Good Shepherd Healing Ministry in Apache Junction is seeking a $42,000 grant for an equine academy project.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously June 5 on a consent agenda with other items to approve a resolution seeking the funding from the Tohono O’odham Nation shared revenue program and for Pinal County to serve as the fiscal agent.
Established in 2011, Good Shepherd Healing Ministries — doing business as Quinian Equine Academy and Rescue — provides equine-assisted programs for youth, teens, adults and families from diverse backgrounds. It also provides restorative techniques for its rescue horses, Director Cindy Campton wrote in a letter applying for Proposition 202 tribal gaming funding.
Of the $42,000, $20,000 is for hay and feed, $2,000 for farrier fees and $20,000 for a tractor.
“We are applying for funding to support the vital needs of our horses, which are integral to our equine-assisted activities and training programs. The grant will primarily contribute to covering the feed requirements of our horses, ensuring they receive the nutrition necessary for their wellbeing and ability to actively participate in our programs,” Campton said.
“(F)unds will be allocated towards farrier services, guaranteeing the maintenance of healthy hooves and overall soundness, essential for the comfort and mobility of our equine partners... We are also seeking funding for a tractor that will play a crucial role in maintaining our facility and ensuring its optimal functionality. With the tractor, we will be able to effectively drag the arenas, keeping them soft and conducive to various activities,” she said.
Richard H. Dyer can be reached at rdyer@iniusa.org, or on X @rhdyer. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Richard Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA since 1987, starting his career in Apache Junction as a copy editor and being promoted over the years to work as the editor of the Mesa Independent, news services editor for the East Valley office in Apache Junction, managing editor for the East Valley office, news services editor for the East Valley office and eventually also for the newspapers at INI’s then-Chandler office, managing editor again and as a news editor covering Apache Junction/Gold Canyon and Queen Creek. He helped start the Florence Independent while the news editor covering Apache Junction and Mesa news. In January 2023, he became associate managing editor for the East Valley newspapers and in August 2023 became managing editor for the East Valley newspapers of Chandler/Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Florence, Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, while also reporting on Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon.
Community: Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions.
Education: University of Arizona with a master of arts in journalism and a bachelor of science in agricultural communication. Also continuing education at Mesa Community College in welding in a metal art sculpture class.
Random fact: Saw his first tornado on May 31, 2010, which was classified as an EF-2, as part of a stormchasing tour group.
Hobbies: He is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows.
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