NARHA has a volunteer recognition program. The eleven regions of the US can nominate their volunteers for recognition at the National Yearly Conference. In 2002 Mark Paquette was nominated for recognition and received notification that he was chosen as the Region 1, outstanding volunteer. Traveling to the National Conference in Virginia, Mark and his wife : Charmaine, Marcia Gross, Equus Program Director and her husband, Larry; and instructor Linda Budz were thrilled when it was announced that Mark was chosen as the NARHA National Outstanding Volunteer for 2002.

This was a well deserved honor for Mark Paquette.

 

The following is the story of Mark and his son Christopher.

Twenty-three years ago, Mark's son, Christopher, enrolled in the Equus Therapeutic Riding program. This rosy faced, cheerful Downe Syndrome developed affection for the horses from the first time he rode at the age of three and won a special place in the hearts of the instructors, volunteers and other riders. Christopher progressed beautifully with his riding, and by the age of ten was an independent rider at the walk and trot. Rarely did he miss a week of riding thanks to his dad, Mark, who faithfully brought him each week and volunteered for the class.

As Christopher was approaching his teenage years he qualified for the World Games in Special Olympics. To participate in the World Games Christopher had to train with the state team, which trained north of Boston. Mark agreed to a six-month training commitment. This required driving from Cheshire, Massachusetts to north of Boston three Saturdays per month for a lesson with the three other members of the equestrian team. This meant being on the road at 6 am on Saturday and not getting home until late afternoon. In addition Christopher continued to train with Equus Therapeutic once or twice a week. Mark cheerfully and willingly supported his son, and during the spring of 1997 Christopher went to the World Games at High Hopes in Connecticut. Everyone was bursting with pride when Christopher won a gold metal in the obstacle /trail class at the World Games! This truly was a special moment for Christopher, his family and the Equus Program .

Upon Christopher's return from the World Games, he went to Boston for a repair of a valve in his heart. A rather routine operation with today's advances in medicine had complications and only months after he stood on the podium receiving his gold metal Mark called to tell us that Christopher's heart had stopped. The program, his parents, friends, fellow riders and relatives grieved for Christopher. Mark and his son had a very special bond, and this was a terrible loss for such a good man.

Following Christopher's death, Mark's volunteer efforts to the riding program increased. Mark often says how important the therapeutic riding program was to his son during his short life, and that he wants to return the favor as Equus had helped his son so much . He says he gets great rewards by seeing other individual's progress and one smile a night from a rider makes it worthwhile.

Mark was not only an outstanding volunteer, leading or side-walking with the classes, but an advocate for therapeutic riding. But above all, he is a wonderful person, caring, honest, sincere and pleasant. He is there for the riders, supporting, encouraging, always cheerful, energetic, competent and reliable. He truly enjoys helping and is a role model for other volunteers and for riders. Additionally he is a strong supporter of the instructors, and the overall program. The quality of the service being provided to the Equus riders is definitely helped by the fine example Mark sets as a volunteer and all the work that he accomplishes for the program.

Mark established a scholarship program in his son's memory, for the Adams-Cheshire special needs children, and several sessions of therapeutic riding are held each year. This scholarship program has allowed Equus to provide the benefits of therapeutic riding to more than 50 children during the past 8 years, thanks to Mark. Additionally, Mark is very active in fund raising for the program, which includes special events, such a the Ride-a- Thon, Special Olympics, Tag Sales, etc. In 2003 Mark became a board member for the program. He's always willing to pick up or drop off another volunteer, and has actively recruited many volunteers for the program. Mark has attended volunteer training sessions and is qualified as a coach for Special Olympics.

Mark’s work as a volunteer demonstrates his contribution to the goals of the program. He has given unselfishly of his time and talents to the riders and the program needs. It is only because of volunteers who believe in the program that Equus continues to provide the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding to our “special” children and adults.

Volunteers are needed to help with the classes, the horses, fundraising, etc. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer call 459-8427 or email lhgross@adelphia.net.