Dreams On Horseback

I enjoy my volunteering time every time I go to Dreams on Horseback. Everyone is so kind, respectful and easy to be around from the Instructors, volunteers and the riders. You are able to see the riders joy, independence and journey as they ride each week. It is so meaningful to be part of their journeys with them and rewarded to be able to help them on their way. It is therapy for us also!

I started volunteering at Dreams on Horseback because I've always wanted to be around horses but I never expected to learn so much and get so attached to the riders, volunteers, and staff. I feel so fortunate to have found a place that makes me feel so good while helping others.

The dedication of the riders and caregivers amazes me all the time. I'm sure showing up every week for lessons isn't easy for them. It is very gratifying to witness the special needs rider accomplish a goal that they might have been working on for weeks.

I keep coming back because even helping one hour a week can give that rider some joy for a short time and maybe that hour around the horses will be the best time of their whole week.

Dreams on Horseback is a very special place. Good things happen there. It will enrich your life and you will become part of a wonderful family of riders, caregivers, volunteers, staff, and of course, horses.

I enjoy being a volunteer at Dreams on Horseback. I love being around the horses but especially love the riders. Watched them grow and flourish each week is so inspirational. I call Dreams my happy place. The staff and other volunteers are so kind and caring. I refer to everyone as my “barn family!”

Fun, safe and caring experience with wonderful horses for my kiddos! And a fun place to volunteer also!

Dreams on Horseback is an amazing organization. The programs change the lives of the participants and their families, and the volunteers. Having been a volunteer for six years, I witnessed first hand a child with cerebral palsy gain the strength to walk, a veteran amputee gain core strength and balance before being fitted with a prosthetic, a veteran learn to live in the moment to control PTSD, all the while providing the best care for the horse herd. Having moved away, I am now honored to be a donor in support of this amazing organization. Jennifer Hansen, Executive Director, uses donations to make the biggest impact, ensuring that they do the most good with the donations. I can’t think of a better organization than Dreams on Horseback.

Dreams is such a special place. I have been a volunteer for over 4 years, with Becky Hickman. She is not only an amazing instructor, but friend. The volunteers and riders are so inspirational. The support, positive and seeing the riders grow personally and emotionally makes my week. The smiles, the hugs and the I can do it never gets old.

Dreams is a special place for so many.

Our son is autistic and has issues with communication, verbal and non-verbal. He has been taking lessons for almost three months now and it has been absolutely life changing for us and him! He looks forward each week to going, learning new skills, bonding with the horse and instructors. He has grown in such a short time and improved his physical abilities as well.

Dreams On Horseback is one of the most caring and fulfilling places I have ever volunteered. The staff is wonderful and working with the students to accomplish so many life goals is very rewarding. I always look forward to going there and feel so good when I leave. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for volunteer opportunities. If you are looking for a place to donate either your time or money, this is definitely one to look into.

I LOVE volunteering at Dreams on Horseback for a multitude of reasons. It is an amazing organization that offers outstanding programs to our local community.
Our horses are amazing, sweet, gentle, intuitive and loving creatures. I feel privileged to be able to be around them. I also love being around our student riders. Time and time again, I am in awe of the bravery, determination, trust and resiliency of our riders. It is a truly inspiring experience to watch a rider's first time on the horse; to see their interaction and relationship with the horse; to watch their progress, and of course to watch the beaming smiles they get from their horse, their volunteers and their accomplishments. Last, but not least, I love the friendships you form at Dreams. I have met so many people from all different backgrounds and life experiences and I have made many life-long friends.
Watching the patience and gentle nature of these horses moves me. There are so many stories of this that each of us at Dreams could tell. They are truly amazing animals. The trust that our rider's and their families put into us really moves me. That is an amazing thing.
From the moment you meet your rider, (and of course the horses), you will fall in love with it all. Every volunteer would say the same thing, That we get as much out of volunteering at Dreams as our riders do. Even if you have no experience with horses or with the populations we serve, the volunteers and staff at Dreams are always willing to teach you. You can participate in and learn about as much as you want. And you will love it all.
The friendships I have made, the riders that I am so invested in and of course our amazing horses keep me coming back to volunteer at Dreams.

I am a retired teacher who had the desire to volunteer. I recently became a side walker and love it. Working with special riders is so rewarding. The staff at Dreams and Stepping Stone are extremely professional. The horses are well cared for and loved. You won’t regret getting involved with this fine organization.