Children, Horses,
and Adults in Partnership

In memory of our friend, Sue Gates

Sue joined the CHAPS Volunteer staff in Fall, 2006 as a session volunteer, leading horses for children and adults who were unable to ride independently.  She immediately became a favorite among our clients, who knew immediately that she cared for them by the respectful, warm way that she interacted with them.

One of our clients was unable to attend Special Olympics because she needed treatment for diabetes, and the home health care nurses could not go to Casper to care for her while she competed in the Equestrian Events.  Our client was devastated – and upon hearing this, Sue immediately volunteered, as an RN, to provide the treatments and our client got to ride – a dream of hers that she never thought she would fulfill, thanks to Sue.

It was a natural thing to ask Sue to serve on the CHAPS Board of Directors, and we could not ask for a more passionate, caring advocate for the program.  Sue was involved in strategic planning, grant writing, program development and fundraising for CHAPS.  Her unique sense of humor and force of nature personality propelled us through many successful events and her presence on the board and at the barn will be missed by all who knew her.

In Sue’s memory, we have established the Sue Gates Memorial Scholarship Fund for Adult Riders.  Many of the riders that Sue volunteered with are unable to pay for sessions, and those without a source of income for additional therapies or treatments will benefit from the generosity of those who knew and loved Sue.  Thanks to generous donations, we will assure that no adult rider will be turned away because they do not have funding.  If you would like to support the Sue Gates Memorial Scholarship Fund, donations in any amount will be appreciated and will directly benefit the adult riders that Sue so loved.  Your donations may be mailed to CHAPS at PMB 201  1842 Sugarland Dr. Ste. 108, Sheridan, WY  82801.

If you would like to help continue Sue's legacy by donating to the Sue Gates Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit Adult riders at CHAPS, please contact Sue Suddith at 673-6161 or chaps@fiberpipe.net .