My Nonprofit Reviews

Special Equestrians does so much for each and every rider that participates in the program. Children and adults show marked improvements in several areas including balance and coordination, muscle tone, and social skills. But they do so much more than just help the riders...they reach out to the community to educate and bring awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, they support the local university, FGCU, and their riding program, and they offer amazing experiences for every volunteer that comes through the front gate. Being a volunteer for almost 3 years has literally changed my life. As an undergraduate volunteer from FGCU, I was not entirely sure of what I wanted to do with my future, but Special Equestrians had plans for me. My Saturdays spent working with the children and horses opened up the world of therapy to me, and made me look into career paths where I could continue helping with the aid of the equine friend. Some research and one very special internship with this non-profit led me to occupational therapy. I start a graduate program for OT in August this year, and I hope that in 2 years when I graduate I will be able to use my OT degree in conjunction with horses to provide hippotherapy for kids and adults alike, maybe even at Special Equestrians. So in the end, yes Special Equestrians does an incredible job inspiring their riders, but they also know how to inspire their volunteers, which makes this program one in a million.

More Feedback