By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - People of all ages with disabilities will be able to take part in the Therapeutic Equestrian Center's programs.
The Therapeutic Equestrian Center is similar to the We Can Ride 4-H therapeutic riding program.
But unlike We Can Ride, the Therapeutic Equestrian Center won't be seasonal and will not have age limitations.
At 9 a.m., rain or shine, on Sunday, Oct. 9, the group will be having a volunteer round-up at their new home, the Four Flags Farm, in Buchanan. The farm is located at 11930 Red Bud Trail.
The Four Flags couldn't have been more perfect for the organization to choose, she said. It's a beautiful piece of property, which is centrally located in Berrien County, has easy access to the freeway, is in good condition, has the number of stalls the group needs, an indoor ring, and enough land for pastures, she explained.
Work will include general cleaning-up of the barn and grounds, as well as some garbage removal and sorting in the barn. Lunch will be provided.
Karnes said the goal for Sunday is to get as many people as they can to come out and get a little dirty and do some work.
In the future they are looking for volunteers for other projects; then when the center opens next year, they will need volunteers to be horse leaders and side walkers.
The group is also looking for people to serve on several committees which include: publicity, facility, fundraising and grant writing. They also need a volunteer coordinator, executive director and governing board members.
Volunteers would be making as much of a commitment as they would like to to the program. The first year will be spent getting the farm ready for the grand opening.
A lot of preparation has to be done at the farm; the riding program has to be established, instructors have to be hired and the business needs to be maintained, Karnes added.
For more information or to volunteer contact Therapeutic Equestrian Center members Mara Vergon at (269) 695-1380 or Vicki O'Neal at (269) 695-6308.