SLI Volunteers Sylvia Bauer, Katie Martinez, Ashleigh Simmons and Courtney Crossman with Volunteer Coordinator Marisa DeSalles, kneeling

What do Miss Teen Folsom, a championship Dressage rider, and the State Fair Grand Reserve Champion for eggs have in common? They’re all part of Project R.I.D.E.’s Summer Leadership Institute! This summer, Project R.I.D.E. developed a pilot program for highly motivated teen volunteers. In exchange for committing to spending 100 hours volunteering with us, the youth received special training and workshops, and were promoted after training to Leaders, who are in charge of the horse throughout our therapeutic riding lessons.

All extremely high achievers to begin with, the teen participants expanded their resumes this summer to include: producing a fundraising horse show that benefited Project R.I.D.E. with over $900; winning Champion in division while riding Arabian horses in dressage; and raising 33 Rhode Island Red hens whose eggs won Grand Reserve Champion in the State Fair! Individually and collectively they are simply wonderful young people, and it has been our pleasure to get to know them.

We could not be prouder of these young people. They represent our hope for the future of this country, and we are honored that they chose to spend time with us helping people with special needs achieve new heights.

This successful pilot will expand next summer. Inquire today about opportunities for teen volunteers in Summer 2010! ride@projectride.org