Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center
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Volunteers --

We welcome you, one and all!

Volunteer Application
We were surprised, humbled and honored to learn that Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center has been selected to receive an Volunteer Program Champion Award in the “Nonprofit” category at Volunteer NH’s 2017 Spirit of NH Awards Ceremony!  We love what we do but we couldn't do it without all the donors and volunteers who help and support us.  Thank you!

Volunteer Training

Our Volunteer Training is back! 
​Call 603-746-5681 to reserve your spot!     
RSVP

Volunteer of the Month -- August 2020
​Jaclyn French

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Congratulations Jaclyn!  You have been chosen as August’s Volunteer of the Month!  

We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  Please tell us a little about why you volunteer.  You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK for you and a friend anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the Saddle!”
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  I learned about BITS through school. I needed volunteer hours and it seemed like a fun place to volunteer.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  December 2019.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS? I have loved horses since I was little and thought this would be a great place to learn more about them. I also love helping out with the community and thought this would be a great place to help out at!
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  Before COVID-19, I was doing barn chores and a side walker. Now I am doing barn chores and also learning to be a leader in lessons, which is super exciting!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? I love being around the horses and the other animals. I really enjoy other volunteers and hearing their stories. I also love the kids and watching them in their lessons.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? I like everything that I do here at BITS! One thing that is almost always a challenge is getting into/out of the mini paddock without Mr. Jingles escaping!
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS? BITS is a great place with a great cause and it’s a fun place to volunteer. When I first started coming, I knew nothing about horses and now I’m becoming a leader, so it doesn’t matter if you have experience around horses. It’s a very welcoming community!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? When I’m not in school, you can find me four wheeling with my family. You can also find me reading books or watching friends as much as I can.

Volunteers of the Month -- July 2020
​Carol & Todd Pontious

Congratulations Carol and Todd! 
You have been chosen as July’s Volunteers of the Month!


We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  Please tell us a little about why you volunteer,.  You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK for you and a friend anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the Saddle!”
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  We were looking for a pace to volunteer, and came across a post of yours on Facebook.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: Carol started in January 2020, and Todd was several weeks later.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  Several reasons:  the first time I ever heard about equine therapy, I fell in love with the concept.  Secondly, we believe helping people is good for the soul, and honors God.  Third, we want to have horses, and Todd doesn’t have much experience “horsing around!”  Fourth, being around the horses gives us something to look forward to, and is calming after a hectic week.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  Whatever is needed!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Todd says, “Everything!”  For Carol, it is seeing the young rider in the class every week and watching him improve.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Leaving… we would stay several more hours if we didn’t have other responsibilities.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  We would like everyone to please consider donating time/money to this wonderful therapy center!  They help both children and adults, with many different needs, through the love and trust of caring for a horse.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?   We have apple and pear trees, and a small vegetable garden.  There are blueberry and raspberry bushes, and rhubarb.  We also have (it seems like) miles of flower gardens, and flowers along the borders of the lawn.  It takes a lot of care.  Carol cooks and bakes for church functions.  Todd works full time.  We enjoy target practice and campfire cooking.
​

Volunteer of the Month -- June 2020
​Jonna Stathes

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Congratulations Jonna! You have been chosen as June’s  Volunteer of the Month  

We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  Please tell us a little about why you volunteer.  You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK for you and a friend anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the Saddle!”
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS: Google search 
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: 2 years ago if my memory doesn't fail me. 
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS? I have had horses as a part of my healing since I was younger and I truly believe they connect with us on a special level. I'm honored now to be a part of the therapeutic process. 
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I feed, muck stalls, exercise the ponies and help with the children's lessons. 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? The mission that everyone here believes in creates an amazing group of people! 
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? I'm a sissy when it comes to winter but we can't schedule summer all year. Haha 
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS? Volunteer here! It will help you be a part of something wonderful for children and teach you so many personal lessons. 
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I manage a restaurant, ride horses, travel and hike.

