A Heartfelt Thank You from ROARR
The ROARR Gala was an incredible success — and it’s all thanks to you!
To our generous donors, who contributed funds and donated amazing items to our silent and live auction, your kindness fuels the programs that change lives. To everyone who attended, your presence, enthusiasm, and support made the evening truly special.
A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers, whose energy and dedication kept everything running smoothly from start to finish. To the Calgary Fiddlers, your music brought joy and warmth to the night. We’re so grateful to our caterers for the delicious food, and to our board members and staff, who work tirelessly year-round to ensure that ROARR continues to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth and seniors.
Because of all of you, the Gala was more than just an event — it was a celebration of community, compassion, and hope. Together, we’re changing lives one step, one smile, and one kind act at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The ROARR Team
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday takes place Tuesday, December 2nd. It ignites a powerful wave of generosity that launches a strong year-end giving season.
As Giving Tuesday approaches, we at Robinson Outreach at RiverCross Ranch (ROARR) are reminded of the incredible impact that our community of supporters has on the lives of the individuals we serve. Whether providing seniors with meaningful equine therapy experiences or creating safe spaces for at-risk youth to grow, your generosity makes it all possible.
This year, we invite you to join us again to make a difference. Whether you’ve donated in the past or it’s been a while, your support is needed now more than ever to continue offering life-changing programs like:
- Seniors Lunch Program: A place for connection, nourishment, and equine therapy for hundreds of seniors annually.
- Youth Equine Assisted Learning: Free, therapeutic sessions providing at-risk youth valuable life skills and support.
Even a small gift this Giving Tuesday can make a big difference. Help us provide nutritious meals, maintain our gentle therapy horses, or keep our programs free for those who need them most.
Stay tuned for more information next month.
Staff Update
A Note of Thanks to Kristein Johnson
ROARR extends heartfelt thanks to Kristein Johnson for her time and dedication as our Executive Director. During her tenure, Kristein helped strengthen community partnerships, supported our growing programs, and contributed to important operational initiatives that have helped position ROARR for the future. We wish her every success in her next chapter and thank her for her service to our mission of empowering youth-at-risk and seniors in need through the healing power of horses.
Volunteers Needed
ROARR has a thriving and vibrant community, thanks to the commitment and passion of our volunteers. Program volunteers play a crucial role by working directly with instructors to provide support before and during lessons, while horse care volunteers collaborate as a team to manage daily barn chores. We provide all the necessary training to ensure volunteers feel confident and equipped in their roles. With only eight weeks left in our ROARR youth and senior programs, we would love to welcome old and new volunteers to help out with the rest of the season. Sign up here
Welcome CatMan
A Horse for the Ages
After 18 remarkable years, Catman, a Quarter Horse of rare talent and heart, is beginning a new chapter in his extraordinary life.
Catman is a direct descendant of the legendary High Brow Cat, one of the most famous cow-working horses in the world. His own mark on history is equally special—look closely and you’ll notice the star on his cheek, a sign of his status as a World Champion in Ranch Sorting.
Over the years, Catman has competed in cattle penning across the United States and Alberta, including at the world-renowned Calgary Stampede. His life has been as adventurous as it has been accomplished: chasing wild horses, hunting in the rugged Rocky Mountains, and proving himself in the branding pen and during calving season at the Simpson Ranch. His skill with cattle, his reliability under pressure, and his unmatched cow sense have made him an indispensable partner.
But Catman isn’t just a champion in the arena or on the ranch—he is also known for his gentle spirit, kind nature, and sense of humor. Those who know him best will tell you he has a way of making even the hardest days lighter.
Now, Catman is ready for his next extraordinary role: joining ROARR, an equine therapy organization where he will continue to share his gifts, not in competition, but in healing. Whether it’s guiding youth, offering comfort to elders, or simply standing quietly as a steady presence, Catman is stepping into a new stage of life that is every bit as important as his competitive career.
Catman has already proven himself as a champion. Now, he will become a teacher, healer, and friend—continuing to touch lives, just in a different way. His legacy will not only live on in his bloodlines and championships but also in the hearts of the people he will help in this next chapter.
