[Jubilee]

Hey Everyone,

Here are some pictures from the Therapeutic Riding Camp that I volunteered at last week. Most of the riders were not actually disabled in anyway (some of them had Downs but were very independent) but all the proceeds went to benefit the therapeutic riding center that I volunteer at.

I hope you enjoy the pics. I encourage everyone to find a Therapeutic Riding Center near you and volunteer some of your time. It is such a great experience.

That is me on the right, holding the barrel. We were helping the riders warm up before they got on their horses.

These kids were so rowdy but a ton of fun.

I was responsible for teaching all the campers how to groom and tack their horses. That horse is a gelding named Comanche.

That is one of the Downs campers with my favorite horse Tobi. That kid was so nice and Tobi was so good to him.

Me walking with one of the green grass beginners. She was not disabled, but she still needed some extra help. Comanche was such a good boy.

Setting out for a short trail ride. I did not know my picture was being taken, or I would have smiled, lol. I swear, the photographer was a Ninja. I actually never saw her take any pictures of me!

Me helping another one of the Downs riders on Shadow. That old geezer has the worst breath of any horse I have ever met!

Finally, I got a chance to ride. I led a short trail ride with some of the more advanced riders. Poor Comanche started getting a sore back by this time in the day so I ended up having to two point most of the trail ride. I was so sore by the end, but I mostly felt bad for Comanche. Thankfully, he has a long vacation ahead of him until mid January.

Jubilee

 

[omgpink]

Awesome!
I volunteered at a Therapeutic Riding barn for 6 years and I absolutely LOVED it!
It was so much fun!

 

[PaintedHooves]

Looks like everyone had a blast!
The horses are all so adorable and I would love to someday take part in something like that.

 

[NyHorseGal]

if you don't mind me asking,where are you from?

 

[Jubilee]

I live in Tennessee, just north of Chattanooga.

 

[wordstoasong]

Great pictures! My barn just started a therapeutic program but it's in the slow stage right now of course.

 

[HeroMyOttb]

There is a therapeutic riding stable close to where I live and I was about to start volunteering there, had the paper work and everything but never ended up doing it, I really want to.

 

[Jubilee]

You should definitely give it a try. It doesn't hurt to just go and see if you like it. If not, then just don't go back. Don't feel like you have to commit to anything. Trust me though, it will be worth it.

Of course not all operations are run the same way, I can't speak for ALL of them. But still I think you should give it a try.

 

[mom2pride]

I've always wanted to volunteer with one I've always been able to work with students of all ages, so I think this would be a bonus! Looks like you had a fabulous time!!!

 

[Maverick101]

Loved the pictures!

I run a therapeutic session at our barn 1/week...its my favorite day

Also....your horse Commanche, looks Identical to one of my Horses Dallas! uncanny!

 

[Jubilee]

Maverick, that is so funny that Comanche looks like one of your horses. I love Comanche's markings. I think he is the prettiest of all the horses at the center. Saddly, he has some physical issues so I'm hesitant to ride him the same way I would the other horses. He has a bum knee from when he got kicked a few years back. He used to be a pony horse on the race track. And right now he has something going on with his back. I'm hoping we can find him a chiropractor, he really needs one.

Do you have pictures from your therapeutic riding sessions? I would love to see them! You can post them here if you want.

Jubilee

 

[PaintHorseMares]

Hats off to all the folks that run and volunteer at this camps.

Although we haven't worked at therapeutic camps, we have provided our time and mares for activities for disadvantaged children that would otherwise never have the pleasure of being exposed to the horse world.

They are great activities.