit that deserves national recognition. She is not just a responsible business owner and respected community member; she is a light in the world of others. The only thing that bleeds more than Marcy Heepke’s big heart is her checkbook, and I know that first hand as her business manager! Marcy’s popular summer camp program was a huge hit last year with deployed service member families as her new “scholarship” program allowed two young military family members the chance to experience horse camp free of charge. The children whose fathers were deployed, one to Iraq for over 120 days, were thrilled to share a few extra hugs with horses. One mom said that it was the only thing her son did all summer that kept his mind off dad being gone.

Marcy has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with CANTER (Communication Alliance Network Thoroughbred x-Racehorses). Not only does she host rescue horses at her own barn, covering their feed and medical needs, but she also hosts an annual hunter pace event helping CANTER raise nearly $10,000 in the past two years. I know that is she won this award CANTER would be the benefiting charity. This past Christmas, Marcy hosted her second holiday charity event. This year, a “Christmas in Camelot” brought in more than $1,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation St. Louis. Marcy hopes to be able to provide a horse “wish”, too, someday soon.

Marcy started a Girl Scout program at her barn where she gives tours, grooming and riding lessons and badges to area troops looking to expand their knowledge of horses. Last year, we hosted over 50 area scouts and their leaders.

Sometimes it is her time that is such a valuable donation to others. Boasting an undergrad in Animal Science and a Masters in Equine Reproduction, Marcy enjoys sharing horse health care knowledge with children and can be found sowing children how to give horses shots and stitches and finding pulses and heart rates at her farm.
Marcy believes in supporting area businesses by buying locally, serving as Vice-President of the Madison County Trailblazers and by staying active in the Edwardsville Chamber of Commerce – The Growth Association. In addition, she is a member of a host of other national and local horse clubs and associations.

I love it when she gets a group of student or boarders together from her barn to support another area horse barn’s show, trail ride or fund raiser. She enjoys a great relationship with many other boarding and lesson facilities in the area. Marcy values her staff and ensures we continue our education by paying for classes and clinics, offering free lessons, and encouraging team building and leadership. She often has meetings on horseback or brings staff and clients to area horsemanship clinics. She truly values everyone who is willing to help her make horses accessible to others be it through kinder natural horse handling or through community involvement.

Finally, Marcy makes sure to donate lesson gift certificates or horsey door prizes to area school and church raffles, sponsors area pony and horse clubs, rides in area town parades and celebrations, and recently start a 4-H club at Triangle H Farm where she serves as a volunteer leader.

Marcy is a mentor to all those who meet her. Not only does she give of her own resources, but most importantly she gives of her time, too. What is remarkable to me, is that Marcy accomplishes all that while running large boarding, lessons and training operation while juggling a new family. Marcy has two beautiful daughters under the age of two. Marcy is truly a blessing in my family’s life and a gift to the horse world. Please consider Marcy Heepke and Triangle H Farm for the wonderful award.

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