Volunteer of the Month -- April 2020
​Riché Colcombe

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Congratulations Riché on being April’s Volunteer of the Month!  
We’d like to once again recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many changes to the way BITS operates, and we appreciate how hard you’ve been working behind the scenes during this time.  You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK for you and a friend (at 6’ distance!) anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the saddle!”  
And THANK YOU!
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  From Ticia Blanck, who is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist from Henniker. She knew I wanted to volunteer and had nice things to say about BITS.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:   May 30, 2018… We built the goat pen on my first day.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  I had been working in an office / corporate environment for more than 30 years.  My goal was to find an organization where I could volunteer and feel good about my time. I enjoy being outdoors, I love horses, and I love kids.  When Ticia mentioned BITS, I felt it was a good fit for me.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? Because of the excessive heat and humidity and the need to wear a mask, regrettably, I have had to take a break from helping with lessons; I miss my time with the horses and the clients. In addition to being the Treasurer of the Board of Directors, I continue to perform all the accounting and day-to-day bookkeeping needs, including processing our monthly billing and weekly payroll. Since COVID19 has changed our lives so  much, my focus for BITS shifted to finding the appropriate resources to assist us financially. I was able to acquire the PPP funding to support our payroll and rent needs for a ten-week period.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? It’s not just one part, but rather the whole experience. 
  • The friends I’ve made and I enjoy the people that I spend my time with at BITS.
  • I love working with the horses. It has been great therapy for me too. It was just what I needed after leaving a very stressful career.
  • It’s great seeing how the horses quickly change the mood of the clients (and volunteers). 
  • I love seeing the increased confidence and skill level of the clients. 
  • I appreciate watching and learning from Melissa; she’s very patient and positive with the clients. And, she’s great with the animals.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Working in the heat and humidity. I’ve never handled the heat well and prefer the colder weather.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?   Stop in for a visit. Consider becoming a volunteer, or sign-up for one of our programs.  Come see the how the horses personalities acclimate to the client’s needs. Working with BITS has been a very rewarding experience for me. The added personal bonus of volunteering is that it has helped me far beyond what I ever expected.
It’s a wonderful organization with great people supporting it. I find the knowledgeable staff to be very encouraging, warmhearted, compassionate and patient with the clients (and the volunteers).
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  I’ve more or less become a full-time volunteer.  You will find me volunteering with many other organizations such as: The Greater Hillsborough Senior Services, NH Special Olympics, Greater Hillsborough Area Chamber of Commerce, InTown Concord, and more. I’m a NH Granite State Ambassador. I’m an Alternate Trustee with the Fuller Public Library. And, I am currently running for a NH State Representative seat in District 38, Hillsborough County. I share my life with Marc, my husband of 31 years, and my two dogs (Boomer & Lincoln).  I love to hike, bike, ride our ATV’s, go snowmobiling, ski, etc. If it’s an outdoor fun activity, then I’m usually up for it. ​


Volunteer of the Month -- March 2020
​Lexi Guimond

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Congratulations‌ ‌Lexi, on being!‌ ‌ ‌March’s‌ ‌ ‌Volunteer‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Month‌!

