Success Stories

My Angels On Horseback Experience
by Sylvia, An Angels Volunteer

Since October of 2004, I have volunteered at a therapeutic riding program called Angels on Horseback, and the program has come to mean a great deal to me. Therapeutic riding is riding for the physically and mentally disabled, and each lesson requires a great deal of work and cheerful good will. I have always been interested in horses, and I discovered in my freshman year of high school that I love helping people, and working at AOH has satisfied both my interest and my desire. I get to work with horses several times a week, and I also help others learn to ride and watch them gain confidence in themselves at the same time.

Each student is unique, and watching how different students react to their personal disabilities is as interesting as it is enlightening. The different personalities, ages, and levels of skill require different modes of thought and speech, and as I watch each student interact with his or her leader, side-walkers, instructor, and horse, I learn more about myself and others. Watching each child become more confident in their own abilities makes proud, and when I see a student smile at something they have seen or done, I feel myself smile as well. I have never met a group as kind and patient and giving, both of time and money, as those I work with at AOH, and deep inside myself, I know the work we do together is important and makes a difference in the lives of everyone there.