Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center

I have been volunteering with the Northwest therapeutic riding center for 8 years. I started as a volunteer and immediately loved the dedication of the program and results I saw in the riders. Over the years I continue to help out in anyway that I can. It is a joy to work with such a dedicated group of individuals. I have personally witnessed many great accomplishments and improvements by the riders, not only physically but emotionally as well. I love spreading the word about this great program and wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone with a passion for helping others.

I feel very fortunate also to be a volunteer with NWTRC for about 5 years now. Every riding session I feel so fortunate to be able to witness the miracles for riders with developmental and physical disabilities and their relationship with being on a horse. What is very important to me is the attention given to the safety in all aspects operations for riders and for the horses. Horses are well trained and know their jobs and take good care of their riders. The awesome skilled instructors Hilary and Julia provide lessons with learning experiences tailored to the needs and safety of each rider. Also, this non-profit can operate only with the many wonderful volunteers who give their time and energy, not only in assisting with lessons, but also with the massive amounts of work needed in care for horses (non-glamorous jobs of shoveling manure, cleaning tack, sweeping, maintenance, etc.). NWTRC provides a place for volunteers who love kids and/ or who love horses to give back to our community in a really big way. Mike and Julia Bozzo have more than 20 years of hard work and dedication in making NWTRC a shining star in our community. Through NWTRC I am so fortunate to have met many really neat people who volunteer and have developed friendships through working together for the horses and the kids. Thank you!

NWTRC is the result of 20 years of passion and dedication of its founder, Julia Bozzo. Her love for horses and her desire to help others benefit from the healing effects of our equine partners has driven Julia in creating, developing and growing this outstanding center. A certified PATH organization, NWTRC now serves more than 50 students and has two full- time PATH certified instructors. The horses are impeccably cared for and loved. The students receive attention that is rooted in compassion with an emphasis on individual need. The teachers facilitate what is truly a healing partnership between each rider and horse. As a past NARHA certified instructor and therapeutic riding center volunteer, I am very impressed with NWTRC - so much so, that my husband and I are both actively involved with the board. It is a privilege to be associated with such a worthwhile cause. NWTRC does make a difference in this world.

I joined the board last year because I loved the difference the Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center was making for their clients.  I was at a picnic and talked to a rider, I am not sure exactly what the disability was, and when I asked what his favorite thing about riding was, he said in a loud voice "WHOOA" and a huge smile and giggle came over him.  For this rider to have the ability to control something in his world was obviously a joy.  To experience sitting on top of such beautiful wonderful animals, and get the rush of commanding, well, what I can say, is I really got what he was saying all in the "WHOOA"!

I began volunteering at the NWTRC five years ago, first by leading horses during lessons. Being a horsewoman myself, I intrinsically knew the emotional benefits from riding but didn't fully understand the physical side affects. It's magical to witness kids/adults with all different types of physical, mental and emotional disabilities as they progress during lessons. The motion of the horse walking/trotting works with the body to produce much better core strength, mobility flexibility and much more. Interacting with the horse also provides a calming and joyful experience while adding self-confidence and sense of achievement. Volumes can be said (and have) about the extensive benefits of hippo therapy.
I created our online newsletter, Ride & Shine and also am now the Event Coordinator, working to raise funds for our wonderful organization. I'm very proud to be a part of the NWTRC!

I have been a volunteer and Board member with The NWTRC for over 18 years. This organization performs
miracles in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. I cannot count the number of times a child did not want to get on the horse the first lesson, and 45 minutes later did not want to ever get off the horse. The NWTRC does all this great work on a very small budget. I am proud to donate and never hesitate to
ask others to assist the NWTRC in any way they can.

I started out as a volunteer for NWTRC about four years ago. During the very first lesson I witnessed first hand lives transforming and I've been hooked ever since. Later that year I helped with the organization's "Denim to Diamonds" fundraiser, a few months later I joined the board and now I am the co-chair for the organization. I'm so very proud of the work of NWTRC. No where is there a group that does so much with so little. From our horses to our donors, from our volunteers to our founders (Julia and Mike)...we are proving that our riders can have A BETTER DAY, A BETTER YEAR, A BETTER LIFE!

My 30 year old daughter has been riding for about 15 years and I have been riding for about 14 years. Julia and her staff are excellent patient teachers who have taught my daughter how to take instruction, criticism, and be loving and patient with the horses. She is a high functioning woman who has a BA in History at Western University and has Asperger Syndrome as well as ADD tendencies. Through this wonderful program she gained confidence and understanding of horses which has transferred to her work environment and home life. Even after she fell off a horse going on a trail in Canada 12 years ago - she had no problem getting back on her horse at NWRTC because she knew she would be safe. I love getting lessons from Julia. I come away happy to have learned something new with each lesson.

My 28 year old daughter has ADD/Asperger's Syndrome and started riding at NWTRC last year.

I wish we would have found this place 20 years ago. I can not even begin to tell you how wonderful this experience is for her. Riding/working with the horses and working with the amazing staff at NWTRC has been life changing. She is happier, her posture is better, her confidence level is higher and her interaction with people while she is at her lessons is just remarkable. And she just LOVES the horses...they are so friendly and gentle. She (we) can't hardly wait for March to come around so that we can get her signed up for her next set of lessons.

I would recommend this organization to anybody with a child with autism-spectrum disabilities. Julia and her staff are just so professional, educational and "on task"...yet fun! Perfect for my daughter.

I am a veterinarian that regularly works with the riding center providing veterinary care to the horses. The horses at the center are very well cared for with problems attended to promptly and thoroughly. The horses work hard providing lessons for the center but Julia also places emphasis on getting the horses exposure and experience to a variety of activities. Schooling shows, drill team, desensitization clinics and trail rides are all "extra-curricular" activities the horses participate in, which is critical for their mental health. The fact that most of the horses have been performing solidly at NWTRC for several decades each speaks to the quality of life they enjoy.

The NWTRC is a phenomenal program that truly helps individuals and the Bellingham community. As a volunteer I have seen changes in the clients served at the NWTRC that can only be attributed to the great volunteer staff, the horses, and the instructors that bring everyone together. My spare time is spent helping out in any way that I can because this organization is one that is honest, but also true to their values and mission statement. The opportunity to give back to my community in such a unique way is rewarding, but ultimately a joy because of the staff, volunteers, and the family centered approach to this program, which are the hallmarks of a wonderful non-profit organization.

My daughter has been riding with NWTRC for two years and it has been so beneficial for her. My daughter is autistic and has global developmental delays. She loves going to her lessons and loves brushing her horse before and after the lessons. Hillary, the teacher, is very energetic and patient and the voluunteers that walk with my daughter are kind as well. My daughter has gained strength and confidence with her participation at NWTRC and we are grateful for the growth we have seen in her while she is at her lessons.

NWTRC is an absolutely amazing organization! For 21 years NWTRC has been providing life-changing opportunities to people of all ages and abilities in Whatcom County. NWTRC operates on a tiny budget in order to keep costs low for participants, making financial support from individuals and companies vital to keeping their doors open. No rider is ever turned away for inability to pay!
Additionally, 3 of NWTRC's horses have been nationally recognized for their amazing work as equine therapists.
The smiles on the riders faces during each lesson speak louder than words!!!