Volunteer spotlight: Laura Edelson and Karen Ricciardi

**Sister Duo: Karen Ricciardi and Laura Edelson**

Seasoned volunteer Laura Edelson is on her way to accumulating 2,200 volunteer hours, dedicating several days a week helping at Mane Stream. And she’s successfully encouraged her sister, Karen Ricciardi, to join the team. Laura shared, "My sister and I have always been close. When I started volunteering at Mane Stream in 2017, I couldn't stop talking about how rewarding it was. I knew she would love it too." Karen added, "After attending a Holiday Open House in 2018, I was hooked and asked if I could volunteer. I didn't want to step on her toes since she was already an established volunteer, but I love volunteering with my sister and at least I know I will get to see her once a week and we work really well together! Many participants mistake me for her, and Kelly, the instructor, even calls me Laura-Karen." Laura expressed, "Sharing stories with my sister, even when we're not in the same lesson, is fun. Volunteering together is an extra special experience, and I hope we can continue for many years to come!"

When Laura became an empty nester, she sought to volunteer and bond with animals. With a particular fondness for horses, Mane Stream appeared to be the perfect match. Laura expressed, "I love being able to come to the barn and commune with the horses, but the most rewarding part is witnessing the riders achieve their goals! It's truly incredible when a rider reaches a milestone. Volunteering at Mane Stream is also very therapeutic for me. I often refer to it as my therapy."

Karen's experience also echoes Laura's sentiments. Dealing with anxiety herself, she finds that working with the horses and participants has been a source of relief for her. She shared, "Initially, I was shy and apprehensive about handling the tack, but those feelings faded, and now I cherish the time I spend there. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I'm still working on mastering the correct way to attach the stirrups, but at least I can laugh about it. I also appreciate how volunteers form close bonds and friendships. It has truly made me feel like I belong to a team!"

Laura enthusiastically shared that her favorite program at Mane Stream is Horses for Healing. She cherishes the strong connections formed among participants, volunteers, and horses in this nurturing environment. Additionally, Laura finds fulfillment in volunteering for adaptive riding, where she witnesses the progress of each participant's unique riding journey.

Karen expressed her appreciation for various aspects of volunteering at Mane Stream. With just over 200 hours of service, she says she’s fortunate to work with great riding instructors and participants. Karen particularly values her time spent on Mondays, where she has developed a special bond with a participant. Together, they have achieved significant milestones, especially in the past year. Karen finds joy in making a positive impact, brightening their day, and sharing newfound skills with others.

What are the thoughts of the dynamic duo regarding the Mane Stream herd? Laura has formed bonds with various favorite horses over the years, such as Ian and Joe. Currently, she considers Tink her favorite, having ridden her during the Volunteer Class at the 2021 Horse Show. Describing Tink as a quarter horse, Laura's preferred breed, and a mare, she expresses her love for all the horses in the herd and cherishes the opportunity to care for these majestic animals. Karen shares, "Interacting with the horses is incredible; it uplifts your spirit. Engaging in stable work outdoors enriches my week significantly. It literally is the BEST part of my week! My favorite horse was Chandler, now a part of the Centenary University herd. We shared a special connection, and every visit, I would just hug him, a gesture he always welcomed. Right now, I make it a point to arrive a little early to spend time with each horse, to talk to them, and give them a little love before preparing the horse I am assigned to."

Karen eloquently finished by saying, “Volunteering at Mane Stream has given me the chance to see how the kids handle and face different challenges. It’s difficult not to be inspired and proud of their ability to learn and thrive as they become more confident as the sessions progress. It’s tremendously rewarding to see as they progress from the first time sitting and walking on their horse to learning to post when they are trotting. They’ve shown me that no challenge is out of reach when you apply yourself!”