Tall in the Saddle Celebrates 50 Years of Therapeutic Riding in Midland, Michigan

Midland, Michigan – Tall in the Saddle (TIS), a cherished therapeutic riding program for disabled youth, is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1976, the program provides horse riding education and recreation, fostering physical, emotional, and mental well-being for its riders. As TIS looks toward the future, it is actively seeking volunteers to support its spring and fall sessions.

A Legacy of Support and Growth

The origins of Tall in the Saddle can be traced back to the vision of local volunteers and parents who recognized the transformative power of equine therapy. Midland Kiwanian Howard Fenn played a pivotal role in establishing the program, and the Midland Kiwanis Club has remained a steadfast supporter through funding and countless volunteer hours.

Today, the Midland program is one of twelve TIS programs operating across the state, all connected through a state coordinator. TIS maintains strong ties with 4H and the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, ensuring a high standard of quality and safety.

Program Details and Rider Qualifications

Tall in the Saddle offers eight-week sessions during April-May and September-October. Each session welcomes eight riders and relies on the dedication of 16 volunteers each day. Riders are carefully selected based on age, weight, and specific abilities to ensure a safe and beneficial experience.

The program also places a high priority on the well-being of its equine partners. Horses are chosen for their patience, calmness, gait, and ability to interact positively with riders.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the heart of Tall in the Saddle. Michelle Gallant serves as the volunteer coordinator, managing schedules for horse leaders, side walkers, and operations support. Volunteers are expected to possess qualities such as the ability to walk or jog alongside a horse, patience, and a genuine love for children. Side walkers do not require prior horse experience.

The Midland Kiwanis Club, working with Earl Soules, actively recruits volunteers to fill side walker positions during each session. All volunteers undergo vetting and training through the MSU “Gold Volunteer” requirements.

Looking Ahead and Getting Involved

Tall in the Saddle continues to evolve and expand its reach, currently operating as one of approximately 46 county programs in Michigan. The program’s instructors are certified by the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center in Augusta, MI, and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl), and maintain 4-H Proud Equestrian Program (PEP) certification through MSU Extension.

Spring 2026 Session Details:

• Program Dates: Wednesdays, April 8 – May 26, 6-8 pm
• New Volunteer Training: Wednesday, March 25

The Midland County Tall in the Saddle program is currently seeking horses for its program.

For those interested in volunteering or learning more about Tall in the Saddle, visit their website or connect with them on Facebook.