Volunteers needed to help at Therapeutic Riding program
It takes about 100 volunteers a week to make the program possible, so the non-profit organization is seeking new volunteers to get involved.
An orientation meeting is planned for Saturday, August 29, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Forms, directions and more information can be found the at organization’s Web site.
Riders range in age from 3 to 69 years old, with disabilities that include autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Down Syndrome and other challenges.
Volunteers, who must be at least 14 years old, assist riders under the supervision of certified instructors. For riders, the experience offers a sense of joy and freedom, as well as physical exercise and improved self-confidence.
For more information, call 734-741-9402 or e-mail therapeuticriding@earthlink.net.
In addition to seeking volunteers, Therapeutic Riding Inc. needs financial donations to keep the organization strong. Art Van Furniture recently made a gift of $5,000.
Top photo by Rosie Lemons, Photographic Imaginings. Annie Roby has been a rider since 1998 at Therapeutic Riding Inc. in Ann Arbor.
Bottom photo by Liz Gibbons. From left to right: Gary Van Elslander, president of Art Van Furniture; Marcia Mullen, board member at Therapeutic Riding Inc.; Art Van Elslander, chairman and founder of Art Van Furniture.