Unique Gift Benefits Arcadia’s Equestrian Team
Gifts to Arcadia University come in many shapes and sizes. Maureen Glackin, attorney for Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher, learned this when she decided to donate Luke, a certified thoroughbred horse, to Arcadia’s equestrian team. Now, Glackin, Luke and the team are benefiting from this unique gift.
In 2007, Glackin purchased Luke as a Christmas gift for her daughter, Anne (pictured right). They showed him for a while but later decided to change disciplines. They wanted to give Luke a safe home and knew a college equestrian team would be a perfect fit for him.
Luke joined Arcadia’s equestrian team in November 2009 and already has proved to be a valuable asset. “Luke is a very athletic and talented jumping horse,” says Amber Jewel ’04, who coaches the equestrian team and owns Redwing Farm where Luke now lives. “Upper-level riders can practice jumping higher fences and feel Luke’s power while he jumps. For the team members who don’t jump, we practice a little dressage with Luke and other flat work where they have to concentrate on his body language.”
Under the direction of Jewel, members of Arcadia’s equestrian team have done well, including student Jennifer Taylor ’13, who qualified for the national competition in Lexington, Ky., this year.
“As a horse owner it’s important to know that Luke will be cared for the rest of his life,” says Glackin. “He’s in a beautiful facility, and everyone on the equestrian team loves him.”
Glackin found the process of donating Luke both rewarding and easy. “It’s been a very positive experience for me,” she says. “It feels incredible to me to help students pursue their passion and ride a young, athletic horse. Plus, Arcadia could not have been more helpful in helping me complete the process.” To others considering a unique gift, Glackin says, “It gives you an excellent tax advantage, and I would recommend it to anyone.”
