February Volunteer Spotlight!

A Fond Farewell to

Cheryl and Mike Mills!

Cheryl and Mike Mills have been dedicated volunteers for our program. Cheryl loves helping out with school groups, particularly Whigham, and has been a fixture with us for some time and Mike has joined her in helping out whenever he has been able to! We are so happy for them because they are moving closer to their family, but we are extremely sad to be losing their help around the barn and in our lessons! We know our herd will miss them too!

We are starting a new way of recognizing our volunteers, each month we will do a spotlight about them. Cheryl and Mike were kind enough to be our first spotlight and we love getting to share this as a fond farewell to them.

  • What motivated you to volunteer at Hands and Hearts for Horses?

    • Cheryl- As a special education teacher I had the opportunity to see first hand the impact that Therapeutic Horseback Riding had on my students. When I retired I chose to volunteer with HHH. It allows me the chance to interact with the student and adult riders, to work with incredible horses and the fantastic staff at HHH.

    • Mike- Opportunity to volunteer in a positive atmosphere with wonderful people.

  • Do you have a Hands and Hearts for Horses moment you can share? (Funny, heartwarming, meaningful, memorable, favorite, etc)

    • Cheryl- There are so many special moments at HHH but one of the most recent was hearing the delightful giggle of a student who was very reluctant to get on  her horse. As her lesson progress she became more and more relaxed and began to feel confident in her riding skills. While we were out on the nature trail she let out an authentic giggle and her face just lit up.

    • Mike- Seeing the smiles of students as they ride.

  • What's one piece of advice you would give a new volunteer?

    • Cheryl- Celebrate every accomplishment! What may seem to us like a small step may be like  winning the Derby to the student

    • Mike- Have an open heart.

  • How long have you been volunteering with Hands and Hearts for Horses?

    • Cheryl- On a regular basis 2 years.

    • Mike- about 6 months

  • Who is your favorite horse at Hands and Hearts for Horses and why?

    • Cheryl and Mike - IVAN. Most of the lessons we assist with utilize the talents and gifts of Ivan. He is a gentleman and such a loveable fellow.

Cheryl and Mongo

Cheryl leading Jagger for one of our school group riders!

Susie Shin