Sunshine & Service

This past weekend, Ride On St. Louis welcomed a cheerful wave of community support during our Sunshine & Service volunteer day and it truly lived up to its name. Beneath a sky full of sunshine volunteers—ranging from an energetic four-year-old to seniors—joined hands (and tools!) to care for the land and horses we call family.

It was a full and fulfilling day. In the orchard, volunteers worked together to weed and rebuild protective cages around our young trees, giving them room and strength to grow. Along the far edge of the property, a long-forgotten pile of discarded tires was finally removed, thanks to the dedication and muscle of a determined crew. Meanwhile, the rafters under the barn’s overhang received a much-needed coat of stain—completing the last of the staining work and leaving the space looking fresh and completed.

Our hardworking team didn’t shy away from the less glamorous chores either—like scrubbing the walls in the horse stalls. (That’s just part of horse life!) The stalls are now cleaner more comfortable (less inviting for flies) for our equine partners, thanks to some serious elbow grease.

Even the storage area received attention, with several volunteers making repairs and bringing new order to the space we rely on for daily operations.

We were also thrilled to host a group of colleagues from Neighbor’s Credit Union, who showed up ready to get dirty pulling the tires out! We’re so grateful!

At Ride On St. Louis, volunteer days like this aren’t just about getting tasks done—they’re about building something greater. Every weed pulled, stall scrubbed, or nail hammered helps us create a welcoming and healing environment where people and horses thrive together. And it all happens because of our wonderful community.

To every person who showed up, gave time, shared a laugh, and made a difference: thank you. Sunshine & Service was a beautiful reflection of what happens when a community rallies around a mission. A special thank-you to Tina, one of our incredible board members, for sponsoring the snacks and making everyone feel welcomed! From cold drinks to tasty treats, she made sure volunteers were refreshed, nourished, and cared for throughout the day. Her warmth and thoughtfulness were appreciated by many smiles (and bellies).

Want to join us next time? Sign up for our volunteer emails or check our website for upcoming opportunities. We’d love to have you on the team!