If you’re ready to start spending more time outdoors and looking for an opportunity to do something interesting, rewarding, and fun, volunteering to be a horse leader might be for you.
The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) is an area nonprofit started in 2006 to offer year-round, horse-related activities, and therapeutic riding to people young and old with disabilities.
In an open call for volunteers, the organization promises working with them is a sure cure for spring fever.
“Spring fever may be a common affliction, but at the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, it’s met with the antidote of compassion, purpose, and community. Join TEC in its mission to spread warmth, hope, and healing this spring.”
Autumn Zick is TEC Board President and an instructor. She says there’s a transformative power between horses and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit.
“Volunteering with us is more than just lending a hand; it’s about being part of a movement that transcends barriers and cultivates joy.”
TEC’s mission is to challenge, inspire, and fortify its participants’ bodies, minds, and spirits. Through working with horses, TEC helps individuals with disabilities find empowerment, achievement, and a sense of belonging.
With the Spring Riding Session starting on April 8, 2024, TEC needs volunteers to serve as horse leaders, sidewalkers, ring/lesson assistants, and AM/PM chore help. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and able to walk for nearly 45 minutes.
Therapeutic riding lessons are held weekly, after school or in the evening during the week and in the morning or midday on Saturdays. Volunteers can lend a hand for just one lesson or back-to-back lessons. TEC also welcomes volunteers to sign up as substitutes.
If you’re interested in becoming a TEC volunteer, you’re asked to participate in the Volunteer Training session on Sunday, March 17, at 3 p.m. To sign up, contact TEC Volunteer Coordinator, Hillary McCalebb, at (269) 845-581 or by e-mail at tec.vol.coordinator@gmail.com.
To learn more about TEC volunteer opportunities, visit TEC’s website at www.tecfarm.org/volunteer.
