For the last 4 years, Harbor Hospice has invited the public to participate in Horses for Hospice, to help raise money for the Bob and Merle Scolnik Healing Center and experience the healing power that horses can have when it comes to grief.
This year’s event raised $10,345 to provide transformative grief support services to those in our community.
Horses for Hospice was held at a new location this year, at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds, giving more room for people to participate in our beautiful themed trails, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, a silent auction and more.
The event also gives people the opportunity to see horses up close, some for the very first time.
After the event was over, our organizer Melissa DeWitt got a phone call that a patient at the Leila & Cyrus Poppen Residence had a dream to groom a horse.
Since her horse was still trailered from the event, Melissa drove over to the Poppen on Sunday, to meet Joanne. 
“I’ve always been fascinated by horses,” Joanne said. “Their size, color, and everything about them.”
Joanne says prior to her admission to the Poppen, her sister asked her to make a bucket list and one of her top items was to groom a horse.
“It was amazing, just to see a horse in person and get to pet it. I couldn’t stop touching her because she was so soft and calming. I have always loved horses, ever since I was little, they are just such cool animals, I have always wanted to be around them.”
Joanne’s experience encapsulates the goal of Horses for Hospice, to provide support for those who need it and witness the healing power that horses can have.
“I will always treasure that,” Joanne said.
To learn more about the resources that the Bob and Merle Scolnik Healing Center provides, or to donate visit https://harborhospicemi.org/grief-support/
