NORTH ANDOVER — For horse lovers at heart – Windrush, a therapy horse farm in North Andover, has many opportunities for volunteers to enjoy spending time with their favorite animals while making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
Many people grew up with horses, but now have less opportunities to spend at a horse farm! That is not the case at Windrush, where people with horse experience are welcome as horse handlers to lead the horses in the therapeutic riding classes. Windrush offers training to become a horse handler and this is a fabulous way to stay fit.
“It is such a joy to see the clients progress and know that I am contributing to this progress” says Camilla Rich, a long-time volunteer. “I have fun being with the horses and the riders, I get my exercise and a great feeling of satisfaction, and I enjoy being on a horse farm!”
Windrush also needs side walkers who walk beside the horses and assist the clients with their riding exercises. This is a perfect opportunity for people who would like to spend time with horses, but do not have horse experience. Windrush also offers ground programs (unmounted) for clients with dementia or for those struggling with anxiety and/or depression and volunteers can assist the clients in these heart-warming classes.
A relatively new program called Readers and Riders serves disadvantaged youth from Lawrence, ponies provide the motivation to improve reading skills. Windrush is looking for someone with teaching skills to help in the reading part of this program, which takes place on Wednesday afternoons.
People who do not have time for a weekly volunteering commitment would be very welcome to help with grounds work, gardening or even cleaning tack on ad hoc basis! Yes, there are some wonderful people who enjoy doing these things!! In addition, every year Windrush Farm holds its annual fundraising Gala in the Fall and would appreciate volunteers to help secure sponsorships.
Volunteers make it possible for Windrush Farm to serve up to 150 clients a week.
Please visit Windrushfarm.org or send an email to volunteer@windrushfarm.org for more information.
Founded in 1964, Windrush Farm is located on the North Andover/Boxford line. Windrush offers high-quality equine-assisted services to children and adults facing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Windrush is one of the oldest, and largest therapy horse farms in the United States.