By Julia Arnold

 

Two years ago, Chaska resident Amy Hoyord never imagined doing what she’s doing now. An avid horse lover as a child, she didn’t have the funds or the time to be involved with horses as an adult. But in 2016, she crossed paths with Vollie Heitkamp, the founder of the faith-based non-profit equine organization Hope Rides, and life hasn’t been the same since.

Hope Rides, a registered 501(c)(3) organization located in Mayer, MN, and founded in 2007, allows children undergoing difficult life experiences to connect with horses in a safe and loving Christian environment. It is a place where families and horses (who are often rescues) can come to find hope and healing through acceptance and unconditional love. The kids and horses benefit from each other, and these benefits reach beyond the boundaries of Hope Rides. Hope Rides programs are free of charge and available to youth ages 5-18.

Amy gives all the credit to God when it comes to what led her to Hope Rides. She and her family happened to be at Christian CD release party at the Mustard Seed Event Center in Chaska, and Vollie was there selling caramels with her children to raise money for the non-profit. Before Amy knew it, she was talking with Vollie and getting inspired: “It was fun to hear about her ministry…My 8 year old daughter was interested in lessons, and I thought ‘well of course I’ll send her to take lessons at Hope Rides!’” Knowing her lesson money would help Hope Rides succeed was a win-win.

An Atmosphere of Love

What initially stood out to Amy upon visiting Hope Rides was its warmth, or as she describes it, “its atmosphere of love. You walk in and  go ‘okay, this is a safe, loving place.’” Amy was intrigued, and over the course of the following year as her daughter took lessons, she too became increasingly involved. Amy even had the chance to do some riding and “dusted off” her childhood horse expertise.

Amy says playing a volunteer role in the organization is “such a gift. I never thought I’d get to use these skills again.” She uses them often as a leader in the one-on-one sessions, which focus on both horsemanship basics and life lessons. Every once in a while, the dedicated volunteer has to pinch herself: “You take a step back and realize it’s so cool that I get to do something like this.”

Amy is now invaluable to the organization. She works from the heart of Hope Rides up and uses her God-given gifts in a variety of ways at the ranch as she works to support the mission, which is to reach out to kids who are going through a hard time. The families they serve might be experiencing a tough family situation such as divorce, devastating job losses, an absent parent, or even mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which appear to be becoming only more widespread. Hope Rides offers free sessions for these families, and there is no requirement for someone to prove their need. “They are welcome to come,” Amy explains, “no questions asked…If people reach out, it’s meant to be.”

The families who come understand the mission of Hope Rides, and the team at Hope Rides— which is 100% volunteer run— trust that God is bringing the kids who need to come. Amy holds a special spot in her heart for her session leader role, which means she works with visitors one-on-one throughout the course of the day. No two sessions are ever exactly alike. “Each session can look very different,” Amy explains. “From talking and playing with the barn cats, or doing more of a riding lesson, the day is completely adaptable.”

Scheduled chore time is also important. It sends the the message there is work to be done and everyone needs to pitch in. A “lifemanship” lesson is also incorporated in each session, which hones in on various topics— such as courage, listening, faith— using the horses to help instruct and apply it to life beyond the barn.

Amy is also busy behind the scenes. She coordinates all of Hope Rides’ e-mail marketing, fundraising campaigns, newsletters, and social media. “Vollie desperately needed someone and here I was!” Amy laughs. Managing the online presence keeps her busy, but she “loves giving people a peek in.”

It’s All About Love

Amy’s favorite volunteer role, however, will always be that of a session leader, where she feels like she is deep in the heart of it: “I like to connect with people, and I love when I get to connect with the parents and let them know we’re happy to see them. To be able to work one on one with the kids— it’s all about love.” Each session, she asks herself ‘how can we show love to the people who are coming to the ranch, no matter who they are?’

This is why Hope Rides is here.

 

Find more information about Hope Rides at HopeRides.org.