Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. (H.H.T.L.C.) is preparing for its summer session of therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children and adults with disabilities.

For the program to be safe and effective, the registered nonprofit organization needs many volunteers to assist with lessons.

Experience with horses and/or people with disabilities is helpful, but not necessary.

A training session for new volunteers is scheduled for Saturday, June 21 from 1-5 p.m. at the center, which is located 10 miles south of Tamaqua near Route 309.

Anyone who wishes to become a lesson volunteer is required to complete this hands-on training.

Volunteer requirements

H.H.T.L.C. holds therapeutic riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings for individuals with disabilities.

Volunteers are asked to give one or two hours of their time on either lesson night for this 8-week session. The summer session begins on Monday, July 7 and runs for eight weeks.

Lesson volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. New volunteers are trained as side aides who assist riders during lessons.

H.H.T.L.C. especially needs volunteers with horse experience to lead horses for this upcoming session of lessons.

Volunteer assistance of professionals in the allied health fields of physical, occupational, speech, and behavior therapy is welcomed.

According to Volunteer Coordinator Louise Brong, “Our volunteers are often amazed at the progress our special riders make physically, mentally and/or emotionally from participating in lessons. It is very rewarding to help make a difference in their lives.

“Volunteering here is a great way to feel good about what you are doing and have fun at the same time.”

Benefits of horseback riding

Therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to improve balance, posture, strength and coordination. It also helps to increase self-awareness, self-confidence, attention span and independence.

Riders often gain improved social skills as well.

H.H.T.L.C. serves clients with a wide variety of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disability, Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury, among others. Lessons are designed to be both therapeutic and fun.

Program Director Elaine Smith describes the effects of the lessons.

“Some of our riders receive many different types of therapy. Therapeutic horseback riding is by far their favorite, and riding is the highlight of their whole week. The horses make all the difference. They impart so many benefits to our riders.”

Other volunteer positions available

In addition to lesson volunteers, H.H.T.L.C. also needs people to assist with grounds maintenance, cleaning saddles and bridles and fundraising.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Brong at 610-392-5023 or bronghhtlc@outlook.com.

For more information on Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc., visit the website at www.horsesandhorizons.org or call Elaine or Harvey Smith at 570-386-5679.

Horses and Horizons is located at 375 Zions Stone Church Road, New Ringgold.