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TRYON—Therapeutic Riding of Tryon, an all-volunteer equestrian program serving the special needs community, is seeking a few sturdy horses able to carry adult students weighing up to 175 pounds. 

“While we urgently need horses to mount a few adult students, we have students of all sizes, so let us know if you and your horse might be interested in volunteering with TROT,” organizers said. “The work is light. The impact is great.”

TROT lessons are held in the covered arena at the FENCE showgrounds in Tryon. TROT horses and owners volunteer for one or two hours once a week for ten weeks during our Spring and Fall sessions. Lessons are held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. 

Horses, usually led, are matched with riders, forming a team that works together for the entire session. Depending on the student’s needs, there may be two “side walkers” assisting. Most of the lessons are at the walk with some short periods of trot. 

The TROT Spring Session begins the week of March 10. 

“We are evaluating potential volunteer horses during January and February,” organizers explained. “Preliminary evaluations are scheduled at your farm. The next step is a group evaluation at FENCE’s covered arena, simulating a lesson environment.”

If you think you and your horse might be part of the TROT team, contact Summaiya D’Adamo at (828) 859-9021 or therapeuticriding@fence.org.