Being newly retired has its challenges. I’m taking another step toward my future. This past Wednesday, March 16th, I spent the day at Green Chimneys School in Brewster. I went with my friend Jean to see their Equestrian Therapy team with the intention of volunteering my services. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted with the day. The weather was no help at all. It rained most of the time we were there and we were in and out of the rain until an hour before we left. I met some amazing people there- some instructors, some interns, some volunteers and some students.
The concept behind Green Chimneys is Animal therapy for children. There are so many animals there that have been rescued or donated for this purpose. There are exotic animals such as llamas, an emu, eagle, and various owls as well as the common raven and crow. They have farm animals that include cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and ducks. In the Equestrian area they have many horses, as well as, miniature horses and donkeys.
I plan to offer my services in the Equestrian Barn. There I will help to take care of the horses by cleaning out their stalls, bringing them out to their outdoor pastures, grooming them for riding classes, and helping the students during the riding classes. I am a novice rider myself and I have a lot to learn in this new field that I have chosen. As I get more and more experience with the horses, I will be more comfortable with the daily chores.
I feel that it is a time in my life that I want to give back for all that I have. The students that I met were polite and respectful of both the teachers and the animals. It is amazing to see how their demeanor changes when they are with the horses. They are more relaxed and confident as they control these animals that are far bigger than they are. I learned a lesson in courage from a boy named Danny when I watched him ride the largest horse in the arena and he was the smallest in the group, only about 4 ft. tall. He looked like a “knight in shining armor” as he sat astride Jackson and commanded him around the course with such presence.
I think I have found my niche.
