DUSTYS RIDERS
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
November 3, 2012
This afternoon I saw a 8 year old girl go from asking me when the ride would be over because she was scared to not wanting to leave. It was a wonderful transformation to see and be a part of. I found out about Dusty's Riders at the Pomona horse expo and had been looking for a volunteer opportunity where I can share my love of horses with children. This program really fits the bill. The kids usually have never seen a horse let alone though of letting one eat out of their hand or getting on top of one of these great animals. The kids not only get to ride a horse but learn about them while learning about themselves. Sarah does a wonderful job running the program and gives it her all.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 12, 2012
Sarah is an amazing woman and is always working so hard to help the children in her program! My daughter has volunteered at several of her events and I have donated to this charity also! We are so happy when the children come out with huge smiling faces & so excited! It's a great program & Sarah you are doing an awesome job! We are proud of you!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 10, 2012
It is a pleasure to be able to say I volunteered at Dustys. Sarah is a lovely woman who gives her all to the children who come to her. She has special gift and she shares it with each child she meets. She makes her volunteers feel like they haved helped even when they them selves are beginners with horses. As long as they are great with the kids and every one is having a great time she is happy. I wish Dustys many happy years to come because of all the smiles those years will bring to the children!Ronda Gurrea
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
October 10, 2012
To partake in Dusty's program is heartwarming and touching in many ways. My most memorable experience is the day I watched a child so fearful of being near a horse for the fist time that he refused to walk inside the coral with his friends to greet Dusty. As his friends embraced the experience of feeding, brushing and leading Dusty themselves, his desire to experience the same fun and connection with Dusty slowly developed, enough that he trusted his friends who encouraged him to join them. Not one of them teased or pushed him to do so. These young children proved to have a level of maturity and understanding that one sees little of nowadays at such an age. Throughout the day his self confidence and trust grew. He cautiously walked in the coral with Sarah and experienced volunteer, T, by his side. That day we all shared in our hearts the hope that he would overcome his fear. With Sarah, T and Dusty's patience, the change unfolded gradually before our eyes. By the days end, he had fed, brushed and ridden on horseback for an hour on the trail and expressed that he wanted to return again for another outing. The transition in this young boy's level of self confidence was magical to witness and an enlightening experience that everyone shared. After every outing I have worked I am grateful for the expressions of appreciation and thanks from the children that are shared with Sarah and us all. Their gratitude is truly sincere. What ever troubles the children face in life are forgotten during their time with Dusty. The memory of the experience goes home in their hearts to cherish and lift their spirits. Thank you Sarah and Dusty, for the touching and confidence-building experiences you create for children. ...Happy Trails, and tales, indeed! - Kathy
Photos
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 9, 2012
I enjoy every minute of the hours I put in for Dusty's Riders. Just to see the looks of pure joy on the kids faces as they ride a horse for the fist or second time is priceless. Dusty is amazing with them and the kids just love him. Hats off to Sarah Williams and Dusty!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
My Role: Volunteer & I brought along my stethoscope so the kids could listen to Dusy's heart, and taught them some things about how horses differ from humans. One child listened through the stethoscope for a long time with his eyes closed, and it was fascinating to watch him.
Login to send private message
1 person found this review helpful
November 2, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I learned about Dusty's Riders a few years ago through a mutual friend of mine and Sarah's, and finally was able to start volunteering this summer. I was amazed by Sarah's energy and ability to involve every kid and make each one feel special. It is such fun to watch the kids evolve throughout the day, and see the glow in their faces after the ride. Horses have such power, and I truly believe that meeting Dusty changes the lives of these kids for the better.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
reading the questionnaires the kids fill out after their day. Many say it was the best day of their lives.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
It made me wish that I could make the dream of the ranch come true, so that more kids could have this wonderful experience.
November 1, 2011
The best experience a kid (and adult) can have. Not only do they learn about confidence, but team work as well. It's a great program that send a positive message.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
September 28, 2009
I have been volunteering with Dusty's Riders for over two years. The kids are wonderful to work with and Sarah's program is such a great hands-on learning experience for them. They learn about horse behavior, care and handling, but most of all, they learn about themselves. The experience helps kids-at-risk grow and come to understand that they can do so much more than they ever dreamed possible. It has been a difficult year for non-profits, but somehow, Sarah has managed to keep the program going. Unfortunately, two of our Rancho Oso outings in Santa Barbara were canceled this fall due to lack of funding. On these all-day trips, we pass by the ocean on our way to the ranch. Many of the children have never seen the ocean before and have never been outside of the LA area. Experiencing new things like this lifts the spirits of these children and gives hope where there was none. At the ranch, the kids learn to rope a cow, watch real working cowboys and a cattle dog herd cattle and watch how bulls are trained to perform in rodeos. They get to ride horses along a beautiful trail in the mountains, play games on horseback, eat at a chuck wagon and make Native American dream catchers. It's a day filled with learning, fun and confidence-building. Each new experience helps these children learn how to "cowboy up" when the going gets tough.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the kids' smiles at the end of an outing. Kids who were scared in the beginning are grinning from ear to ear at the end of the day. They write comments on a questionnaire and say their favorite was the thing that scared them at first.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I love working with the kids and seeing a child who was afraid at first open up and have fun.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Everyone has been friendly and helpful. Always nice people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand the program -- buy a ranch where they'd have more horses and be able to get more kids/organizations involved.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
September 16, 2009
My husband and I met Sarah at a mutual friends play. We sat next to each other at the play and during the intermission she told me about Dusty's Riders. My husband and I had wanted to get involved with a great organization and volunteer for quite sometime. After hearing about Dusty's Riders we knew this was the right one for us. We volunteered for the first time in August and absolutely loved it! We had the best time hanging out with the kids and getting to see the smiles on their sweet faces when they fed Dusty for the first time. It just melted our hearts! Sarah has done a wonderful job with Dusty's Riders. She is so great with the kids and makes sure that every moment is memorable and special for each child. We are so blessed to have met such a kind and giving woman. My husband and I look forward to volunteering more for Dusty's Riders. :) We absolutely enjoy every minute of it!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Seeing all the amazing effort and time that goes into every minute of the outing for the kids. This organization is about making dreams come true and is doing it one outing at a time!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
September 15, 2009
My 17 year old daughter and her friend volunteered for Dusty's Riders last month. They had a great time and were very impressed by the way the program is run. The kids really seemed to get a lot out of the experience and for a volunteer, that makes the time spent worthwhile. They will definitely volunteer again and hopefully will be a part of the program for as long as it exists!
More feedback...
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Make it's program a part of every school so that kids from cities, underprivileged children, all children could learn about horses - how to care for them, how to ride them. Horse back riding is expensive even for people of means.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews