Chris Brockett Classification Speech
Posted by John Ortolf
on Mar 06, 2016
Chris Brockett gave his new member classification speech at our March 2 Dinner Meeting. A classification speech is an opportunity for a Rotary member to talk about their personal and professional interests, their community service, and how these interests and experiences relate to their Rotary membership.
Chris is President of Ivy Hill Foundation which provides equine-assisted activities and therapeutic programs for children and adults with special needs. Using the horse as a therapeutic partner, Ivy Hill has impacted the lives of over 500 children and their families that struggle with physical, emotional, social, psychological and behavioral challenges. In the last 16 years, Ivy Hill has grown to serve 172 riders with 15 therapy horses, 18 staff, and 100 volunteers.
Chris graduated from Colorado State University where he worked in the oil industry while in college. After college he wanted to get into financial services and eventually found himself in the reinsurance business which was his career. In 2000 Chris and his wife bought a horse farm in Skippack. They thought about using horses to help kids with disabilities and found themselves at Ivy Hill. He joined the board 8 years ago and became Chairman 6 years ago. He is very proud of program and services offered.
Chris explained that they use horses because they have a sixth sense and are able to communicate with each other. It also helps them understand what his going on with their rider. Caring for the horses is very expensive. 40% of the cost is covered by riding lessons but Ivy hill needs to raise the other 60% through fundraising. They are developing new programs that are not as horse intensive to expand services.
More information is available at ivyhillequestrian.org.