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Help Veterans Ride and more at SIRE Volunteer Training Aug 23

If you know about horses or would like to learn about them, come to SIRE volunteer training Saturday August 23rd at one of SIRE’s three sites, Hockley (northwest), Spring (north) or Richmond, Fort Bend (southwest). Volunteers will have a chance to work with certified instructors and riders with disabilities for the fall semester, starting September 9th.

Each rider relies upon one to three volunteers to be able to ride. Last year, SIRE provided 5,769 therapeutic riding sessions to 307 clients. Once at SIRE, volunteers also have the opportunity to learn more through free or discounted workshops and other training opportunities. Or just come and enjoy the quiet, county atmosphere, described as being “just like a spa” by one recent visitor.

Volunteers are needed at all locations and all times, including after school and Saturdays. Potential volunteers can find more information and sign up for training at www.sire-htec.org. Volunteers for the lessons must be 14 or older, must be able to walk for 45 minutes perhaps supporting a moderate amount of weight and able to jog for brief periods.

Stephanie Tamborello, chair of SIRE’s Friends and Family Committee says, “All you have to do is look into the faces of our riders and the story of their growth and joy unfolds. I am not sure any words can describe the tremendous experience it is to see a Iraq veteran, injured by a road bomb, ride and become stronger, more balanced, more confident he can make it! Or, see a litte girl who is autistic, ride for the first time fighting against getting on the horse and then, once up on the saddle, her face lights up and a smile appears. Wow, she was made for riding.”

Riders and their families get to know their volunteers and often form long-lasting friendships. Alex Calame has been riding with SIRE at the Spring site for several years. His dad John says, “He looks forward to meeting the volunteers every week, asking each one, “Where are you from?” Alex loves to trot. Alex has improved so much in confidence, self-esteem, attention, focus, and gaining friendships with riding.”

For those who cannot volunteer in the arena every week, there are opportunities to help with maintenance, office work, and on special event committees. 35% of SIRE’s support comes from special events. Suds, Scenes and SIRE will be taking place at the Alamo Drafthouse in the Vintage that evening, Saturday 23rd. All are welcome to join other supporters for dinner and the movie Hidalgo.

SIRE will also be holding an inaugural trail run along with its annual CGG Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-a-thon in Cat Spring on October 18. Not running or riding? You’re still welcome to enjoy live music and a barbecue in the family-friendly atmosphere of the historic family ranch, the 7IL.

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ABOUT SIRE

SIRE brings people with all sorts of disabilities together with horses so they can ride beyond – beyond limits, beyond dependence, and into fresh air, freedom and a lifelong, Texas-traditional sport.This nonprofit organization with locations in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend County provides therapeutic horsemanship to people ages 3 to 83 with varying developmental, physical, and psychological disabilities. SIRE has received a “Premier Accreditation” rating from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding International. Four of the 30 Master Instructors certified by PATH International world-wide serve riders and the profession full time at SIRE.

SIRE is actively seeking additional therapy horses. They must be emotionally mature, trained (in any discipline) and healthy. More information can be found at www.sire-htec.org under the tab, “You Can Help.”

For more information on SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, please visit www.SIRE-htec.org or call 281-356-7588.