Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. 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, this 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 June 27 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.

H.H.T.L.C. holds therapeutic riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The summer session begins the week of July 13 and runs for eight weeks. Volunteers are asked to give one or two hours of their time on either lesson night for this eight-week session.

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.

There is an additional training session for volunteers with horse experience who want to become leaders. Volunteer assistance of professionals in the allied health fields of physical, occupational, speech and behavior therapy is always welcomed.

Volunteer Coordinator Louise Brong said, “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.”

The program 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. Visit the website at www.horsesandhorizons.org or call Elaine or Harvey Smith at 570-386-5679.