You might call it hope, help, and horse sense. Libby’s story is an excellent example of how therapeutic benefits affect all program participants at Forward Stride.

Libby’s involvement with Forward Stride began just a year ago. In that short time, she has already become a valuable member of our volunteer team and has created many meaningful relationships with both participants and horses. Read how Forward Stride has, in turn, become a place of community for Libby.

Most people do not know this, but I suffer from social anxiety. Even before the pandemic I was scared to go outside around other people. COVID only multiplied that tenfold. I did not know if I would be able to volunteer. If I could handle the schedule and responsibility. Yet I wanted to try. I wanted to be able to help, to do something in even the smallest way. And I desperately missed being around horses after spending the majority of my life training and riding them. 

I’m now approaching a whole year volunteering at Forward Stride and I’ve never regretted my decision to finally step outside. I’ve met amazing people and horses who have helped not only me, but many clients. It’s been great to see the growth of students’ abilities along with my own.