latenttrainfan
Member
I'm planning an open house/fundraiser for Dec. to support the horse sanctuary that I run.
so. I'm wondering, what would I do to attract people who are not necessarily horse crazy, but who might have a sort of "latent" (haha) interest in them?
I'm having demonstrations of all the rescued horses in the arena, they'll be brought out one at a time, and I'll be sharing their stories with the audience.
there will be horses in their stalls, with printed histories and backgrounds.
horses will be in the aisle, for people to meet and greet, and there will also be a vet. doing a demonstration of tooth care, a farrier doing a hoof trimming shoeing demo.
there will be mini riding lessons, and the horses that can do things, will be doing them, like being ridden, driven, excercised, or just let loose in the arena to run around and play.
a coffee bar, with cookies. hot chocolate.
a display and sale of books, paintings, sculpture, all horse related.
christmas carolers, strolling throughout the barn, arena, loft, and outside.
a horse and wagon to bring people from the road and back, in case it gets too crowded for parking.
lots of volunteers to answer questions.
lots of christmas decorations, and a tree where you can make a donation, and hang an ornament.
A display of hay, grain, etc. and an explanation of what, and how much they eat every day.
admission by donation, if you like.
sign up for private riding lessons.
would that be an appealing outing for people? just one day, from 10 til 3.
any suggestions?
oh, and a live auction, with items donated by local businesses. including things like a pie from the local famous pie place, maybe a book from the bookstore, massages, manicures, wine from the local winery, etc, etc.
I've got three newspapers coming next week to do a story before the event, and to take photos.
so. I'm wondering, what would I do to attract people who are not necessarily horse crazy, but who might have a sort of "latent" (haha) interest in them?
I'm having demonstrations of all the rescued horses in the arena, they'll be brought out one at a time, and I'll be sharing their stories with the audience.
there will be horses in their stalls, with printed histories and backgrounds.
horses will be in the aisle, for people to meet and greet, and there will also be a vet. doing a demonstration of tooth care, a farrier doing a hoof trimming shoeing demo.
there will be mini riding lessons, and the horses that can do things, will be doing them, like being ridden, driven, excercised, or just let loose in the arena to run around and play.
a coffee bar, with cookies. hot chocolate.
a display and sale of books, paintings, sculpture, all horse related.
christmas carolers, strolling throughout the barn, arena, loft, and outside.
a horse and wagon to bring people from the road and back, in case it gets too crowded for parking.
lots of volunteers to answer questions.
lots of christmas decorations, and a tree where you can make a donation, and hang an ornament.
A display of hay, grain, etc. and an explanation of what, and how much they eat every day.
admission by donation, if you like.
sign up for private riding lessons.
would that be an appealing outing for people? just one day, from 10 til 3.
any suggestions?
oh, and a live auction, with items donated by local businesses. including things like a pie from the local famous pie place, maybe a book from the bookstore, massages, manicures, wine from the local winery, etc, etc.
I've got three newspapers coming next week to do a story before the event, and to take photos.
but I get such a blessing just knowing that for a while, the little guys will have a decent life. 