Senior Katherine Ross has loved horses all of her life. She now has turned her passion into service by voluntering at the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Center in Clifton, Virginia. By paring mentally or physically disabled patrons with horses, she helps them to cope with the obstacles of life.

In what ways do you work with them?

We take care of the horses. We groom them, feed them, clean out the stables and tack them up before lessons  which means we put saddles on them and all of that stuff. Then you go through training to become a horse leader which means if a person can’t control a horse themselves we put a bridle on them, attatch a lead rope and lead them.We are also sidewalkers which is when a person is struggling to balance by themselves, two people will walk on each side of the horse and relay instructions and assure that they are holding the proper posture.We also do miscellaneous jobs around the stables if anything needs to be done.

How did you become involved in this? 

I used to horse back ride and I haven’t for a very long time. I saw an advertisement in the Washington Post because I was looking for volunteer oppurtunities for CAS (Community Action Service) hours. I thought this would be great. I could do volunteer work and do something that I have really loved ever since I was little.

Why don’t you horse back ride anymore? 

It’s too expensive. It is really expensive to own and maintain a horse. I don’t have the back yard for it. I would have to board it and pay those costs and shows and that kind of stuff. It just got too expensive.

How often did you used to ride horses?

Once or twice a week usually. I used to go after school. Middle school I think was the last time I had ridden and gotten lessons.

Where did you used to go ride? 

I rode at Woodlawn Stables first and then I moved to Congressional School which has stables as part of their school program so I rode there.

Why do you like horses so much?

I don’t really know. It started when I was a little kid. I remember having the stables and all the Barbie doll stuff. That was what I played with. My mom rode horses when she was younger too so I think I got a bit of that from her as well.

Do you find riding horses thereaputic to yourself? 

Yes I do. It is very calming. The horse feeds off of your emotions. So if you’re anxious they are going to be anxious because they look to you for guidance so it is soothing because you have to force yourself to be calm and relaxed and not think about stresses. It is also really good for your balance and your posture.

What is your best memory working at the Theraputic Riding Center? 

I think one of the best experiences working with the Riding Program so far has been when I volunteered over the summer. They do summer programs and camps and a lot of the kids come back for the series of five camps and there is this one little girl and she was really shy and really hesitant. She hated being in groups at the beginning and as the camp went on she was one the kids who did all five. But she just completely transformed. She was out going, she was friendly. She would interect with all the volunteers and all the campers. It was kind of just amazing to watch this little girl who had been so quiet, shy and so out of her element to become so comfortable with the horses and with herself.

How often do you volunteer?

I volunteer once a week. Right now it is on Sundays because it is the only time that I can but during the summer I volunteer in the mornings during camp and then twice a week as well.