Julie’s journey with the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is one of dedication, resilience, and heart. A retired educator with a lifelong love of horses and experience supporting people with disabilities, Julie found CTRC while searching for a meaningful volunteer opportunity. After touring the center, she recalls thinking, “This is really a match.” The combination of the horses, the participants, and the sense of community drew her in—and has kept her coming back ever since.

At CTRC, Julie volunteers in a variety of roles. She serves as a horse leader and sidewalker in lessons, helps train new volunteers, participates in the schooling and conditioning team, and even cares for herd member Handsome as a barn buddy. Beyond these hands-on responsibilities, Julie brightens the center in countless ways—planning events, decorating for the seasons, and bringing snacks to keep the volunteer team energized.

For Julie, volunteering at CTRC is about more than just tasks—it’s about purpose and connection. “You come in and you have such a sense of purpose,” she says. “You’re helping the facility, the participants, and the horses. It’s a win-win. The teamwork between participants, volunteers, staff, and parents is just wonderful to be a part of.” She also finds the work therapeutic for herself, noting that grooming horses, mucking stalls, and assisting in lessons provides its own kind of healing.

The greatest reward, Julie says, is seeing the growth and joy of the participants. She remembers one young rider who, at first, refused to get on the horse and would cry during lessons. “We kept working with him, and after just two sessions, he was riding without even needing a sidewalker. He became one with the horse. That’s the best kind of reward for me.”

Julie’s commitment to CTRC only deepened when she was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after beginning her volunteer work. She continued to volunteer throughout her treatment, scheduling her appointments around her time at the center. “Volunteering at CTRC was my reward for getting my treatments,” she reflects. “It gave me motivation to keep going. Just knowing what these kids and adults are going through and what we have to offer them here is so powerful. I have grown personally since starting to volunteer.”

Through her tireless dedication, warmth, and joy, Julie embodies the spirit of CTRC. She not only helps create life-changing experiences for participants but also uplifts the volunteers and staff around her. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of giving back—both for those who receive and those who serve.