WATERVLIET — At the Therapeutic Equestrian Center Beth Drollinger, the volunteer coordinator, has seen people overcome tremendous obstacles alongside some very large four-legged friends, she said. 

The Watervliet-based nonprofit offers year-round horse riding activities and camps and serves adults and children with physical and mental disabilities, as well as veterans and active military members.

Whether overcoming their fears by learning to climb on the back of a horse or helping those with a physical disability learn to take their first tentative steps — these are just some of the many heartwarming things that Drollinger has witnessed — and a big reason she encourages others to volunteer with the program.

The center is currently in need of more volunteers to help out at the riding center across a variety of positions. There are volunteer opportunities available to work with the seven horses and riders during lessons, as well as some work behind the scenes including helping to crank out newsletters, clean the barn, assist during events or help to write grants or update the riding center’s website.

The benefits of being a volunteer are numerous, she said.

“They are just going to learn so much about what is in their community and the benefits that horses have,” Drollinger said. “Horses are very unique. They have their own personalities and to see that magic work in people is fascinating.”

Additionally, Drollinger said volunteer work with the horses is great exercise. She said volunteers have boasted that they shed pounds while volunteering. But the greater reward is also gaining a better understanding of the daily challenges that some of the center’s clients face and have the ability to overcome. 

“I have volunteers that come back and say, ‘I never realized what a disabled individual goes through to walk or communicate,’” Drollinger said. “It is a great teaching tool all around.”

All volunteers undergo training, so experience working with horses is helpful, but not necessary, Drollinger said. She recommended those who have passion for helping their community as ideal volunteer candidates.

Drollinger said volunteer hours are flexible and available between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. For those who cannot commit to regular hours, substitute positions are available.

“Once spring comes, we will have more riders and so the need really picks up a lot more,” Drollinger said.

She recommended that those interested sign up now so that they are more prepared during the center’s busier season.

The center is predominantly run by volunteers and so they play a large role in keeping the center operating and helps riders keep to a schedule and have the have the most amount of riding time.

“If we don’t have volunteers the rider does not ride,” Drollinger said. “If there are not enough volunteers we have to split the class in two. That has happened where I cannot find enough volunteers. It is hard on the instructor.”

Volunteer forms are available at the riding center’s website: tecfarm.org. Once completed, the forms can be mailed to the center at 615 N. M-140 in Watervliet, MI 49098 or emailed to Drollinger at  beth.drollinger@gmail.com. For more information, call (269) 932-5005.