Quotes from volunteers and participants about Free SPIRIT Riders, Inc.

"When I became a volunteer with Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc., I had little experience in the field of horses and handicapped individuals, but I wanted to give it my best. I learned more about people and horses than I have learned about anything in my whole life! I feel as though the students needed me, not only as a leader or side walker, but as a friend."

"To me, being a volunteer with Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. was not only giving my time to help the students, but more, what the student gave back to me. I watched student smile when they accomplished the smallest achievements, whereas previously, I would have overlooked such an accomplishment."

"Being at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. has been a very rewarding experience. It gave me a feeling that I was doing something very worthwhile. It’s fun to get the horses ready, and the people riding always look like they are having fun, too. I can’t help but feel happy with them!"

"I enjoyed helping Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. because it seemed like helping the riders who were afraid of getting on the horses was like helping them take the first step in opening the doors to independence. What riders learn about themselves and others through their relationship with the horse is difficult to match in other therapeutic environments."

"I learned that the horses that serve Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. riders have a great intuition toward their riders. Each of the horses in the program receive a great deal of love and appreciation from those fortunate enough to ride and care for them."

"The horses at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. bring joy , freedom, and exhilaration to not only the riders, but also to those of us who enjoy helping with the classes. The relationship between horse and rider seems to heal and enhance the quality of the rider’s life. I feel enriched for having volunteered at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders!"

"My daughter and I are looking forward to helping with Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. again next year. We have learned so much from the program, not only about horses, but also about helping others.

"Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc.! What a great therapeutic experience for my non-verbal child, thanks so much!"

"The riders benefited from having my assistance because without volunteers Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders would not be able to have classes.

"I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share in making the joy and freedom of horseback riding available to others! The riders, volunteers, instructors and of course the four legged therapists are a terrific group."

"I look forward to going to Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. stables. Helping with the classes is very exciting to me! The riders smile and give hugs and their moms thank me!"

"I would not have believed it if someone told me, but I have realized relief of my own pain from helping groom and tack the horses. I appreciate that the people at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. allow me to come before classes start to brush the horses. It truly is therapeutic. The interaction with the kind and gentle horses is good for my soul."

"Though I find it hardest to help the riders that can’t communicate, I love helping all the riders at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders!"

"When we turn down the road to get to Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. my daughter starts making the sign for "horse". She gets very excited and doesn’t stop until I get her out of the car. Then she can’t get into the stable fast enough! She is always eager, no matter what her mood had been earlier in the day."

"Being a volunteer at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders has helped me overcome my fear of large animals. I became more comfortable with the horses each time I came. I find it to be fun because the riders have fun and that gave me a happy feeling"

"I look forward to helping at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. I find it to be a very worth while, enriching experience. I had fun and I am anxious to see those I helped again!"

"Everyone at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. is friendly and helpful. We all get along and work so great together. Everyone is so positive and pleasant, it makes me feel warm inside."

"It’s so much fun to help during classes! The riders have great smiles and giggle when the horses move! When the class is over, I get high-fives from the Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. riders! It’s fun to be around the riders.

"For me, helping Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders is a spiritual experience. I feel good about helping the riders and being a part of their fun. Their families are so appreciative and that is encouraging to those that help. I like talking with the riders about the horses, they all seem to have their favorites and are very possessive about "their" horse!"

"I feel like I am giving something back to the community when I am helping at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders. Helping gives me a very positive, rewarding and grateful feeling. It is a pleasure to see how the riders enjoy my help. It gives me confidence."

"Working as a volunteer at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders opened me up to my spirituality and gave me a clearer picture of all that I have to give to others. I didn’t think this would be so much fun. I enjoy helping and being a part of the rider’s fun. It gives me a positive and grateful feeling that stays with me after I leave."

"Being at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders opened me up to feelings that I am worthwhile. Helping made me feel more grateful for what I have. I feel grateful for who I am and what I have. The riders seem to benefit physically and mentally."

"Volunteering for Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders showed me that the best kind of happiness is seeing someone else smile and knowing I did something to make that happen. Knowing that my help brings joy to the riders makes me feel happy and excited and that brings a smile to MY face. This is so rewarding!"

"When ever I leave the Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders stables, I think that I am sad to be leaving! I have a feeling of accomplishment from helping and I am sad that it ended so soon. I keep reminding myself that one of my children could have been like the riders and I am thankful for my children. I also know that I am fortunate to be a healthy as I am! Helping at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders makes me appreciate my life more."

"I have learned more about what is really important by helping at Free .S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders. It has helped me to take less for granted. I feel good about myself because I am giving to others in a very unusual way. It gives me a purpose and justifies my being.!

"Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders is a wonderful program. I look forward to helping more in the future and I want to help as long as I can. Thank you, Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. for making me feel valuable!"

"I am learning as much as the riders at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders! Each time I help I seem to gain more confidence. I realize that helping others makes me feel good. I am proud to help the riders and I know how much they look forward to coming to Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders. They rely on me to help them do something they can’t do alone."

"I realized my situation doesn’t seem so bad after I helped at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders. Being with the program boosted my self esteem and I am grateful for this eye opening experience. I am involved in something that doesn’t revolve solely around me."

"The volunteers at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. are a great group of people! They are very enthusiastic and really appear to enjoy what they are doing. Keep up the great work. You are a valuable program!"

"I have gained leadership skills and will also learn how to set a good example for everyone, not just the riders at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. Helping the riders encouraged me to grow as a person, and I had fun doing it!