SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program, Inc.

Goal: SPIRIT's goal is to build self-sustainable programs and services in our Fairfax County, Virginia, community for individuals of all ages and levels of ability. Our vision is to provide an opportunity for individuals, public and private schools, local government, and rehabilitation and assisted living organizations to experience the healing and therapeutic range of Therapeutic Riding, Therapeutic Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Activities, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and Equine Assisted Learning.
Progress: In 2018, SPIRIT initiated a "Home for SPIRIT" capital campaign to purchase an affordable property that could not be subdivided for development. Capital campaign contributions augmented by a generous donation from one of the SPIRIT Directors enabled SPIRIT to complete the down payment on "Sully Farm." Plans for building the farm and obtaining the additional funding for Fairfax County’s required surveys/permits and property development have begun. By 2021, the property had been cleared of brush and completely fenced. A bridge was built over the stream and a short driveway and parking lot were completed.

1. Create a capital campaign to raise funds to purchase land to ensure a permanent home for SPIRIT in Northern Virginia. SPIRIT will no longer have to rent land that could be sold at any time.
Progress: In 2018, SPIRIT initiated a "Home for SPIRIT" capital campaign to purchase an affordable property that could not be subdivided for development. Capital campaign contributions augmented by a generous donation from one of the SPIRIT Directors enabled SPIRIT to complete the down payment on Sully Farm. Plans for building the farm and obtaining the additional funding for Fairfax County-required surveys and property development have begun.

2. Use reserves to hire highly qualified and talented instructors and therapists to generate the potential for expansion of our program services.

3. Maintain competitive salaries for top-notch program staff.

4. Stabilize the budget and repay reserves as revenues increase.

5. Expand services further with additional revenue.

6. Maintain a high quality of service and staff throughout the expansion and creation of our permanent home.

SPIRIT's founder and CEO, Dada Suvak, used her strong vision, international reputation, and three decades of equestrian and management experience to firmly establish SPIRIT in the Fairfax Community. She forged partnerships with the County Government, the County Park System, and local vendors. The systems she put in place have allowed SPIRIT to grow and flourish since 2007. The relationships she established make SPIRIT capable of fast and innovative growth. To ensure that SPIRIT would thrive after her retirement, Ms. Suvak trained Michelle Gnozzio, an experienced horsewoman, in all aspects of SPIRIT operations. Based on her performance and client feedback, the Board of Directors unanimously selected Ms. Gnozzio as the current Executive Director. Ms. Gnozzio is directing and improving SPIRIT programs and continuing the relationships established with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Government. In addition, she is successfully shepherding SPIRIT through the current COVID pandemic. In 2021, Fairfax County renewed SPIRIT's contract as the sole provider of equestrian services at Frying Pan Farm Park for 10 more years

SPIRIT is located in Frying Pan Farm Park near the equestrian facilities, 30 minutes from Washington, DC. In this location, SPIRIT can offer its services to a growing urban area with a population (children, youth, and adults with all level of abilities/special needs) that can benefit from SPIRIT's services.

SPIRIT is known for its transparency, excellent management, and well-earned reputation for service. The public credits SPIRIT for caring and for producing positive results for its clients. The SPIRIT social network is spreading an awareness of the value of Equine Assisted Activities and this awareness is helping to build strong community support for the SPIRIT mission. SPIRIT has a large and supportive local volunteer and donor base committed to continuing SPIRIT's activities in the community.

Accomplishments to Date:
1. SPIRIT has grown from a dream to a one-horse backyard program (2007) to becoming the most visible urban Equine Assisted Activity (Therapy and Learning) program in Fairfax County.

2. SPIRIT has developed a well-maintained partnership with the Fairfax County government, which resulted in a contract for SPIRIT to provide the County with equine services until 2020. We have just signed a new contract to continue as the sole provider for equine services to Fairfax County's Frying Pan Farm Park until 2031. In addition, a contract to provide Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) programs to the County adds new clients yearly.

3. SPIRIT met one of its primary goals at the end of 2018: to purchase a home (Sully Farm) for SPIRIT. With the purchase of Sully Farm, we now have a permanent home and are no longer under threat of losing it to development.

4. By 2021, the Sully Farm Property had been cleared of brush and entirely fenced. The property now has a bridge over the stream and a short driveway and gravel parking lot.

5. The Future: Plans for Sully Farm include completing several land surveys to satisfy Fairfax County requirements, digging a well, installing a specially designed septic system (required by the County), and building a facility to house a farm manager, offices, and classrooms. In addition, the farm will have an area for lessons, a more private area for therapy, stables, pastures, a horse training area, and a place for horses to rest and recuperate when needed.