Brianna Hynson – Therapeutic Riding Internship

Hello, my name is Brianna Hynson and I am a senior at Garden Spot High School. This semester, I decided to do an internship at Triangle Therapeutic Riding at Stony Run Stables. I chose this internship because I like being able to help people, and I also enjoy working with horses. At my internship, I assist with helping kids and adults learn the basics of horseback riding, by leading the horses or being a side-aid to help the riders with more stability.

On a typical evening at the barn, I come in and help gather the saddles and bridles for the horses for the upcoming lessons. After grooming and saddling the horses, we take the horses into the arena and help the riders mount onto their horses. Throughout the lesson, we do exercises that help riders with steering, balancing, and being in control. They learn how to be patient with the horses as well as staying focused and present with the horse.

Throughout my internship, I have formed good relationships with the riders and the other volunteers at the stable. I am glad that I could make these connections and see improvements in the riders as the weeks go on. I have seen growth in not only the riders but also myself. I learned how to take on leadership roles within the barn and felt accomplished in doing so. I was able to instruct the riders throughout lessons and provide them with tips based on my previous experience as a rider.

This internship has opened a window for a potential career path. I really enjoy working with animals and I can see that somehow being incorporated into a future career for me. I highly recommend this internship to anyone who has an interest in working with horses and helping people.