Equi-Ed, Inc.
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My daughter developed hydrocephalus after surgery when she was an infant and has challenges with coordination and balance. One measure of the success of the program for her is that she has stuck with it for 10 years and is motivated to work to pay for her lessons. She says she loves the challenge of controlling the horse and likes the feeling of being so tall. She also greatly enjoys the relationships she has developed with the volunteers and staff.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
..the love my daughter has for equi-ed. Also it is refreshing to spend time in the country working with horses and to be part of an organization that provides so much and is so accepting.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
.. like to see it have a covered arena so that lessons could go on rain or shine.
I have recently started volunteering at Equi-Ed once a week. I have really enjoyed my experience so far. The staff at Equi-Ed are great to be around. Every week I am being taught more and more about working with horses and the students. I especially enjoy seeing the students gain mastery and I love seeing their smiles while with the horses. The instructors do a great job of meeting each student on their level and they are creative in the lesson times. Each lesson is different and interesting in order to keep the student is intrigued. The instructors are very creative in coming up with games that not only work on therapeutic riding skills but are also educational. The program is well organized and there is a camaraderie between those that work and volunteer there. The horses are very well taken care of and are great with the students. Safety plays a very important roll in the operation of Equi-Ed, which makes me feel safer as a volunteer. The location of the program is serene and it is so enjoyable to come each week to volunteer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My five year old niece who has autism has taken lessons at Equi-Ed. While my niece was on the horse riding, she was happy and there was a light in her eyes. She also responded verbally more frequently than usual. I believe that the riding lessons have also helped develop her core muscles and has helped her with balance. I was especially impressed with the way the instructor kept my niece's focus and was patient and flexible. The instructors know how to effectively teach each student.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would make sure that if was fully funded without limitations to needed items.
Equi-ed is an amazing program that changes lives on an hourly basis. I am a sign language interpreter and was introduced to the program when I was called to interpret a therapy riding class that a Deaf student was taking. The class had the great pleasure of having Max as the instructor and her energy can really fill a room. It's such a pleasure to interpret for someone who really believes in what they are saying. It was enlightening to get a grip on what therapy riding entailed through the videos and lectures. Another part of the class required a day trip to the facility where the work was being done to view and assist with the program. After arriving at the ranch and spending 6 hours, I was hooked. They announced that they were looking for volunteers and I signed up. I've been going every weekend since. It's definitely a highlite of my week. The clients and therapists come in and do their work on the horses, and lucky me, I get to be a part of it all. I get to witness firsthand the connections, the barriers that are conquered, and the smiles the size of Texas on the faces of the riders. I help out by cleaning the stalls, grooming horses, being a sidewalker and now I'm being trained to be a horse handler. It's truly a privilege to be able to be a part of something that creates positive change immediately. I hope the word gets out and more people have the chance to be a part of this life changing program. This program isn't only healing the disabled clients. I can honestly say that as a non-disabled volunteer, my life has changed as a result of this program. The benefits are not only in the arena, but there's a sense of pride that I carry with me all week knowing that I get a chance to be a part of something truly amazing.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching the faces of the riders before, during and after a ride. I get to be there when disabled riders confront and conquer barriers in their lives. I get to meet the families and hear the stories of personal triumph. I get to see professional, dedicated therapists and trainers doing their life's work. What could be better?
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
find an amazing PR person and a fundraiser. If this organization had a person who could really get the message out to the world about what is happening in this small organization, I think it would be awesome, and the community would flock to support it. I think the one thing this organization lacks is a person who has the time to dedicate solely to fundraising and grants..
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
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
I can't think of anything. They are great. As a volunteer, I feel supported and valued.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes, it allowed me a chance to work outside of my career in a totally new field that impacted lives. It's awesome.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I felt really fortunate to be able to be a part of something so important.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have volunteered with Equi-Ed for 5 years. During that time, I was not allowed to work with the students, as I have some disabilities of my own. I have helped care for the horses, while watching the students in their lessons. While volunteering at the fund raisers and at seasonal parties for the students, I have talked to students, and heard how much they love the horses, how much the riding has helped them, how much they look forward to the lessons. Over these 5 years I have seen the improvement in the students' abilities. I am impressed with the stress on the safety of the students, whether they are in a lesson, or attending a party at the barn. The volunteers are taught safety in all aspects of their activities. The focus on education is something many riding programs for the handicapped do not include. Students learn about the history of horses, learn ways to encorporate horse art into projects that win prizes at local county fairs, and gain a sense of accomplishment apart from their riding. Their self-esteem rises with every lesson. The fact that this program was begun by teachers has shaped the format into a unique experience for the students. Northern California is fortunate to be home to this program.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching the improved physical and emotional activity of the students
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
encourage volunteers to make a long term commitment to Equi-Ed, considering it as a life-long opportunity to help their community.
