I have been volunteering now for 3 years and 2 of my kiddos are riders. The amazing difference in their lives it has made. Confidence soaring when we are there and they are around the horses. The complete acceptance of all the riders no matter what their abilities are. Everyone is accepted and part of a family and feel like they belong.
I love working with our riders and being able to figure out what helps them. Seeing even a small step or accomplishment is the best feeling in the world.
I have known Kay since kindergarten and she has always been a loving and caring person. Since she and Dave started Chakota they have given it their all. I hsve seen Kay on her worse day go out and just shine when she is with the kids and their families. She never stops thinking about ways to better things for the riders. Her and Dave have been completely on their last legs and still their main concern was Chakota and the kids they help. They don't like to disappoint anyone. Kay would give you her last dollar if you needed it. She is a kind gentle soul that only means well and lives for the smiles from the kids and their families. A true angel on earth! I am truly honored to be able to call her my friend. Karen...
I can only say that C T R C is one of the best things that has happened to Clinton county and the counties around... Dave and Kay Langenhorst are two of the greatest people and they founded it I believe 8 years ago ..They put all their own money into this and has kept it going through hard times. I take my son in laws brother there and he is getting strength in his left arm.. He was in a train accident where his mother, father, and brother got killed and he was thrown from the car.. He loves to go out there and ride and help with the horses it gives him a purpose.. They have a lot of different things going on for the disabled like cowboy poetry, sensory garden. The only thing that would make it better is if they where able to get the money for an indoor arena so they could have sessions all year and they could have sessions in rain , heat, cold, and snow.. Chad has missed about 4 sessions this summer because of the rain and heat.. He really misses when he does not get to go.. My hats off to all the volunteers and Dave and Kay for all their work they do to keep it going.
I'm one of the newest volunteers at Chakota and absolutely love it out there. I love being around the people out there. And watching the kids ride is life changing. Its amazing that a horse can change a persons life. Not only does Chakota benefit the riders it also benefits the volunteers. I love being out there and love watching how something so small as just riding a horse can change a child's life. Right now I am going to college for social work and therapeutic riding is what I want to do with the degree someday.
I don't even know where to begin when talking about Chakota! This place is simply amazing! Dave and Kay are the most selfless people I have ever had the honor of knowing, and they run Chakota straight from their hearts. When I started volunteering at Chakota, I had no idea the impact it would truly have on me. I thought I would be helping the riders, teaching them things. But, truth be told, I am the one learning each and every time I head out to the Big Red Barn. These riders have determination and courage that parallel the most elite athletes, and spirits that simply soar. And the horses are incredibly special animals. They are patient with the riders, and protective of them too. If a rider is off center, the horse will let you know before you even see it yourself. The difference in some of these riders just from the time they get to the grounds at Chakota is visable! They're smiling, laughing and so excited to see and ride their horse. And the physical strides the riders are able to make from this therapy are just so inspiring! The equine therapy is working their core muscles, it's mimicking the human gait - and walking is something that most of Chakota's riders are unable to do on their own. So this therapy is helping them tremendously! The benefits that Chakota provies - to the riders, volunteers, directors, and community - are not limited to the physical, or the cognitive even. They are spiritual and emotional and will move your very soul. This place is inspirational to all who are blessed to come to know it!