Our Featured Volunteer of the Month is Melissa Chandler!
Melissa started volunteering in our Therapeutic riding program in 2023 initially to get back to being around horses. After her first session, she immediately knew she wanted to become more involved and has been inspired to become an Equine Assisted Learning instructor. Melissa has now taken on a great role of assisting the instructor, Julianna, and the volunteer coordinator, Emily. This has included program design, teaching volunteers equine basics, and how things work at Lancers. She assists Juliana with tack checks and rider safety, and she can use her rehab and personal training skills to create new creative ways to connect and guide the riders! In Melissas' own words, she described the program as “Incredible! It's so well organized and structured. I'm in awe of how well the volunteer program is run, it gives clear guidelines and procedures which empower new volunteers with limited horse experience to grow and be a part of the program with confidence.”
Melissa started riding 25 years ago and competed internationally as a youth in Western and English events. Melissas' favorite horse at Lancers is Scooby because he reminds her of a horse she had with “a ton of zip while being so gentle and calm when asked.” While she is not riding right now we are delighted that she has chosen to give her time, knowledge, and efforts to Lancers. Melissa has enjoyed watching the “growth in the riders, volunteers, and myself. It's undeniable that equine-assisted learning is magical for all those involved, anything I can do to keep it accessible and continue its growth is so rewarding and impactful on my life.” Melissa is very humble, engaged, and willing to help out in any way possible, she takes time out of her career as a personal trainer to ensure she is at the barn whenever needed. She can connect and help out each of the riders individually.
“Working with Lancers has returned me to my dream of working with horses. It's shown me that there is a way to unite my two passions of helping people and horses” We are grateful for all that Melissa has done for Lancers and look forward to her continuing to play an important role in Building Better Lives Through Horses!
