Therapeutic horseback riding program seeks volunteers
Mackenzie Werner Kissinger, riding Frosty, prepares to high-five horse leader Faith Grula during her therapeutic riding lesson. Volunteer coordinator Jane Ostroski has her back to the camera, while Joe Grula, Faith’s dad, stands on the far side of the horse. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. is looking for volunteers to help with its program of therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. The registered nonprofit organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, is located 10 miles south of Tamaqua near Route 309. It offers therapeutic riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings from the end of April through October.
The learning center will hold a required volunteer training session for new lesson volunteers from 1 to 5 p.m. April 21. Anyone who wishes to help with riding lessons is required to attend this hands-on training.
Lesson volunteers need to be at least 14 years old, in good health, and able to walk for an hour at a time. They must successfully complete the volunteer training session. While experience with horses and/or people with disabilities is helpful, it’s not necessary. Volunteer assistance of professionals in the allied health fields of physical, occupational and speech therapy are also needed, as well as people with horse experience to lead horses, as well as people to assist participants during riding lessons.
Therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to improve balance, posture, strength and coordination. It also helps to increase self-awareness, self-confidence, attention span and independence in the rider. Riders also often gain improved social skills.
The center serves clients with a wide variety of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, attention deficit disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disability, Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury, among others. Lessons are designed to be both therapeutic and fun.
In addition to lesson volunteers, the center also needs people to assist with grounds maintenance, cleaning saddles and bridles, and fundraising. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Jane Ostroski at 610-298-2546 or jeohhtlc15@gmail.com.
For information on enrolling a rider, or more information on the learning center, visit www.horsesandhorizons.org or call Elaine or Harvey Smith at 570-386-5679.
