Testimonies

Testimony of a Volunteer

My adventures with PPTRC started with that little article in the newspaper-you know the one on volunteer orientation. I had been out of the “horse business” for several years due to a severe bite I had received from a mistreated horse. I had settled into a comfortable pattern of sharing my life with a couple of rescued donkeys. 

That was several years ago, now each week I look upon PPTRC as my personal therapy.  After a week of stress and interacting with people, often at their worst, I retreat to the sanctuary of the barn. Through the horses at PPTRC I have learned how to trust again.  Busying myself with watering the arena, or preparing the horses I remember what is important.  Then the riders arrive. There is something liberating about watching riders mount their horses and witnessing the transformation beyond physical limitations to fully enjoying their abilities. There is inspiration in seeing them challenge their boundaries creating new realities.  It is a spark of magic. 

During one class a young nonverbal rider would squeal with delight each week as he walked into the arena.  I can still hear the music of his joy and excitement. Pure joy shared with unabashed delight.  Maybe it is this small realignment of reality, this shift of perspective that bolsters my personal therapy. 

The reality is that I am just one small part of something bigger.  If it were not for each volunteer, instructor, barn manager, program coordinator and board of director, PPTRC would not exist. While we each contribute our small amount, it is the sum of our whole working together that allows the riders to experience their own transformation. We are a team.  Whether you are a side walker, leader or stall scooper your part in the team is no less important than the next member.  Often it is the least inconspicuous member that is missed the most. If there were not enough side walkers or leaders riders would have to be turned away.  As we make up this great team remember that we are here for the riders.  Yes there is a great bonus in that we get to work with magnificent horses, but it is the riders who matter the most.  It is the riders who in their weekly transformation can teach us about ourselves. 

Catherine Buckley,

PPTRC Volunteer of the Year 2005

Volunteer of the Year 2005 Catherine Buckley and Jason riding Buster.