December 2025

Affinity Ranch at Sunset

Message from the
Executive Director

Dear Affinity Ranch Family,

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting with immense gratitude on the extraordinary year we’ve shared at Affinity Ranch. Our clients have achieved remarkable milestones, our volunteer community has expanded with compassionate and dedicated new faces, and our staff has united in purpose and passion. We have created new relationships and strengthened existing relationships with corporate partners and private foundations, celebrated a successful inaugural Ponies with Purpose Gala, and welcomed new members to our Board of Directors who are already offering invaluable guidance and support.

My heart is truly full. Words fall short in expressing the depth of my appreciation for every person who has contributed to the progress, joy, and “Unbridled Possibilities” of Affinity Ranch this year.

I am especially looking forward to our cherished annual tradition—Holiday with Horses—on December 13th from 1:00–4:00 p.m. This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Greenwood Pediatrics, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s. Please bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy an afternoon of holiday magic at the ranch.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joining us, along with award-winning children’s author Natasha Wing. Guests can enjoy festive activities, ranch tours, horses dressed in their best holiday attire, story time with the herd, a Giving Tree to support Affinity Ranch, and more. With the discontinuation of the Parker Carriage Parade, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your annual holiday “horse fix” right here at home. We hope to see you there—get your tickets today!

Our “Put Your Heart in the Saddle” Colorado Gives campaign is also off to an inspiring start. Help us fill every heart on our saddle and reach our goal of $50,000 this year. Your generosity—and your help in sharing our posts on social media—allows more people to discover the life-changing work happening every day at Affinity Ranch. If you aren’t following us yet, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram.

As we fill the ranch with holiday cheer this month, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and meaningful holiday season.

Warmly,

Shannon Forslund

Executive Director

Shannon@AffinityRanch.org

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Break Weeks - If you participate in mental health programs, please check with your provider:
- December 22 - January 4
Holiday with Horses -
December 13
Neurodiverse Parenting Course
January 12 - February 9
Click for additional Information and reservation links

Changes at The Ranch

Personnel Changes:
- Stephanie Beaver has left the Barn Chores Team:
- Gabby DeHerrera joined the Barn Chores Team.
- Paige Gear joined our Mental Health Team.
- Rachel Jacobs has left the Supported Employee Job Coach position.
2026 Program Schedule

Holiday with Horses
For tickets, click here!

November Volunteer Hours

We love our volunteers! Last month, 84 people volunteered 927 hours broken out as follows:

Barn Help: 161

Board Members: 70

General Help: 28

Horse Handler: 636

Horse Partner: 2

Office Work: 21

Orientation: 7

Volunteers Groups

We just want to call out some of our Volunteers Groups last month. These folks came out with a specific task to do, and they got it done! Thank you so much for your help around the Ranch:

Parker Rotary

Have a group looking for a volunteer project? We can always use the help! Email: Volunteer@AffinityRanch.org

Volunteer Spotlight

This month's Volunteer Spotlight
is Mike Green

Animal Spotlight

Meet Dora - another one
of our fabulous horses!

Employee Spotlight

Jehn Jensen is Vice President of
the Affinity Ranch Board

Client Spotlight

Meet Stephan one of our Adaptive Horsemanship Clients

READ MORE ABOUT STEPHAN HERE

Mane Event Horse Show Top Fundraisers

Affinity Ranch is proud to recognize the Top Fundraisers of our 2025 Mane Event Horse Show: Amy, Isabella, and Michael. These individuals demonstrated outstanding commitment by rallying support for our programs and contributing to the overall success of this year’s event.

To honor their achievements, each top fundraiser received a custom Affinity Ranch buckle along with a goody bag filled with treats and surprises. Their dedication and enthusiasm embody the spirit of the Mane Event and reflect the strength of our community.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, cheered, volunteered, and supported the Mane Event Horse Show. Together, our community continues to create opportunities and Unbridled Possibilities for individuals of all abilities.