We’d‌ ‌like‌ ‌to‌ ‌recognize‌ ‌your‌ ‌valued‌ ‌contribution‌ ‌to‌ ‌BITS,‌ ‌and‌ ‌let‌ ‌others‌ ‌be‌ ‌inspired‌ ‌by‌ ‌your‌ ‌generous‌ ‌nature.‌ ‌Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌us‌ ‌a‌ ‌little‌ ‌about‌ ‌why‌ ‌you‌ ‌volunteer.‌  ‌COVID-19‌ ‌has‌ ‌forced‌ ‌many‌ ‌changes‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌way‌ ‌BITS‌ ‌operates,‌ ‌and‌ ‌we,‌ ‌unfortunately,‌ ‌have‌ ‌been‌ ‌rather‌ ‌tardy‌ ‌in‌ ‌awarding‌ ‌this‌ ‌honor‌ ‌to‌ ‌you.‌  ‌You‌ ‌can‌ ‌schedule‌ ‌a‌ ‌ONE‌ ‌HOUR‌ ‌RIDING‌ ‌LESSON‌ ‌OR‌ ‌GROUND‌ ‌WORK‌ ‌for‌ ‌you‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌friend‌ ‌(at‌ ‌6’‌ ‌distance!)‌ ‌anytime‌ ‌over‌ ‌the‌ ‌next‌ ‌thirty‌ ‌days...see‌ ‌you‌ ‌“Back‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌saddle!‌ ‌ ‌
And‌ ‌THANK‌ ‌YOU!‌ ‌
Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌us:‌ ‌
HOW‌ ‌YOU‌ ‌LEARNED‌ ‌ABOUT‌ ‌BITS:‌ ‌ ‌I‌ ‌had‌ ‌heard‌ ‌about‌ ‌it‌ ‌through‌ ‌other‌ ‌people‌ ‌and‌ ‌friends‌ ‌and‌ ‌decided‌ ‌it‌ ‌would‌ ‌be‌ ‌a‌ ‌great‌ ‌place‌ ‌to‌ ‌volunteer.‌ ‌ ‌
WHEN‌ ‌YOU‌ ‌BEGAN‌ ‌VOLUNTEERING:‌ ‌ ‌2019‌ ‌
WHY‌ ‌DID‌ ‌YOU‌ ‌DECIDE‌ ‌TO‌ ‌VOLUNTEER‌ ‌AT‌ ‌BITS?‌ ‌I‌ ‌love‌ ‌horses‌ ‌and‌ ‌I‌ ‌figured‌ ‌if‌ ‌I‌ ‌could‌ ‌help‌ ‌out‌ ‌and‌ ‌be‌ ‌around‌ ‌horses‌ ‌it‌ ‌would‌ ‌be‌ ‌a‌ ‌good‌ ‌fit!‌ ‌ ‌
WHAT‌ ‌DO‌ ‌YOU‌ ‌DO‌ ‌AT‌ ‌BITS‌ ‌ETC‌ ‌NOW?‌ ‌ ‌Volunteer-‌ ‌barn‌ ‌chores‌ ‌
WHAT‌ ‌IS‌ ‌YOUR‌ ‌FAVORITE‌ ‌PART‌ ‌OF‌ ‌VOLUNTEERING?‌ ‌I‌ ‌love‌ ‌that‌ ‌everyone‌ ‌at‌ ‌BITS‌ ‌is‌ ‌always‌ ‌so‌ ‌kind‌ ‌and‌ ‌that‌ ‌the‌ ‌horses‌ ‌are‌ ‌a‌ ‌joy‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌around.‌ ‌ ‌
WHAT‌ ‌IS‌ ‌YOUR‌ ‌LEAST‌ ‌FAVORITE‌ ‌PART‌ ‌OF‌ ‌VOLUNTEERING?‌ ‌n/a‌ ‌
WHAT‌ ‌INFORMATION‌ ‌WOULD‌ ‌YOU‌ ‌LIKE‌ ‌TO‌ ‌SHARE‌ ‌WITH‌ ‌OTHERS‌ ‌ABOUT‌ ‌BITS?‌ ‌It’s‌ ‌a‌ ‌great‌ ‌place‌ ‌to‌ ‌volunteer‌ ‌because‌ ‌the‌ ‌reward‌ ‌of‌ ‌seeing‌ ‌riders‌ ‌show‌ ‌up‌ ‌excited‌ ‌and‌ ‌ready‌ ‌to‌ ‌ride‌ ‌makes‌ ‌my‌ ‌day!‌ ‌ ‌
WHAT‌ ‌DO‌ ‌YOU‌ ‌DO‌ ‌WHEN‌ ‌YOU‌ ‌ARE‌ ‌NOT‌ ‌HERE?‌ ‌ ‌Go‌ ‌to‌ ‌my‌ ‌barn‌ ‌as‌ ‌much‌ ‌as‌ ‌possible!‌ ‌




Volunteer of the Month -- February 2020
​Kendall Harris

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Congratulations Kendall on being February’s Volunteer of the Month!
 
We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  Please tell us a little about why you volunteer.  You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK for you and a friend anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the Saddle!”
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS: I learned about BITS a few years ago through my mom who knew Melissa from the gym.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: November 2019
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS? I needed to do community service for school, and I was interested in the therapeutic riding program and have always love horses so I thought BITS would be a great experience.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I do the evening chores and chase Boots when needed.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Being with and taking care of the horses
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? I don’t have a least favorite part, I enjoy being there.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS? I look forward to going to BITS because of the well-run program that lets kids enjoy themselves and have fun while being involved with animals and the outdoors.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I go to school at Bishop Brady, ride my own horse, and spend time at the farm my horse is boarded at.

Volunteer of the Month -- January 2020
Madison Abarca

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Congratulations, Madison on being chosen as January’s
Volunteer of the Month!
 
We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  Please tell us a little about why you volunteer.  You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK for you and a friend anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the saddle!  
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS: My mom found it online
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: June 2018
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  I decided to volunteer to help the community and to work with horses.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I help feed and care for the horses and animals, I help with lessons, I exercise horses, and I help with any “special” events or camps that I can go to. 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Working with the instructors and other volunteers and getting to know them. 
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?
[no answer!]
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  BITS is just a really wonderful place to go and I always feel welcomed there. They also have tons of opportunities for people. 
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  Go to school, work, hang out with my school and barn friends and ride my ponies.

