KVHA Welcomes new member

Whispering Wind Horse Center

By Jodi Mondy

Sissy Reffett introduces horses to future equestrians

 Being the Administrative VP of the MOM’s Club of Teays Valley allows me the opportunity to assist in planning the monthly calendar for stay-at-home moms and their children. For months I wanted to put together an activity for children to get some hands-on time with horses.  One afternoon I had ran in to the local drug store when I happened across a flyer for a new facility called Whispering Wind Horse Center.   

When I called owner, Sissy Reffett, on the phone, I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that she was, like most horse people, just as nice as they come.  Sissy welcomed our MOM’s Club with open arms and hosted a wonderful morning that we are still talking about. 

The morning of our event was unexpectedly chilly and I was concerned that some of the MOM’s who RSVP’d wouldn’t show.  But neither rain nor the chill in the air kept us from having a wonderful morning.   

When the children arrived at this beautiful new facility located on Rt. 35 in Winfield they were excited to see the horses in both the pasture and in their stalls.   We started out having stick horse races and a horse themed coloring activity.  The MOM’s even enjoyed some friendly competition during the sack races.  While Sissy was preparing a special treat, the children enjoyed their first lesson: “If you eat apples and carrots too, you’ll be as big and as healthy as a horse!”

MOM’s Club of Teays Valley enjoy a day at Whispering Wind Horse Center

 Then, one by one the children each got to pet and ride a pony for the first time.  It’s hard to say who had the biggest smile; the children, their moms or Sissy.  Or was it the horses and ponies who all received treats?

Andrew Klein and his mom, Theresa, share a smile after his ride.

 Whispering Wind Horse Center is located off of Rt. 35 in Winfield.  The new facility offers 12X12 stalls, a lounge, wash bay, tack room, pasture, indoor riding area and trails.  Sissy and John’s goal is to introduce children (and beginning adults) to horses by offering lessons, horse camps and birthday parties.  For the seasoned equestrian they enjoy pleasure riding on the trails.  In addition to charity horse shows, they also volunteer any free time by working with the Make a Difference Foundation Rescue Center they helped start.

Sissy is looking forward to getting involved with KVHA.