Every Wednesday morning, regardless of the chill in the air or the frost on the ground, dedicated volunteers from our Columbia-Greene DCOP group head out to the stables at Destiny’s Ride. For two individuals in the program, Amanda and Jade, these trips represent much more than just chores. They are a testament to personal growth, hard work, and the powerful bond between humans and horses.
Destiny’s Ride, a nonprofit dedicated to horse-assisted activities, provides a unique environment where individuals can build confidence and learn new skills. For Amanda and Jade, it has become a place of transformation.
Growth rarely happens without a few nerves, and for Jade, the journey began with a significant amount of hesitation. At first, the size of the horses and the busy energy of the stable were overwhelming. There were days when volunteering felt like a struggle.
But persistence pays off. Today, that initial nervousness has been replaced by genuine excitement. Jade no longer waits on the sidelines. She jumps right in, eager to get to work and connect with the animals. Seeing her transition from a cautious observer to an active, confident participant is an inspiration to everyone in the DCOP program.
“At Destiny’s Ride Therapeutic Program, our volunteers are a valued part of our barn family. Through their time here they build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the joy and connection that horses bring. Our barn is a place where everyone belongs and everyone has something meaningful to contribute,” said Jodie O’Connell-Ponkos, Founder & Executive Director of Destiny’s Ride.
The work they do at the stables is far from easy. Amanda and Jade are fully immersed in the daily care of the horses. Their Wednesday routine is packed with
essential tasks such as ensuring every horse has fresh water and is properly fed, cleaning out stalls, and grooming the horses.
As the winter months settled over the counties, the work became even more demanding. While most people prefer to stay tucked away indoors, Amanda and Jade are out in the cold, facing the wind and the freezing temperatures.
Despite the biting air and the physical toll of farm work in the winter, their spirits haven’t wavered. They continue to work hard, motivated by the knowledge that the horses rely on them. Their dedication proves that when you are passionate about what you do, even the hardest work feels rewarding.
At Living Resources, we are incredibly proud of Amanda and Jade. Their journey at Destiny’s Ride reminds us that with a little courage and a lot of heart, we can overcome our fears and make a meaningful impact in our community, one stable at a time.