OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A small gesture can transform someone’s life.
That happens every day at the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA), and it’s not just the riders who experience the transformation; it’s the volunteers, staff members and even the string of 21 horses who reside at the nonprofit.
Those minor miracles can be seen on the faces of everyone involved in the process. This includes people with physical and mental disabilities, those who have faced trauma, dedicated volunteers wanting to make a change, and staff members whose passion and commitment are unwavering.
The program has 175 riders and about 150 volunteers, so it has its own series of challenges, says Yvonne Carreiro, MTRA program and development director.
“It’s getting to learn the riders, the ins and outs of their stories, their caregivers, their parents, and the needs they’re looking forward to being met here,” says Carreiro.
MTRA’s Bridge to Success program works with teenagers who are experiencing a number of challenges. Mentors guide these teens, and as they progress, they can become volunteers themselves. These volunteers support young people, including those at risk or dealing with other issues. The small triumphs, like a teen getting on a horse, can significantly impact their lives.
“I’m definitely drawn to the at-risk youth,” says Carreiro, who has extensive experience in outreach for nonprofits, has worked with foster children, veterans, recovering addicts, the homeless, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has been with the MTRA the past two months. “I don’t think there’s enough programs that really assist in a one-on-one way. They do get that mentorship they need. A lot of the kiddos lack structure in their social circles, home and school. The programs provide some consistency, and we get to know them on a personal level, find out the gaps that they’re missing as well as how we can facilitate that.”
It can be a challenge to match volunteers to the riders, and that is a process that takes time, finding out what the volunteers are comfortable with and where their gifts and passions lie, says Carreiro.
“The instructors will watch the rider, and they’ll make a connection and do really well in class,” says Carreiro. “The instructor gets to see the one-on-one. So, I’ll get the feedback from them on how the volunteers interacted. Our instructors create a really nice team that they’re connected with, and the leaders and the side walkers get to connect with the riders. But that is a process on its own.”
The connection isn’t only between the horse and rider; it’s also about the bond formed among all team members, creating moments that leave a lasting impact.
“Seeing is believing, and that really is true. You can go to our website, you can look and read, and you can develop a viewpoint,” says Carreiro. “But when you’re here and you see the kiddos go from A to B and accomplish a goal and have that success, it takes on greater meaning.”