Why we love him: Paul volunteers all day on Thursdays, working down at the barn in the mornings, keeping the crossties swept, tack put away, and helping out wherever needed. In the afternoons, he leads and sidewalks in lessons. Paul is always upbeat and calm. During this session, he assisted in an emergency dismount of his client when she had a seizure.

Path to The Shea Center: Paul first learned about The Shea Center when he attended the BBQ and Family Faire. “I was amazed at what was being accomplished for the kids and the military veterans. I always wanted to work around horses, so one of the first things I did when I retired was to volunteer at Shea. After being in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, I came to Shea for the horses and to be a part of an organization that provides such great services. But I come back every week for all the individuals I have met here.”

Years of service: Paul began volunteering in July 2022.

Lessons learned: “I’ve learned that therapy using horses is an amazing thing. My ‘aha!’ moment was as a sidewalker trying to bring the rider to the horse. This little six-year-old had more energy and was all over the place. When we put him on the horse, everything changed. He became focused and worked with the therapist reading a book. The following week I had a different rider who was climbing on everything, paying attention to nothing. Once he was on the horse, he paid attention and worked hard with his speech therapist. After these experiences, I was sold.”

Favorite Shea Center memories: “…are some of the simplest but amazing things, such as the sound of a rider squealing because she heard a song she likes; the sound of a rider humming the Darth Vader theme in response to a sidewalker; watching the shadow of a rider ‘dancing to music’; and two young girls who just met in a riding class talking like old friends while I try to keep the horse still, with tears coming down my face from laughing at the joy of their conversation.”

When not at The Shea Center, he can be found doing this: “When not at Shea, I’m an active person who likes to travel, play golf, pickle ball and bocce ball, take bike rides and have a great time with friends in our community.”

When not volunteering, he finds his bliss doing this: “I find my bliss with friends talking, laughing, and having fun.”