My Nonprofit Reviews

I started volunteering at SRoL in May of 2020, when my friends asked me to come volunteer with them and spend some time with horses, convincing me it would be a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I never expected that one afternoon of cleaning, making feed, and grooming horses would turn into a regular occurrence, and more significantly: the best part of my week, every week. In a tumultuous senior year filled with uncertainty due to the pandemic and stress induced by college applications and online school, I found Spring Reins of Life to be the one constant in my life. Each time I came to volunteer, the time I spent with the animals (Mif in particular) somehow managed to make all my worries, stress, and impending deadlines vanish, at least for a few hours. In just 20 minutes of grooming Mif or Gloria, or simply just standing next to them, I felt an inner sense of stillness and calmness, my mind clear. That’s one of the best parts about SRoL; it’s so far removed from the hectic feel of daily life. Sometimes it feels like a world of its own. Even my mom took notice of how I would often leave for the barn a frantic ball of teenage stress and return tranquil and smiling from ear to ear, eager to share a story of something fantastic that happened that day (for instance, when I finally managed to successfully get Mif on cross ties without her first leading me around in a circle 3 times).

I have also learned some invaluable lessons throughout my time volunteering here. For instance, in the beginning, as much as I was enchanted by Mif, I would always get nervous whenever I got close to her, and she, of course, could sense that. Over time I learned to control my breathing (through box breathing) and center myself, showing her that we could trust each other. It’s a lesson that’s translated to other areas of my life as well. In the moments before my state championship race and the final rounds of a national neuroscience competition, I thought back to the times that I led and grazed Mif, and focused on centering my breathing.

I’ve also personally met some of the veterans with PTS who have gone through SRoL’s program, many of whom will attest that the horses here changed or even saved their lives. The progress these individuals have made here through equine therapy really is a miracle. CC is also by far one of the most incredible people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. I never fail to draw inspiration from the passion and work ethic she brings every single day.

I’m so thankful that by some stroke of luck I found the rare gem that is SRoL. I’m so proud and grateful to be a small part of this magical place