Initially, I saw volunteering mostly as something I had to do to keep my scholarship at Tulsa Community College, Achiever's Program.  I put it off for months until finding a contact at church.  I set out to get 40 hours over with at ATRC.  Within weeks, the experience had changed my major and my life.  I pretty much just fell in love with the place.  I had never before worked with horses or individuals with special needs, but found it came natural to me.  I love working with horses, that is therapy for me.   A former graphic design student, I put in more than 300 hours as a volunteer before being hired at ATRC.  I now study therapy fulltime and plan to attend the University of Oklahoma.  Rachael - Tulsa, Oklahoma

You are never to old to stop learning!  Being here is such a blessing, ministering by giving back to others who truly benefit from the therapy they receive here at ATRC.  I use to ride horses but never had the opportunity to work with them.  I volunteered to work in the office and one day I asked if I could help with the horses.  A young lady (volunteer) said "you can help me".  I told her I didn't know much.  She informed I would be okay and feel like a pro at the end of the day.  I am young at heart and this volunteer was a younger lady.  I want you to know, she never made me feel inferior, she took her time showing me what to do and watching to make sure I knew what to do.  WOW, what a wonderful day!  I did feel like a semi-pro at the end of the day.  So if you've been thinking about volunteering, you don't have to know everything in order to help.  "Come on Down" you will love it.  Andrea - Sand Springs, Oklahoma

I am a Disabled American Veteran.  I use to sit home feeling sorry for myself.  One day I saw a poster wanted "Riders/Volunteers."  I thought that might be a good place to go,  wondering if it might help get me out of the slump I was in,  has it ever!  I wish I could volunteer more than the few hours a week.  It is so enjoyable watching individuals with special needs and seeing how they change.  It is like watching a wilted flower come to life.  Simply Beautiful!  Darlene - Sand Springs, Oklahoma

"Volunteers have a unique privelege to help kids get the health benefits of horseback riding at the American Therapeutic Riding Center.  We get to share the kids' happiness as they leave their wheelchairs behind and saddle up.  During their thirty minute rides we and the children talk, laugh, and play.  It's the one-to-one activity (and don't forget the horse!) which is so gratifying and leaves one wanting to do more.  Come to the ATRC arena for a couple of hours each week and you'll discover a whole new layer of fulfillment in your heart."  Sam P., Volunteer 2009 - Sand Springs, Oklahoma