April 2023: Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown, our Volunteer of the Month, has been a part of the Stride Ahead volunteer force since 2016. Over the years she has worked in many areas at the barn including “stall angels” (which help with horse turn out and stall mucking), rainy day walker, Blanketeer and weekend volunteer.
One of Lisa’s first experiences at Stride Ahead was with a four year old, nonverbal rider with a great smile and always joyful, It was always fun to see him enjoy the ride whether lying down across the back of the horse or riding backwards. One day during the holidays this rider was particularly rambunctious and making some loud noises. To make sure the horse stayed calm one of the volunteers began singing holiday tunes and to everyone’s amazement all went quiet. Going forward his father would send music to play on his phone that volunteers carried along on each lesson. That experience taught Lisa how lovely it can be when volunteers help make horses and riders peaceful and happy so they can both enjoy the ride.
For Lisa the best part of volunteering with Stride Ahead is the camaraderie with other volunteers and knowing that one is making a big difference with the riders. It provides a great opportunity for both young and older folks and a wonderful confidence builder for both rider and volunteer – new friends, teamwork and relaxing horse time are all good for the soul. By her second year of volunteering Lisa got the itch to begin riding again. After taking some lessons she acquired a group of fellow riders to travel with on horseback riding adventures.
Lisa says she’s so glad she took the step to get involved with Stride Ahead. It’s been a very fulfilling experience and she hopes to continue for a long time. Her commitment is a shining example of what volunteerism looks like at Stride Ahead.
Thank you, Lisa, for being a Stride Ahead Volunteer!
Thank you, Lisa!
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Lisa and all of our wonderful volunteers who make Stride happen, thank you.
