Saturday, November 14, 2026
Therapeutic riding requires three volunteers, one to lead the horse, Pick A Spot, and two sidewalkers to assist the rider, Cinthia. The sidewalker nearest the camera is Mindy Cowan, a volunteer and board member. Submitted
By Carl Kelly
You like horses and kids? Well, here’s an idea for you: volunteer at Naples Equestrian Challenge, Inc (NEC.) NEC is a non-profit organization offering therapeutic riding for Collier County children and adults with disabilities. The mission is to improve their lives through therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs.
They do it with volunteers and retired horses. And the amazing thing is that the volunteers say they get back more than they give. So do the horses!
Volunteers may groom, lead and sidewalk the horses. They may work in the office, the barn, around the property, in marketing and fundraising depending on experience and interest. The next volunteer training session is the evening of June 28. NEC also provides tours for visitors at any time during office hours. But, the best time to come for a tour is when the riders are in lessons. When the children are riding visitors really get a chance to see what NEC is all about.
Call 239 596 2988 or email info@naplesequestrianchallenge.org
NEC’s website is www.naplesequestrianchallenge.org
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