Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. is looking for volunteers to help with its special program of therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs.

The center is staffed by volunteers, and is located 10 miles south of Tamaqua near Route 309. It offers therapeutic riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings from the end of April through October.

A volunteer training session for new lesson volunteers will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. April 21. Anyone wishing to volunteer with riding lessons is required to attend.

Lesson volunteers need to be at least 14 years old, in good health and able to walk for an hour at a time, and must successfully complete the volunteer training session.

Experience with horses and/or people with disabilities is helpful, but not necessary. The center welcomes the volunteer assistance of professionals in the allied health fields of physical, occupational and speech therapy. It also needs people with horse experience to lead horses, as well as people to assist participants during riding lessons.

Therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to improve balance, posture, strength and coordination. It also helps to increase self-awareness, self-confidence, attention span, social skills and independence in the rider.

The center serves clients with a wide variety of disabilities. The lessons are designed to be both therapeutic and fun.

The center also needs volunteers to assist with grounds maintenance, cleaning saddles and bridles, and fundraising. Anyone interested in volunteering, contact Ostroski at 610-298-2546 or jeohhtlc15@gmail.com.

For information on enrolling a rider, visit www.horsesandhorizons.org or call Elaine Smith at 570-386-5679.