“I’ve volunteered since 2019 and feel I get as much – if not more – out of the program as its participants.”

Sally Chatelaine, Patterson Companies trainer in our HR department, uses her VTO time to volunteer at Majestic Hills Ranch (MHR) in Lakeville, Minnesota. MHR offers equine-assisted services for children and adults with special needs and injured military personnel.

“I’ve volunteered since 2019 and feel I get as much – if not more – out of the program as its participants,” Sally said.

The equestrian activities help participants achieve their cognitive, physical, psychological and communication goals. These goals are different for each participant and each participant has varying levels of need.

“Our goal as volunteers is to ensure they have a fun and safe lesson. I love the conversations I have with our participants – even those who are nonverbal,” Sally said.

“I also love working with the horses. We bring in the horses for each session and groom them. If they get a new program horse, we help introduce it to the program without a rider. We also help with other work, such as getting the horses ready for a new session, helping with saddle-fitting and cleaning up the ranch.”