FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 15, 2014) -- Hundreds of Families and volunteers attended the Warrior Outreach Horsemanship Program Oct. 11 at Wetherby Field.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Sam Rhodes, founder of Warrior Outreach, said the free event is held twice a year and initially started to help wounded warriors and their Families cope with the stresses of military life. The program includes stations about grooming, riding demonstrations and opportunities for children and adults to ride the horses. The Home Depot also provided free tools and building kits for children.
"It was so awesome see the Families having a great time and enjoying the opportunity to come out without any worries of having to pay for anything," he said. "It's so relaxing to them. The kids especially enjoy having their parents spend time with them."
Sgt. 1st Class William Fields and his wife Michelle brought their 8-year-old daughter Ashley for the second time. He said the event offers fun and education about caring for horses.
"This is a good opportunity for her to come and learn about the horses and know that it requires more than just riding them," Fields said. "There is actual work involved like grooming and caring for their hooves."
The program was not only fun for Families, but volunteers also participated to give back to the community. The program included volunteers from the 11th Engineer Battalion, A Troop, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, as well as students from local high schools and 4-H clubs.
1st Lt. Lisa Belisle of 11th Engineers said the unit has participated in several horsemanship events.
"Our unit helps with the setup the day before, leading the horses or doing anything that needs to be done," she said. "A lot of the Families from our unit come out and they have never been around horses before. Riding horses is a huge passion of mine and I enjoy seeing Families come out and bond."
Longtime volunteer Mary Humphreys said the program also features a Warrior Outreach Ranch in Fortson, Georgia, for Families to bond and interact with horses.
"Sam Rhodes is passionate about the Soldiers and the Families," she said. "If there's anything he can do to bring the Family together to provide support, he's on it. He has found an avenue with horses and it really helps a lot of people."
For more information about the event, visit www.warrioroutreach.org.
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