HETRA serves a variety of participants including children and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, brain tumors, head or spinal cord injuries, visual impairment, autism, developmental delays and strokes.  In 2014 HETRA served 192 unique participants (both children and adults) per week.

 

For the last several years, HETRA volunteers have donated over 18,000 volunteer hours per year, which couldn’t be done without dedicated volunteers.  HETRA’s sidewalkers find their job very rewarding in many ways.  Not only are they able to work hands on with the HETRA participants, but they also receive a physical workout walking in the arena footing during the therapy sessions.  Sessions depend on the volunteers in the arena, but the volunteers who are working outside the arena play a great role also.  Instructors rely on individuals to groom and tack the horses, care for the barn, tack and toys.  Individuals of all ability levels have a job that is instrumental to making a session run smoothly.

 

How can you get involved in supporting such and organization?  Well, they need volunteers to meet the demand of so many participants.  Jobs include Equipment/Toy Assistants, Sidewalkers, Session Spotters, Grooming/Tacking volunteers, Horse Leaders, Barn Leaders, Administrative Assistants, members of the fundraising committee and maintenance assistance for the barns.  Even something as simple as organizing a Jeans/Casual Day at your place of work can help.  Of course, your financial support is needed.  HETERA is in the middle of the Drive 2 Ride campaign, and has other fundraising campaigns throughout the year including the Karat Club, the sponsorship of individual horses, the Little Britches Horse Show, and their annual event, Blue Jeans and Dreams.  

 

Right here in our neighborhood The Ranch Run is scheduled for October 29, 2016.  The event will take place on the trails and the street for both men and women with 5 categories: 5K, 10K, Kids Run, Family Walk, and the Half Marathon starting at 8:30 am.  Proceeds raised from the run will be shared with HETRA.  Please go to http://www.skylineranchrun.com/ for more information.