EQUU8 Horsemanship and Therapeutic Riding was listed on the
screens above the council chamber. This is a strangely familiar dream, except this time I was alone.
A couple of hours earlier, lessons were finished and EQUU8’s reliable volunteers Elena and Sarah had loaded saddles and helmets into the bed of my
truck. I don’t know if they realize
how grateful I am that they do that for me. Each of the volunteers who surround EQUU8 are appreciated for the hours they spend mucking manure, leading horses, sidewalking with riders, and advocating for this young organization.
I tried to pay attention to the other applicants, and nervously texted Alisa and Travis each time my heart begins to pound in anticipation of public speaking without a horse.
“And now for our next grant applicant." The committee chair announced. "Eh-cue-wait...eek-what?
“Equate!” I smiled.
“I’m sorry I just didn’t know how to pronounce….”
“That’s OK. It’s EQUU8 Horsemanship and Therapeutic Riding.
And I can tell you why that's our name.” I began once I reached the podium. After introducing myself to the committee and other applicants, I nervously stammered my way through a five-minute story of EQUU8's short history and what we’ve accomplished in the past year, what we hope to continue
to provide, and what we would use the grant funds for. I glanced around the
room and tried to observe responses. There were a few smiles and nods, a few astute stares, and a few blank stares. A light on the podium changed from green to yellow to red as my five minutes ran out. The committee asked questions, but I was certain only one question had been knocked out of the park (yes, we're insured). A few faces appeared skeptical as I told them how we planned to use funds. I tried to be concise, but caught myself expressing too
much passion for a number-crunching grant committee.
However, I was still optimistic and felt somewhat stronger about
the presentation tonight versus my first attempt at applying for a similar grant last
October, but had no expectations. I know it can be difficult to receive a grant.
 |
| This was last October...practicing accepting rejection at a different city council. |
After all the presentations were completed, we waited for the votes to be tallied. A woman from another charity, who was seated directly in front of me, kindly turned around and
we connected. She expressed how animals have helped her and hoped that we would get a grant recommendation by the committee. She
showed me a picture of her schnauzer. And she held my hand and thanked EQUU8 for what it's doing for the people we serve.
About a half hour later, the committee returned with their results, displaying it for all in the room to see. I scanned down the list and found EQUU8 with a recommendation for funding! But they were over budget. The committee bantered back and forth, with one committee member speaking up on our behalf...but it wasn't long before EQUU8 was knocked off the list for funding. I don't think I was the only one in the room who was disappointed that the committee decided to fund the city's own $10k application for a pilot program that included beautification projects in area parks.
Eek...what?! Landscaping is more valuable than helping others find healing through horses?
I handed out flyers for our fundraiser (March 21 at Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula) and tried to stop the tears from welling in my eyes. I just believe in this. I feel it. I know it. It's hard to fight feeling as though others see no value in what EQUU8 is doing.
The city council has to vote on this one. We are eligible. I'm not ready to give up just yet.
