Have you ever thought of volunteering, but just didn't know in what area to begin?  That thought got a hold of me around the holidays, 2004.  I had retired from the School District of Lee Co. in June, after 24 years as a secretary. 

One day, while I was at Rainbow Farms Stables where I board my horse, Divi, I met a friendly, and caring lady, Edwina.  She and I talked about retirement and how, after a while, we start looking for something else to do.  She asked me if I'd ever heard of Special Equestrians; I had not.  Edwina told me about the program, the special people who are taught to ride horses, and the need for volunteers. She told me mostly about Side-Walkers. She said, "You love to be around horses, you could be a Side-Walker."   Then, she said, "I'll take you out there so you can see for yourself what it's like."   I went.

The first thing I noticed was that volunteers were men and women from teen to retirement age. That same day, I brought home an application, filled it out, and the following week I began learning what it meant to be a Side-Walker. 

The application also offered me the opportunity to list my other interests and  skills.  I soon discovered there were many jobs that must be done in order for the program to run smoothly and efficiently.  Skills I thought would become rusty upon retirement, were now being put back in motion as I helped out in the office when needed. 

Each time I went to Special Equestrians, I would come home excited, and talk to my husband, Ron, about the program.  Then, one Saturday morning, he came along with me,  joined as a volunteer shortly after, and has been a Side-Walker ever since.

During most riding sessions, two Side-Walkers are needed (one on each side of the horse) for each person riding; especially for the precious little ones who love to ride horses at a very early age.  Ron and I are glad we can be two of those people.  We have learned that Side-Walkers have a very important job which is looking after the rider, and that every rider is different, with different needs.

When we decided to volunteer, did we have experience working with people with disabilities, or walking handicapped children and adults around an arena on horseback?  No, we didn't.  Were we nervous, well, maybe just a little.  BUT, we were warmly received by everyone, we were needed and best of all, we enjoyed being a part of the lives of the special riders who make up what is known as Special Equestrians.

For any volunteer program to be successful, there is always a need for caring workers who will give their best in doing whatever needs to be done.  How about you?  Will you consider volunteering your time, skills and talent to be a vital part of Special Equestrians?  An application is on our website, or just a phone call away.  

SE Volunteer Information and Application