Volunteers come in all sizes, ages, sexes and talents. And there is always a need for them. But Equest has a need for a different type of volunteer. They’re looking for horses.
Over the past decades the nationally renowned equine therapy program has provided everyone from children to military veterans with a better life. But to provide such services, it take horses.
But it can’t be just any horse.
According to Equest Veteran Program Manager Joan Cutler, “Typically a good therapy horse would be well trained, sound, unflappable and forgiving of the many volunteer hands and clients who are not perfect in their equestrian skills.”
While the horse doesn’t have to be a purebred, it can be — Clydesdales, retired racehorses, former barrel racing quarter horses, your family pet, etc. Their duties will include everything from just being groomed, walking around the Al Hill Jr. Family Arena with a client on board and escorts and making special appearances to pulling a little cart. Why, the mini-ambassadors like Ranger have even been part of a literacy program for first and second graders.
In return, the equine volunteer will be loved, cared for and part of a life-changing mission.
If you think you know of such a volunteer that someone might want to sell, lease or donate, contact Equest and they will have an evaluator check the horse out “anywhere in the U.S.”
* Photo provided by Equest