Riding Unlimited Therapeutic Horsemanship

Riding Unlimited, located in Ponder, is just up the road from Robson Ranch at 9168 T.N. Skiles Road. We teach horsemanship to the disabled as a unique form of therapy, turning disabilities into possibilities, one ride at a time. We are a non-profit that has been in business for 25 years. Our facility sits on 49 acres of rolling pastures, which is home to 14 therapy horses.

Our program depends on volunteers in the arena and out. Class volunteers work as horse handlers or side walkers. As a horse handler the volunteer will focus on the horse before, during and after the riding lesson. The side walker will focus on supporting the rider either physically or verbally. We train for both positions. In addition to helping in the class we offer opportunities to work directly with the barn manager caring for the horses.

Our summer session will begin on Wednesday, May 25, and run for five weeks, ending on Saturday, June 25. Once the riding classes are over for the summer we focus on the various projects that need to get done before the start of the next session in September. We take July and August off from doing classes due to the heat.

We have some building projects in the works for the handyman or woman as well as regular upkeep and maintenance. This group of volunteers is affectionately known as the RU posse. Days and times of projects vary depending on who is available and the size of the task at hand.

We are currently planning our fall fundraiser, an old fashioned barn dance to be held here at Riding Unlimited on Saturday, October 15. The event will include a fun filled night of food, drinks, a live band with dancing and socializing, as well as a silent auction and raffle. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping to make this event a success. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Pat at [email protected]. The money raised at this event will make it possible for us to provide scholarships to those in need of financial assistance, pay for the feed and care of our 14 equine therapists and the specialized equipment many of our clients require in order to participate in our program.

For the people who prefer being indoors or helping remotely, we have the tech team and administration helpers. This group of volunteers would help with our social media, public speaking, tasks such as putting together our newsletter or helping with filing and data entry.

If you have the time, we have a job. For sign up for any of these volunteer opportunities, request additional information or set up an appointment to stop in for a tour, please send an email to [email protected] or call 940-479-2016.

Please visit our website at www.ridingunlimited.org and like us  on Facebook.