My Nonprofit Reviews

I am a former volunteer at Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center and have nothing but good things to say about my experience with them. I grew up in southwest Ohio and moved to the Zanesville area for my first full time job. It was a scary and stressful time for me being so far away from home. I didn't know many people my first few months there, so I wanted to find a volunteer position to help get me out of the house and give back to the community I was working in. I rode horses for years, so Breaking Free sounded like the perfect match for me.

My time at Breaking Free instantly became the highlight of my week. It was so special for me to be apart of this group of people who had such a desire to help their students grow and succeed. The instructors were incredibly patient and skilled at what they do. They knew each of their students needs and were always careful to pay special attention (even in group lessons). The volunteers I got to work with were always so happy and passionate about their work. The Executive Director, Linda Lake, has such a love for her center and is very involved with the program. Typically when you think of the executive director of a company or organization, you know of them but never see them. This isn't the case with Breaking Free. Linda is very involved with the center happenings and keeps in close contact with the students and volunteers. I really believe she is a main reason why Breaking Free is so successful. She knows the needs of the program and has such a passion for the centers mission. I have never met such a kind person! This whole group of individuals became like a second family to me, and I still keep in touch with some of them to this day.

The horses are another wonderful and important part of the program. There are multiple different horses and each one is paired thoughtfully with a student or participant. It is remarkable to see the gentle, understanding nature of these horses. I truly believe they understand their students needs. They all have their own personalities outside of classes, but once that saddle goes on their back, they know its time to work. I loved seeing the students interact and respond to their horses. Some of them will even ask for their horse by name! They students and horses develop a really unique connection with one another--I enjoyed being able to witness this each passing week. These horses help to teach their riders about confidence, physical strength, and friendship.

The program is really designed for the students and participants to grow and benefit from. However, getting to spend multiple days a week there volunteering became a therapy for me in a way. It was my time of peace and a chance for me to forget about the stress of life. It made transitioning to a new city so much easier for me, and taught me new things about myself that I hadn't known before. I felt that I grew with the students and always left feeling refreshed at the end of my day. I moved away from Zanesville for another out of state job, and not a day goes by where I don't miss this place. It will always be so near and dear to my heart. It is my hope to one day be involved with a PATH International Therapeutic Riding Center and Breaking Free was able to help me see that.

I highly recommend becoming involved with this center--whether it be enrolling in classes, volunteering or by giving. Your time and financial gifts will help the doors of this center stay open year after year. Miracles and life changing experiences happen at this place every single day, and I am so very blessed to have been able to witness that.