Nick Doria
Volunteer Coordinator
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Hi All,
I hope that this email finds you all well. This week is National Volunteer Week and I wanted to take a minute to tell you just how much everything that you all do for RTT means to all of us here. I know that the last month has been very tough on us all and one thing that has kept me going is thinking about a time when we can all be together again. I also wanted to share
this speech
written by DJ Cronin, volunteer services manager at Uniting Care in Queensland Australia. Stay Safe and I look forward to seeing you all again.
~Nick
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Featured Horse of the Week... Luke
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A horse who needs no introduction... Luke! Luke is a 25 year old Haflinger who has been with us at RTT for over 14 years! Luke is an incredibly versatile riding horse who knows just how to support and challenge his riders as needed. So many people have had the opportunity to ride Luke and learn from him over the years, from first rides to learning to canter. No matter the situation he is a dependable partner and teacher for riders, volunteers, and instructors alike. He always brings a sense of humor to lessons with his playful nature and big personality. Luke has been enjoying a well deserved break during this strange time but he is definitely missing his job and all of the people who love him!
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Luke shares thoughts his with you...
Hay, it's me, Luke! I figured it was my turn to be in the spotlight since I'm one of the most reliable and busiest horses on the farm. Even before I came to RTT, I was a therapeutic riding horse at another barn. I like to think that makes me a leading expert in the field (ha). Even though I'm a pro, I still like to have fun and I always try to make everyone laugh. You might find me ‘dancing’ (or peeing) on the crossties, playing with toys, or just hanging out with my best bud, Orion (and I guess Lucky too…). I’m pretty well known around the farm for my circus tricks - I love to get up on my pedestal, play with the big green ball, and sometimes be an escape artist... I can’t wait to get back to hanging out with my people but in the meantime I'm working hard on lots of naps and sunbathing!
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Color
Luke
on his Pedestal!
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Volunteers in the Spotlight
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RTT was founded by volunteers. Through our 27 year history, our volunteers have been the backbone of our program. Volunteers make everything possible from helping in barn and with horse care, to lessons, office functions and special events. Volunteers are truly the soul of RTT! Thank you!!
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Betty Robinson:
Betty has been a lesson volunteer at RTT for 2 years. She has been an invaluable resource in her lessons and she is fantastic with the school groups!
"Volunteering at RTT means learning new things, contributing to tangible good work, meeting different people, and feeling valued. You get to see the light in children’s eyes and learn how to “be with horses” in a whole different way. You feel the connections amongst us all in such delightful, energizing ways. What a gift!"
- Betty
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Jack DiPaolo
: Jack is a volunteer in the barn at RTT. He has been volunteering for just about a year and in that time, Jack has been an enthusiastic and welcome presence on the farm.
"Hi, I’m Jack, grateful RTT volunteer since May 2019. You may have seen me stomping around under a big brown hat, working intently, croaking out a country/western tune, or just talking to the horses. I love being there! For me it’s a calming, healing place and I get to help support such a great group of people and such an altruistic cause. If I’m having a bad day I remember that I get to see Mattie’s timpel-caked face, looking like she just ate peas in a high chair. I think could watch Otis standing in the sun for hours! Or I could spend a few minutes just breathing deeply and slowly next to Sammy, Abby or Andy. I think I sag a whole six inches when I see that bottom lip wagging, and I think to myself…this is definitely for me!"
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Jodi Peasley
: Jody has been volunteering at RTT for many years. She helps in an administrative support capacity and she is invaluable for her work with events!
"Volunteering for RTT is rewarding mentally and physically. Seeing riders do things they were told they would never be able to through the magic of horses is not something I can put in words. You have to see it for yourself. The smiles, the success of getting back mobility, speech and so much more! It is my 2nd home and my family!! RTT gives me purpose and hope. I really would encourage someone with extra time to come visit the farm (when it opens again) and see for yourself. Sign up to volunteer and be part of the RTT family." - Jodi
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Liz Wood:
Liz is a long time RTT volunteer who is involved with TR and driving lessons. She is part of the volunteer driving lesson group and she LOVES Babe!
"I totally enjoy driving, but what I like the most is seeing the faces of clients. At first there is a little fear and then the smiles - some clients seem independent at that moment!"
- Liz
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Bryony Urquhart:
Bryony has been a volunteer at RTT as a horse leader and schooler for 10 years. Her humor, warmth and love for what she does are infectious.
"It is a privilege to volunteer at RTT. To be part of the magic that happens between clients and horses is so special, nothing like it!!! And the added bonus of being on RTT's schooling team is so much fun!"
- Bryony
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Lina Jordan:
At 16, Lina is one of our younger volunteers. She has been at RTT in one capacity or another since she was just 5 years old! Now, Lina volunteers in riding and driving lessons, helps with horse schooling and rides in one lesson a week.
"For me volunteering at RTT is an opportunity to give back to the community; I love being able to see a student's smiling face after they have reached one of their riding goals, or made a connection with their horse."
- Lina
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Thank you for all that you do!!
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Share
what you've been up to during these extraordinary times. We'd love to share your favorite recipe, outdoor activity, or project with the rest of the team!
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'Thank You' from Home
Since we can't be together this Volunteer Appreciation week, we hope that you will make your volunteer(s) a
thank you card
or a thank you video. Use our template or create your own. Send a picture of your card, or video to
Kate,
and we will pass it on to your volunteers! You can also mail a card to us at:
Riding To The Top
14 Lilac Drive
Windham, Maine 04062
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Rider & Driver Exercises at Home
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Here are
three great stretches
that can be done anywhere. These stretches are good for riders, drivers, or staying limber while at home!
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Continuing Education for Volunteers
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Long Lining...
You may have seen us long lining some of RTT’s horses in lessons and wondered why. In this
brief video
, Sarah explains the benefits to both horse and rider from long-lining. Interesting fact: training for many young horses begins with long-lining! Send us an
email
if you have questions about long lining!
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Zoom with us
**NEW THIS WEEK**
This week we are piloting one-on-one zoom sessions for those who are more comfortable in a private setting. You might read a book, sing a song, or show off something you've been working on while you've been home. The zoom session is 20-30 minutes (or less!) and you may request which horse you would like to be with. At this time we are offering very limited appointments with the goal to add more in the future. Please use this
Google Form
to select a time. If there are no times left please make a note where indicated that you are interested in this service and we will work to set something up!
Follow us on Social Media
Send us an e-mail
We want to
hear from you
! Tell us what you want to see from us, or just send us a hello!
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Shopping from home? Shop for RTT!
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