Amanda’s Why

Amanda with instructors and volunteers at last year’s Horse Show

I first became part of Northland Therapeutic Riding Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was 16, a high school sophomore stuck at home like everyone else. In July, when restrictions began to lift, I came across a Facebook post about a New Volunteer Orientation at NTRC. I reached out to express my interest and scheduled a mini orientation with one other future volunteer, two staff members, and my orientation horse, the now dearly missed Bubba.

I remember being nervous about trying something new, but more than anything, I was excited. The photo in the post really drew me in—a smiling child on horseback, surrounded by volunteers who were beaming just as brightly. You could feel the energy in that image, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I needed volunteer hours to graduate, and I thought working with animals and individuals with disabilities would be right up my alley. My mom has worked as a paraprofessional for most of my life, so those two worlds, special education and community service, have always been connected for me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how deeply this opportunity would impact me. NTRC quickly became a meaningful and comforting place. It helped ease my own anxiety and became something I looked forward to every week. I would rush there after school and sports practice, eager to be at the barn. It’s what I would talk about with my friends and family, and it quickly became a central part of my life.

I started volunteering every Tuesday and Thursday, helping with three lessons each night. I would leave practice early, eat and change quickly, and head straight to the barn. At first, I was just a nervous new face among more experienced volunteers. But the longtime volunteers welcomed me in, and over time we became friends. The more time I spent there, the more it began to feel like home. The connection between participants, volunteers, and staff is something special. It creates a shared purpose that sticks with you, even if your time there is short.

As you can probably guess, I fell in love with what NTRC offers the community. After a year of volunteering, I asked if I could intern over the summer. I was able to spend a week learning about each area of the organization: facility maintenance, program direction, volunteer coordination, and equine management. It opened my eyes to everything that happens behind the scenes to make lessons run smoothly.

I continued volunteering on Tuesdays and Thursdays and occasionally filled in on other days. I loved getting to meet new participants, but there was something particularly special about the ones I saw week after week. I got to witness their progress, the excitement of their greetings, and the way a bad day could turn into a good one once they were on their horse.

Later that year, a barn assistant position opened up. I applied, interviewed, and was hired. I worked three days a week and spent every extra moment learning from the Equine Manager. I asked a lot of questions, observed everything I could, and tried to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I also worked two other jobs, including one as a stall cleaner, where I continued to ask questions and grow. I did my own research, read everything I could find, and watched countless videos. I still do. I’ve never stopped learning.

In 2023, the Equine Manager at the time decided to step back and encouraged me to apply for the position. Others encouraged me too, although I wasn’t entirely confident in myself. Still, I knew that if there was something I didn’t know, I would work hard to figure it out. I applied, and the whole process felt like a blur. I was shocked and honored to receive the offer.

Taking on the Equine Manager role meant less time in lessons and more time focused on training and horse care. That shift was difficult at first. I stayed on as a barn assistant for a little while longer to stay connected, but stepping back from direct lessons was still a big change. It was especially challenging at the start, with herd issues and finals happening at the same time, but I found a rhythm and balance.

I started doing quick check-ins during lessons. I’d stop by to see how the horses were doing with the participants and help troubleshoot any issues that came up. Sometimes I’d offer handling suggestions or demonstrate techniques on the spot. I also got to see participants I hadn’t seen in a while and witness their incredible progress. It reminded me how important it is for the Equine Manager to be involved, not just behind the scenes, but in the lessons too. That’s when everything comes full circle. A horse that used to spook at a toy doesn’t even flinch. A participant says their horse’s name, picks something up independently, or steers for the first time. Those are the moments that make everything worth it.

After I had been in the Equine Manager role for about a year, our Volunteer Coordinator resigned. The position remained open for weeks, and as a staff, we were stretched thin. I had several conversations with my mentor, family, and friends about the possibility of applying. I was still in my last semester of school, and I knew the workload would be heavy. But I hated seeing our team struggle. Eventually, I spoke with my boss, and we came up with a plan for me to take on both roles: Equine Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.

Today, I work full-time split between the barn and the office. I get to spend time with the horses, volunteers, staff, and families. I answer questions, lend a listening ear, and help however I can. I love what I do because it isn’t just a job. It’s my passion. What we do at NTRC takes heart, and everyone here brings theirs to the table. We are so fortunate to be supported by such a strong, compassionate community that helps us serve individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted services.

The reason I’ve shared all of this is because I love seeing the community come together to support this mission. There is something magical about watching the horses and humans work together to build confidence, strength, and joy. The barn has a way of becoming your support system too. Very few people leave without a smile, and that is always my goal. Whether it’s a horse or a human, I want everyone to leave the barn feeling better than when they arrived.