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Our Volunteers

…you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.Friedrich Nietzsche

Our program could not survive without the dedicated volunteers who serve us. Typically, our volunteers say they get so much more back from their commitment than that which they give.  Our volunteers come from all walks of life.  Some are area high school and college students, some parents of special needs children, and some are individuals who would someday like to be PATH Certified Instructors.  Volunteers complete a comprehensive training program.  Training includes horse handling and side-walker responsibilities, equine management, safety procedures, PATH standards, and ongoing education with monthly training and in-service programs. The center’s program is always looking for volunteers to help with the sessions we provide, and to help with fundraising drives and special events. If you are interested please contact us to arrange a visit to observe our program. Call 802-426-3781 or e-mail us at Rhythmoftherein.1@gmail.com.

Here’s just a sampling of our more active volunteers:

Fran
Fran Spaulding joined us as a volunteer when working on a college project and has remained. She purchased Sassy two years ago allowing us to use her for some of our lessons and she has worked out stellarly.
Sue
Sue Walbridge became a volunteer as a way to recognize her mother’s experiences – a woman who lived her life with crutches and braces because of polio and commented the only time she was ever able to move with ease was when she was placed on the back of a horse. Sue goes above and beyond in supplying needed supplies for our special needs horses (Abe is a recovered foundered horse and needs special boots, many are on nutritional supplements and she is always sure they get their mandatory apples and carrots).
Sue

Photo of Sue and Stephanie
Sue Martin began volunteering at Rhythm of the Rein after taking an Introduction to Equine Therapy class, with Northern Vermont University.  She is spending her final semester as our Intern, focused on assisting our clients, learning about the herd and working on fundraising, social media and customer outreach programs. Our hope is Sue will become a cornerstone of our future plans to add Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Equine Guided Learning to our service offerings.
Stephanie O’Leary is a recently retired from 38 years as a state licensed school Speech/Language Pathologist. She received her AHA level II certification and is currently working on her PATH credentialing for therapeutic riding. Her insights as a SLP have been helpful in communication with our non verbal clients and says, “Rhythm of the Rein is a very special place with courageous clients and caregivers. I have learned so much from all of them! Central Vermont is very lucky to have such a resource in their community. 
Hayley

Hayley Duquette
I am an animal lover and I am always trying to find new ways to be around animals. I found out about Rhythm of the Rein through a friend. I was commenting about how much I wanted to be around horses in some sort of volunteering capacity, and she suggested I contact Dianne. I called Dianne and said, “Hi! I know nothing about horses or hippotherapy, but I’d love to volunteer!!!” Lucky for me, Dianne, Libby, Sue, Steph, and Beth were all willing to take a chance on me. They have all been so patient and kind. I am a full time college student right now, so I do not get to volunteer as much as I’d like, but I’ve learned so much already and I enjoy every moment with the horses, riders, and staff. Being able to assist riders in having such special and therapeutic moments with the horses and instructors has been extremely fulfilling. I knew nothing about this world and I’m so happy I stumbled across it.

Leonia
Leonia Pike – For the last 35 years I have worked with preschool children at Cabot School. I have always had a love of horses and a desire to help people. A few years ago I became interested in how equine therapy could help our differently abled population. With the encouragement of a friend, I called Dianne at Rhythm of the Rein and became a volunteer. Since then I have witnessed the lasting effects of equine therapy. It has brought joy for me and the clients. I’ve seen increased motor skills and mental health through the connection with both the horses and the compassionate professionals. My love and desire to help people has brought me a deeper appreciation and understanding for the remarkable folks and horses I have the honor of working with.