Sonora, California 
- Volunteer Training
is underway! Call for class schedules: 209-533-8930
My granddaughter answered an ad in the local paper asking for volunteers at the newly formed Mounted Dream Center in Sonora. What an experience this has been for her. Her self- esteem had sky-rocketed! She has learned to take instruction and complete tasks assigned. She learned that even though she doesn’t know how to do something, after some patient instruction and hands on experience, she is able to accomplish what she was asked of her. She is developing a work ethic that will follow her through life, and has learned that giving to others is an important and fulfilling part of life. Thank you Dennis and Patti for the opportunities you will be making available to many children and youth in your community. Sharon Lemons, Oakdale, CA
We want to tell you that volunteering at the Mounted Dream Center has made a wonderful difference in the life of our daughter, Marina. The mild learning difficulties Marina faced as a child created in her a heart of compassion for others. Working with, and for, others with their own unique challenges gives her an opportunity to pay forward the helping hand she received. In helping others, Marina has been rewarded. It is great to see the joy she gets from knowing that she can make a difference in someone else’s life. Whether she is working with students, grooming and caring for the horses, or just spending time with other volunteers, Marina gets as much out of the experience as she gives. We’re so happy that the Mounted Dream Center is available to bring together so many people of diverse backgrounds in a positive setting, for students as well as volunteers. Keep on riding! Sincerely, Paul & Margie Cooper, Sonora
August 2009
I discovered the Mounted Dream Center in July 2008 when I responded to a newspaper article about volunteering at the ranch. My objective was to work with the horses, but as a fairly recent heart transplant recipient, I wasn’t sure to what extent I could be of assistance. I needn’t have worried. Patti Taylor Welch, the CEO of Mounted Dream Center, welcomed me and assured me that there was always plenty to do, from office work to event/fundraiser planning, in addition to horse care. As they say, the rest is history.
I found that I was able to learn many of the volunteer duties including, to my delight, working with the horses and the students. The thing that struck me right away was how safety oriented the program is. There is a comprehensive training program for each volunteer that stresses safety above all. Patti carries that philosophy on when teaching her students. Before students are allowed to ride they must demonstrate knowledge of the safety information provided by Mounted Dream Center. They learn about equine anatomy, nutrition, and the equine flight personality. They must know how and where to calmly approach a horse, and how to always pay attention and be on alert for the horse to move its head or feet. Then the real fun begins.
As the students learn to ride and care for the horses, the bonding that takes place is nothing short of amazing. Students learn responsibility and teamwork. Trust develops between horse and rider, and when a student comprehends that he/she is actually able to ask maneuvers of this huge 1000 lb. animal and get a positive response, confidence and self-esteem soar.
One of my primary duties as a volunteer is being a safety side walker, which is walking along beside the horse and rider, assessing progress and being an extra set of eyes for the instructor. One benefit of being so closely involved in the lessons is that I get to see the miracles happen! Students come in with a variety of serious issues, but they graduate the program with a new sense of who they are and what they can achieve. We have had students overcome debilitating shyness, anger issues, separation anxiety, and a host of emotional disabilities. Our physically disabled riders improve balance and coordination, and gain a sense of body awareness and grace.
As is the case with many nonprofit organizations, Mounted Dream Center relies on community contributions to support the program. We have quarterly fundraising events, and Patti speaks before local philanthropic groups. Her goals are to gain exposure in the community (as many families who could benefit from our program are unaware that we are right here in Tuolumne County), and to build a scholarship fund to assist student families in need who are unable to contribute financially. With the 2009-2010 school year starting, Mounted Dream Center is coordinating with Sonora High school to help teens by establishing a vocational program at the ranch. These students will learn skills much as the volunteers do, including animal care, ranch management, carpentry and repair, painting, and bookkeeping. Mounted Dream Center needs additional funding for materials to make this ambitious program viable and successful.
The program at Mounted Dream Center has changed the lives of families in Tuolumne County and surrounding areas. It is a program in which no one takes a salary, and the sole focus is on helping our area’s challenged children and young adults. I am grateful for each day I spend at the ranch, and am grateful for the many opportunities to learn life’s lessons from these courageous students and magnificent horses.
Judy Fallas, MDC Volunteer
“Upon our children – how they are taught – rests the fate – or fortune – of tomorrow’s world.”
B.C. Forbes