Kaitie’s Why
My “why” for choosing to be an instructor at NTRC is two fold. First, I am incredibly grateful to be able to share the magic that horses can bring to people’s lives. Second, on a personal level, watching those relationships serves as a constant reminder of what matters most, both in horsemanship and in life. I was lucky to discover a therapeutic riding barn at age 14 and quickly signed up to volunteer both in the barn and as a side walker. At that point, I was also fortunate to have several horses of my own and involvement in lessons and local shows. I was able spend the next four years building a relationship with one specific participant at that center and see her growth in her confidence, physical and riding abilities, and communication with others. It also helped to remind me of the core of why I was riding, the relationship with the horses, being far more important than any ribbon in my own riding career. I had long known I wanted horses to stay a part of my life. Going into high school graduation; I also knew that equine assisted therapies and activities was something I need to keep as part of that journey.
When I was almost ready to certify, I met the previous ED of NTRC at a PATH Conference and we stayed in touch about an opening. I started teaching on a limited, unmounted basis during Covid, which only served to further drive home just how important the escape to time with horses is to everyone at the center. Similar to my original time as a volunteer, I have been able to watch many participants grow from those original unmounted, masked classes. Some are still riding with me on Wednesday evenings and have grown into wonderful young adults, some are now volunteers at the center helping others experience what they did, and others have moved on to other things in their lives while new individuals joined. But each one has taught me something about myself, horses, and life. I hope I am able to give them back a sliver of what they are adding to my life, although I hand all the credit for the full impact over to the horses!
The most recent change in my personal journey has been becoming a mom, and NTRC’s influence on that part of my life has been profound as well. I have been very grateful to expose my daughter to horses very early on (within the first week she was helping from the car as we pointed out blanket colors to myhusband in a snow storm, riding at 4 months old, and now at 15 months she enjoys walking along out fence line and barn aisle telling her horses “hiii!” grooming, leading, and “helping” with chores across the board)! As I watch the joy and sparks of what I hope is a lifelong connection beginning for her life; I am thinking of all the ways I hope these animals impact her and the lessons they bring can bring her through the ups and downs of life. This has added another level of “why” for me as an instructor. I have always known that in therapeutic riding we were serving not just the rider but an entire family, but I have a deeper appreciation and connection to that piece now: to the joy I know watching our riders’ happiness and growth brings to the families who love them deeply. This center means peace, growth, and a place of unconditional acceptance to so many staff, horses, participants and families, and my “why” is the privilege of being a small part of that.