Volunteer of the Month -- December 2019
Richard Barbalato

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CONGRATULATIONS, RICHARD!  We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  Please tell us a little about why you volunteer.
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  Donna Rafdal, a friend of Pauline’s.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: April 2019
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  I was looking to do something like this for a while and, after going to a Saturday training session, I knew it woud be a great place to volunteer.
 WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  Mostly horse handling, but I do barn chores and small repairs as well.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Working with the very nice staff and the other volunteers and keeping the horses in shape for the clients.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Whenever our four-legged friends have medical issues, which is not often.  But, when it does occur, they get the best of care and loving attention.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  It’s a great place to be.  Where clients – and yes, horses – get mental and physical improvements they are in need of.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  I enjoy our awesome house in the woods with my wife, ride horses (of course), run my small business, make firewood and, in general, enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

How to become a Volunteer

1)  Contact us by phone 603-746-5681, email (info@bitsetc.org) or by this website.  Let us know how you would like to help!

2)  Download our Volunteer Application form.  
Complete the form and send it to us.

3) Contact us so we can schedule you for a Volunteer Training session.  We can train you for working with the horses or barn chores - whichever you prefer.

4)  Other questions?  Call us!


Currently Looking For:

  • Horse leaders and handlers for astride lessons
  • Horse handlers for exercise (need riding experience and to pass riding test)
  • Grounds work - trail development
  • Office support (knowledge in basic filing, copying, faxing, word crafting)
  • Outreach (Board of Directors, web site and Facebook presence, email connections, twitter)
  • Grant writers, Fundraisers, Event organizers

We have supervision for students in need of community service hours.  No previous horse experience necessary... training supplied; documented volunteer hours, and a welcome campus at which to serve.  We have something for anyone who wants to help us in our mission of getting them all "back in the saddle" and onto life's happy trails.  Come be here when it happens!

Volunteer Opportunities

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There are numerous volunteer opportunities here at BITS.  Horse leading and sidewalking for classes, barn chores, cleaning the grounds, gardening, and more.  There's plenty to do on the farm - even if you're not inclined to work with the horses.

Volunteers age 14 and up help provide  safe and effective therapy sessions for our clients.  No previous horse experience necessary, training provided.  Leaders, side-walkers, and spotters may be required during astride lessons.

Minimum of 2 hour commitment once a week, for our four week sessions.  Come help us get them "back in the saddle" and on life's happy trails!


BITS Journey

I have loved horses my whole life.  My earliest memories are riding my friends pony in their field.  I also remember meeting a Boston Mounted Police Officer. He was gracious enough to let an awed little girl sit on his police horse.  I took riding lessons through my high school years. Riding was set aside as I moved through college, marriage and children. When the kids were old enough I began looking around for somewhere I could volunteer with animals.  By accident I ran into a woman who told me her child was participating in a riding therapy course. The idea of volunteering for one of those facilities took hold and I began to research locations fairly near to me that offered riding therapy.  There was BITS just waiting for me. I contacted the owner, Pauline. She was very nice and invited me to come and see the place. I got a guided tour, met several of the staff and agreed to take the volunteer course they offered. The course was informative and when I finished I was invited to come and join the team.  I have been at BITS for about 6 years. At first I simply was the person who led the horse for the individual riders. As time went on the staff learned I was a rider and I began to exercise the horses as needed. Then I progressed to working the horses prior to lessons. The horses are wonderful. Kind, loving and hard working.  Just like the staff. I have helped many different clients with many different needs. I am constantly amazed at the impact these horses make on all who meet them. I am rather a “whatever needs to be done” person now. I am thrilled that the instructors ask for and use my opinions. My one disappointment is that I can only be there a few hours a week.  BITS provides a wealth of assistance to any and all who need it. I am honored to be a part of this organization.
Thank you,                                                                                                                                                  Meredith (Meri) Hirtle

Another Happy BITS Volunteer

What a great opportunity for a newly retired school teacher and horse enthusiastic to combine these two skills to come to BITS and to have a great time with young children and horses! If only I had thought of this 40 years ago this would have been my profession. Anyhow, I love coming to BITS and working with the children and now that I'm retired as a middle school teacher I have really missed working with children.  I've also had to learn some new skills...like how do those bitless bridles go on! Still working on my mastery of that. I love working with the horses and getting to develop relationships with them and all the absolutely amazing people at BITS. It is a gift to be able to volunteer at BITS! Thank you, Melissa, for reaching out to me to see if I would be interested! WAHOO! Yes I love coming to BITS!

​Edie Perkins
Back In The Saddle
Equine Therapy Center
334 College Hill Road, Hopkinton, NH 03229
603-746-5681   •   info@bitsetc.org