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?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Made me realize how isolated most individuals with disabilities can be. This program allows these individuals to socialize with all types of people while learning and improving their skills.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
As if I am putting my religious beliefs into practical use.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I volunteered for Equi-Ed over 10 yrs ago and that wonderful experience helped shape my beliefs and attitudes that I still hold today regarding programs for the disabled. Even though Equi-Ed has changed so many lives of disabled individuals, it is very important to note that it also has a positive impact on those that work there. My experience ranged from working with children to adults of all ages but the results were always the same: people told me that they had a sense of freedom and well-being when riding a horse and that they were painfree - even if only for an hour. Children who could not speak or communicate in the conventional way conveyed their pleasure in such obvious ways - such a rewarding experience. The program continues to be very organized and positive for all of those involved and I have watched it evolve from a small non-profit to a very successful and much-needed one. We are so lucky to have such a valuable asset in our community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the faces of those benefitting.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
let it evolve as it has been.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Likely
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
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Opened my eyes to the need of more programs for the disabled.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Very rewarded - like I was making a difference in someone's life.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I started my volunteer work at Equi-Ed in 2008 and couldn't be more impressed with the program. The staff is beyond anything I have experienced, with their love for what they do, their caring as to how it is done and overall strength in believing what they are doing. Students with various disabilities are given a chance to better their daily battles. Then of course there are the horses that make this program so very special indeed. To see a student come to a lesson, bond with the animal and see their smile as they enjoy moving and learning, it just keeps me humble and appreciative. This is such a vital program and I am forever grateful to play a small part in it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
It keeps my own life in great perspective. I receive so much more than I could ever give, and feel that in a small way I do take part in making a difference.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand as much as possible. This is a much needed program that makes such a difference in the lifes of those who have struggles that I cannot even imagine to overcome.
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
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Learning about horse care. Meeting wonderful new people.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Humble, appreciative and grounded.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Equi-Ed is an amazing program that really cares about the students, horses, and volunteers. Everyone feels welcome and it's amazing to watch as the students progress and learn. Equi-Ed is not only a great non-profit, it's a great family!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the smiles of the students.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to give!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Equi-Ed, Inc. is an incredible organization which provides a wonderful opportunity to volunteer in a place that enriches the lives of so many with disabilities. Through a friend I heard about Equi-Ed and I thought I would see if I could help out. I had a personal loss in my life and needed something to fill a great void. With my love for horses and the need to give something back, I decided to try it out. This was over a year ago and I must say I will never be able to give as much as I receive from this outstanding organization. The people who run Equi-Ed are remarkable and inspire me to no end. We have such wonderful volunteers too. Young or not so young we are all there because we feel this place is special and we care about what it provides to so many. The location is stunning in its setting and the peace you feel there stays with you. The horses are incredible and being treated with love, care and great knowledge by staff and volunteers. These gentle animals are used in the lessons after they have been carefully selected and trained. I get to help out in lessons with the children as a horse leader or spotter. It is amazing to see these horses and individuals with disabilities work together. I get very humble and suddenly my daily gripes are just not important anymore, I realize how fortunate I am, and how wonderful life is even with hardship in it. Since Equi-Ed relies on volunteers for horse care as well, I get to feed the horses on Sunday mornings. The program is very well organized and runs so smooth. Thanks to great communication among staff and volunteers lessons are provided during the week and on Saturdays. I am honored to participate in any way needed. I hope Equi-Ed gets the recognition it deserves so very much and with that hopefully more people become aware of this great organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
by seeing the children with disabilities become focused, more relaxed and aware. They leave the lesson with a big smile on their face.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
let the people currently in charge do what they do so much better than if I was in charge. My hat's off to their hard and dedicated work.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the interaction with the kids and horses. What a powerful combination.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
inspiring! These people have such care and love for what they do. I for one am better now for knowing them.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
have a permanent location where it could serve more individuals.
Ways to make it better...
I had more knowledge about horses. I could be of better help. However, the wonderful people at Equi-Ed are teaching me so much.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
getting donations, and volunteers.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I have the utmost respect for the people who run Equi-Ed Inc. Their time and effort are amazing and they deserve our gratitude and appreciation.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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