Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. is looking for volunteers to help with its special program of therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. HHTLC is a registered nonprofit organization that is staffed entirely by volunteers. It is located 10 miles south of Tamaqua near Route 309. The center offers therapeutic riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings from the end of April through the end of October.

A training session for new volunteers is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the center. Anyone who wishes to become a lesson volunteer for the fall session of lessons is required to attend and successfully complete this hands-on training.

Lesson volunteers have to be at least 14 years old, in good health and able to walk for an hour at a time.

The center needs people with horse experience to lead horses. It also needs people to become side aides who assist riders during lessons. While experience with horses and/or people with disabilities is helpful, it is not a requirement. The center also welcomes volunteers in the allied health fields of physical, occupational and speech therapy.

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.

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

In addition to lesson volunteers, the center needs people to assist with grounds maintenance, cleaning saddles and bridles and fundraising.

Anyone interested should contact volunteer coordinator Jane Ostroski at 610-298-2546 or jeohhtlc15@gmail.com.

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