Youth United Way volunteers at Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship

Libby, Olivia, Quitman, and Kristen volunteering at Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship (MVTH).

While cleaning-out stalls is generally not on any teenager's to-do list, Youth United Way is always willing to help a volunteer-based agency like MVTH.

MVTH exists to give those with disabilities the chance to build strength and confidence. "The program has no paid employees," explains instructor Margie Farrow, "everything we do is volunteer."

Adults and children with physical or developmental disabilities come to MVTH for a unique style of therapy. Riding a horse exercises more than just different muscle groups.

"If a child sees that they can handle something so much bigger than themselves," said Margie Farrow, "then they will realize they can handle any other challenges they might face in life."

Their body heat even helps limber-up under-used muscles and joints and those who have difficulty communicating with others have no trouble bonding with a gentle horse.

Youth United Way is a student-led group of 30 high school students from Cape, Jackson, Scott City, Saxony Lutheran and Notre Dame. They volunteer at local charities like MVTH and they also raise money to fund youth programs. Last year, YUW raised $15,000. Grant recipients included THRIVE in both Cape Girardeau and Jackson schools, YoungLife and the Missouri University Extension.

On the Net:

Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship

United Way of Southeast Missouri (funds MVTH and YUW)

Youth United Way

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."

- Winston Churchill