More Than a Chore: How Helping Hands Builds Identity, Belonging, and Purpose

At Ride On St. Louis, the Helping Hands program is far more than a weekly volunteer session. It’s a gateway to confidence, community, and a strong sense of self.

In partnership with our friends at Pony Bird, Helping Hands was designed to offer individuals with a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities the opportunity to step into a role of purpose. Every week, participants arrive ready to contribute to the daily care of our barn—cleaning, organizing, maintaining tools, and ensuring the grounds are safe and tidy for the animals and people who rely on them. But what’s happening beneath the surface is even more powerful.

Through consistent and meaningful responsibilities, participants begin to see themselves differently. They are not just “helping”—they are team members. Their efforts are noticed. These hands-on activities cultivate a real sense of ownership. The barn isn’t just a place they visit—it becomes theirs.

That ownership grows into something deeper: identity. Participants begin to speak about their work with great delight to their families, friends, and caregivers. They remember which tools they used. They talk about the horses they met. They explain the tasks they completed. For some, it’s the first time they’ve been able to describe themselves as part of a team, with something valuable to offer.

The program is built with intention. Adaptive tools, accessible tasks, and credentialed staff support each participant to succeed. Responsibilities are tailored to promote thinking, movement, and personal agency, while also nurturing teamwork and communication. It’s not just about doing a job—it’s about becoming someone through the doing.

For people who often face limited opportunities to contribute meaningfully or be recognized for their strengths, Helping Hands changes the narrative. It says: You belong. You matter. Your work makes a difference.

💛 Helping Hands is offered at no cost to participants—and is only possible because of the generosity of donors like you. If you believe in empowering people of all abilities, please consider making a gift today to support inclusive, life-changing experiences like this.

Support Helping Hands by making a donation here. With your help, we’re building more than a barn. We’re building belonging!