K-State students are very involved with the community, and the Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center in Manhattan had some special guests Saturday. Program Coordinator and Barn Manager Tre Holmes talks about the students.
He said Saturday was about honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s. Day of Service but noted that K-State students are often at the ranch volunteering. Holmes says riding lessons at the ranch are available for all ages and abilities. When asked if the horses help with physical or emotional needs, Holmes responded:
He says therapy horses can help people cope with feelings, learn trust, gain confidence, overcome fears and communicate better. Senior Eden Brockman, a journalism major at the Staley School of Leadership Studies, was helping at the ranch.
The program is run through Bill Snyder. It offers leadership development training and volunteer opportunities to seniors on campus. Brockman was mucking stalls Saturday.
Holmes also had the students sweep the barn, and groom the horses. Later he assigned them to get some equine quality time. For information about services or to volunteer for the Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, go to: hoperanchKS.org
