Dot started volunteering at CTRC in 2001 in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. “I thought individual acts of kindness could make the world a better place.” She’s been volunteering ever since, celebrating her 25th anniversary this fall. A retired nurse and a lifelong lover of horses, Dot has witnessed the profound healing power of CTRC firsthand. She recalled a young therapeutic riding student: “He was about three or four years old with Down syndrome and couldn’t walk due to very low muscle tone. When he first started therapeutic riding, all he could do was lie on the horse. Less than a year later, he was not only walking but sitting on the horse with his hands on his hips like a cowboy.” Dot smiled. “His mother couldn’t believe it.” Dot shared that when the family relocated to Ireland, the very first thing they did was seek out another therapeutic riding program.

When asked what makes CTRC special, Dot explained, “They don’t under-expect. Here everyone is always pushing,” not in a bad way, she clarified, “but always bringing out what a kid can do. I’ve seen many little miracles. They add up to big miracles for both the rider and the families.”

Dot retired at age 70 before COVID-19, and when the pandemic hit, she expanded her role to include morning turnout and mucking. Over the years, she has served as a sidewalker, horse leader, and barn buddy—previously to Bo and Callie, and currently to Saunder, a Norwegian Fjord.

When asked if she has a favorite horse at CTRC, Dot said, “I love them all. But I know Saunder best. Saunder is a real been-there, done that horse.”

Dot knows the personality of every horse at the farm, chatting with them as she works and asking affectionately, “Are you done? Are you finished? Did you lick the bowl?”

Leading Handsome to pasture one October morning, she noted, “Handsome doesn’t like to go first. He’ll stand there and plant his feet and cry. Soc likes to go first.” Because Handsome is sponsored by Nuggets fans, Dot makes it a point to update him each morning on how the team is doing. As she gave Handsome a pat, she told him Nikola Jokić is looking strong this season.

When asked what makes a good volunteer, Dot reflected, “I think being open to learning something new, being comfortable interacting with individuals with disabilities.” She added, “Willingness to make a commitment and follow through with the commitment.” For Dot, consistency is key: “Consistency is really important. Consistency builds confidence. You know you can do it. You’re there to do it. You do it.”

In 25 years, Dot has never missed a session—even during her late husband’s stroke and fight with cancer and her own broken knee.

“You get to be yourself here. This is therapy for me.” As Dot warmly puts it: “You get more than you give.”

Ready to make a difference? Whether you have experience with horses or are simply looking for a meaningful way to make the world a better place like Dot, CTRC welcomes dedicated volunteers to support our riders, care for our herd, and help create everyday miracles. Click here to learn more and apply to become a volunteer today!

You can also help fuel these everyday miracles by supporting our annual Paint the Pony campaign! Your donation directly funds horse care, rider scholarships, and vital therapeutic programs. Click here to donate to Paint the Pony and make an impact today!