DAN SHARES WHY HE VOLUNTEERS

  I became a volunteer at this program in September of 2016. As a recently retired public school teacher, I was looking for an organization that would allow me to work with children from the ages of pre-teen through teenagers in a safe and compassionate manner.

                During the interview/screening process for my position, I made it clear that while I had only a limited experience in riding horses, I had nearly 25 years worth of knowledge working with children. I love this program located at The Flying Horse Ranch as it allows me to continue teaching and listening to young adults as they learn to navigate their lives’ ups and downs while bonding with and caring for horses. What may be the best part of this program is that anyone with a good heart can volunteer here, regardless of their level of experience with either children or horses!

                I want to thank the founder of The Flying Horse Foundation, as well as its Board, for opening up their hearts while giving generously of both their time and money in order for these troubled youth to have a secure place where they can meet and interact not only with horses, but with kind and caring adults as well. Each week I truly take home with me more positive feelings and memories than I ever could have imagined.

               It is my hope that other individuals can see themselves serving in a volunteer role at the Flying Horse Foundation Ranch, and reap and sow the same benefits that I have.

-Dan C.

NATALIE SHARES WHY SHE VOLUNTEERS

Dear Flying Horse Foundation,

I have been a volunteer for several years, and wanted to share about my experience. At first I volunteered because I wanted to keep an eye on my daughter who was in a group, and just help the group, but it quickly became so much more than that.  I have a special heart for at-risk kids and have just loved the opportunity to be a blessing to them and encourage them.  Some of my favorite times are when I’m walking out to the field with a child and the child starts opening up about concerns and struggles, and I’m able to be a safe, listening ear and occasionally offer a suggestion or insight. I just love watching the kids develop bonds with their horses; comments like, “Look! Tucker is happy to see me!” warm my heart, knowing the joy it brings to that child.  Many times, the kids will say that being there at the ranch is the best part of the week, and I’m blessed to be a part of that. I personally love to be around the horses too, I consider it my “therapy”, and I’m so happy to be constantly learning more about horses.  I so enjoy learning from all the very experienced facilitators and always tell them to pass their knowledge on to me because I would love to be a facilitator some day when I’m not so busy with my own kids!

Sincerely,

Natalie K.

DAVID’S STORY

David, 16 came to the Ranch angry and aggressive with an open Department of Human Services case and escalating behaviors.

He started working with Benji, his horse and loved to care for him, especially feeding and preparing his meals. Over the last year, we have seen him totally change. He loves coming to the ranch and would come everyday if he could - even to unload hay or clean stalls. His parents report he has made incredible improvements and no longer resorts to aggression to cope with anger but stops, takes a deep breath, and proceeds. He has also increased his empathy and recognizes his impact on others.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.