The Quiet Volunteers in Our Child Development Program

Chad and Tom are two very quiet helpers. They spend their Tuesdays and Thursdays every week at the Child Development Center putting smiles on the children’s faces. Tom is 23 years old. He is very friendly and makes every one feel welcome. Chad is the younger of the two, only sixteen years old. He tends to be a little on the independent side, but just like his friend Tom he loves the children and they both enjoy a hug after their job is finished. What is their job?

Chad and Tom are Shetland Ponies. They were donated to the NIDD Equestrian Program in 2002. Every Tuesday and Thursday Brother Isidore Harden, Program Coordinator of the Equestrian Program, prepares Chad and Tom at the NIDD Stables for a visit from the children of the Early Child Development Center. “These two were originally trained to pull a cart in parades, so they are very mellow”, says Brother Isidore.

The ponies seem very happy to be around the children and the children love the ponies. Lisa Hicks, program supervisor of the ECDC says, “When the children see the ponies, they get very excited and can’t wait their turn. As soon as we put their coats on, they know what’s coming next”.

While some children are afraid of the horses at first, Chad and Tom do not seem to have any trouble making friends. “With the ponies’ small size, it is much easier and less intimidating for the children; it’s like the children want to care for them like they are baby animals”, says Lisa. Because of their size, 11 hands (44 inches), Brother Isidore finds it easier for the children to mount the ponies. The children are able to start riding independently with less assistance at an earlier age.

Brother Isidore would like to see the ponies helping in other ways as well, “We are currently looking for a wagon so we can begin driving. It would be a new experience for the children and a pastime for the ponies”.

Chad and Tom are an inseparable team. The two of them work well with each other and work wonders for the children. Together they are a strong influence in the children’s lives in a small, quiet package.