On a repurposed dairy farm in Ridgebury, Connecticut, magic happens every day. This is where Ridgebury Riders, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and individuals with special needs, turns therapy into joy through hippotherapy—occupational, speech, or physical therapy conducted on horseback.
“Horses are incredible partners in this work,” shares Haley Levesque, Program Coordinator. “Magical moments happen daily at the farm.”
The Healing Power of Horses
Horses bring a unique energy to therapy sessions. Their intuition allows them to sense emotions, providing comfort and connection, while their rhythmic gaits improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination.
“Horses can sense your emotions and offer you comfort, and you can do the same for them,” says Carol, a dedicated volunteer. “They are an incredible conduit for emotional connection. It is who they are as beings.”
For the children who visit Ridgebury Riders, therapy doesn’t feel like therapy. Instead of clinical settings, their sessions take place in a barn, a ring, and fields—all in the company of a gentle horse.
A Ride to Confidence
One of these children is four-year-old Landon, who lights up the ring as he completes exercises like retrieving toys and placing them in a mailbox, all while riding his horse. For Landon, every task is a playful adventure.
Nine-year-old Hayes is another story of transformation. Born with a genetic condition that restricts his airways which affects his energy and brain function, Hayes was referred to Ridgebury Riders. Within month his posture, endurance, and emotional regulation have improved remarkably.
“It’s helping him build confidence in himself, and he’s trying harder than ever before,” says Hayes’ mother, Nadia. “All day, he’s told he isn’t doing something right. Here, people believe in him and help him believe in himself.”
One day, Hayes experienced a truly magical moment:
“They encouraged him to lead a horse back to the barn on his own,” Nadia recalls. “Being able to do that independently filled him with such a sense of pride.”
Nine-year-old Hayes gets a high-five for a hands-free posting trot.
Volunteers: The Heart of the Mission
None of this would be possible without the volunteers who bring horsepower to every session. Each hippotherapy session requires a certified therapist and two volunteers—one to lead the horse and another to support the rider. With 35 clients and nearly 50 volunteers, Ridgebury Riders is powered by a diverse and passionate community, from high school students to retirees.
“I attribute much of our ability to attract such a wide range of volunteers to VolunteerMatch,” says Whitney Gearin, Program Coordinator. “It has played a huge role in recruiting people we wouldn’t have found otherwise.”
Take Paola, for example. She came across Ridgebury Riders through a VolunteerMatch. With no prior experience with horses, Paola was eager to try something new. She even brought her father along, and now they volunteer together every week.
“Everywhere I live, I find a new opportunity to volunteer through VolunteerMatch,” Paola shares. “It has been an incredible resource for me to connect with new communities.”
You Can Make Magic Happen
Volunteerism doesn’t just change the lives of those being served—it impacts their families and transforms the lives of those who give their time and energy. Ridgebury Riders is one of thousands of nonprofits across the country relying on VolunteerMatch to connect them with the people who make their missions possible.
When you donate to VolunteerMatch, you’re supporting these life-changing connections, ensuring magical moments happen for countless individuals brought together like Hayes, Nadia and Paola.
Join us in creating magical moments. Donate to VolunteerMatch today.
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Ridgebury Riders began in 2021, but already has a hugely successful volunteer program—take a deeper dive in what makes it work so well in our Q&A with Program Coordinator Haley Levesque.
