Greg Strever, Volunteer
A year and a half ago my wife was having a rough time at work with her management. I was into a Facebook series that Mike Rowe (Dirty jobs) was doing to high light exceptional people in America. It was called returning the Favor. In one episode he high lighted a Therapeutic Equestrian ranch in the Phoenix area. My wife likes horses so I thought that this would help her to deal with the work issues. We found HORSEPOWER and have fell in love with program and the Horses. Now almost a year and a half later and we still get excited every time we get to go out there and volunteer.
HORSEPOWER came to me through another volunteer I knew, and has quickly become one of my favorite places to be. The students, instructors, and fellow volunteers have created such a comfortable, safe space to learn and teach.
Keelin Wolfe, Volunteer
I’ve always had a love of horses from a very young age. I didn’t have a lot of experience with them other than some riding here and there. But I’ve always longed to spend time with them somehow. After a divorce, and my only child leaving for college, I was left not knowing what my purpose was or what I would do with my time. I decided it was time for me, time to do something for myself that would also benefit others. I got in touch with HORSEPOWER and started cleaning stalls. Just to be in that atmosphere, being around the horses and making a nice clean space for them, and connecting with other people who were there for similar reasons to mine told me that I was in the right place. I am now a barn leader and a class leader and I absolutely love my time at there. Getting to know staff and other volunteers and the riders has been wonderful. They’ve all been so kind and patient with me as I am learning. Getting to know the horses and their personalities has been so amazing and rewarding. I am so grateful for the opportunity.
Sue Durant, Volunteer
I found HORSEPOWER in November of 2019 when I was going through a lot of transition and nothing felt solid or familiar. Very quickly HORSEPOWER became a part of my day to day and the people I meet felt like family. I am blessed to have found this place and these people that makes me feel so at home and the opportunities I have been given to grow.
Kat Doyle, Staff/Volunteer
I first volunteered at HORSEPOWER in 1999, I was 21 at the time. I volunteered for a couple years while in college trying to figure out how to begin my life and career! Being around their horses has always done more for me then I felt I ever did for the population this farm serves. But what equine therapy does for the population they serve is down right amazing. The horses that are chosen to participate are incredibly patient, calm and perfect. If your a horse person you know how tricky horses can be. Now I get the pleasure of volunteering with my 9 year old daughter in the barn on Saturday afternoons. She loves it and hopes to grow in the volunteer program to different responsibilities as she gets older. HORSEPOWER will always have a special place in my heart no matter where life takes me. They are an incredible organization that has made and will continue to make a positive difference in so many peoples lives. ❤️
Beth Norris, Volunteer
Riding at HORSEPOWER is my son’s favorite activity. We have been part of the HORSEPOWER family for over ten years. The developmental and social changes in my son, due to HORSEPOWER , have been tremendous. The only thing that he doesn’t like is not being able to ride everyday. We are grateful for the staff and volunteers that have poured their energy and love into not only my child but so many other children too. 😊😊😊
Maureen Carrey, Parent
My son has been doing lessons with HORSEPOWER since last summer. We heard about HORSEPOWER from a place where he did horseback riding lessons and horse camp at last year! He wanted to keep riding horses and we still wanted him to do horseback riding lessons because he is so good at it and they recommended HORSEPOWER since that place was closing down. Their instructors, volunteers and programs are awesome! When Blake rides a horse he is so compassionate and caring about the horse which is teaching him responsibility. He is so focused, he listens to the instructors and has a great time when he does his horse back riding lessons at HORSEPOWER ! Horse power lessons have built up his confidence and he loves riding so much! We are so grateful for HORSEPOWER therapeutic riding program and their facility is such a beautiful and amazing farm area for the horses. You can see that they are truly passionate and care about these amazing animals! I give HORSEPOWER a 5 star rating they are wonderful and so generous to the kids!
Ashley, Parent
My daughter, Addie has been riding at HORSEPOWER since around 1996. She would not miss her time at HP. We LOVE Miss Jean and her side walkers. So grateful to have this incredible place with incredible people.
Ila, Parent
Staff is great and my child is excited for his session every week. We have seen a big difference in him from when we began to now. I love how the horse he gets is the one that stays with him throughout, as he has built a great relationship with Ms. Sunshine. Highly recommend!
Brenda Tapia, Parent
HORSEPOWER has been such a blessing for our family. From the moment that Miss Colleen talked about riding horses in our backyards - our little girl was hooked. HORSEPOWER taught her confidence and all the skills she needed to become an independent rider. Miss Jean, Miss Colleen, Mikayla, and Miranda were all influential in Vivian's love for horseback riding. We have also built friendships that will extend far beyond the walls of the barn. HORSEPOWER has become family!
Amy, Parent
My daughter began going to HORSEPOWER about 2 months ago. We are extremely happy with the care and service we have received. The staff members are friendly, patient and professional. We look forward to returning in the fall.
Connie, Parent
Anna Johnson, Volunteer
I became part of the HORSEPOWER family in 2010. I have experienced first hand what the power of a horse can do in someone's life and have applied this experience to my work as a sidewalker, class leader, barn leader and barn assistant. My desire to help and impact the lives of others stems from the difference HORSEPOWER made in my life. As a child, I sometimes struggled with self-doubt. However, HORSEPOWER has helped me find and build a quiet perseverance, confidence, and hope in myself and in others. Seeing the smiles on the riders faces as I sidewalk with them in class brings me a joy that no amount of money could ever bring. Simply handing something to an instructor that he or she needs, or volunteering my time unexpectedly builds friendships that are more priceless than the rarest jewels. Feeling a horse's gentle breath as I groom him reminds me of the sacred relationship between a horse and a human and the transformation that relationship can give to both creatures. These simple moments in my Friday afternoons remind me of the treasure I have been given, of the beautiful responsibility I have undertaken. I can not save the whole world, but I can change the lives of individuals forever and that is enough for me. This is what HORSEPOWER has given me. It is something that I will always take with me wherever I go. Everyone matters and everyone is priceless and I can make a difference.
I have ridden at HORSEPOWER since I was four. Twelve years later, I still ride and now volunteer here as well. Each riding instructor I have had has taught me so much. The partnerships I have made with the eight special horses I have ridden is amazing and I will never forget them. They all have unique personalities and all of them helped me advance my riding skills. As a volunteer, I try to give everything to the rider that my volunteers always gave to me as a rider. While I am about to leave this amazing community, I will always treasure HORSEPOWER . I will always strive to give back to others what HORSEPOWER has given me: love and a sense of belonging. HORSEPOWER will always have a permanent place in my heart, and I will never, ever, forget this wonderful place.
Rachel Johnson, Volunteer
Hi! My name is Emily, and I am ten. I have been riding at HORSEPOWER for three years. My favorite horse is Cassie, my second favorite horse is Chloe, and my third favorite horse is Trader. Of course, Milo the barn cat is totally awesome! I have been volunteering with my mom and sisters for a long time. I like to muck stalls, help with hay, fill water buckets, sweep, and help Martina with any job she gives me. Have fun riding on the trails!
Emily Johnson, Volunteer