Amelia Bridges supported Therapeutic Riding of Tucson with their adaptive riding classes, helping individuals with disabilities through horsemanship and riding skills.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because I was drawn to hands-on, meaningful work where I could directly work with people and be part of a community. Growing up horseback riding, this internship felt like the perfect blend of something I was already passionate about and the opportunity to learn more about nonprofit work. I am interested in a future career where I can help and connect with people, so being part of an environment focused on support, inclusion, and growth was very meaningful to me. This experience allowed me to be actively involved while also learning more about the kind of work environment I enjoy being part of and the type of impact I hope to make in the future.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I worked as a horse handler during adaptive riding lessons. My responsibilities included helping prepare horses and equipment before lessons, assisting riders during mounting and transitions, and supporting safety and communication. I worked with instructors, volunteers, riders, and families throughout lessons. Working with riders with different needs and abilities required me to stay attentive and adjust as needed throughout lessons. I was also a team captain, helping with lesson flow, answering questions from volunteers and parents, and ensuring lessons ran smoothly. Beyond lessons, I helped with general barn responsibilities and preparation throughout the day.
What new knowledge and skills did you develop in this internship?
I developed stronger communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills. Working in an environment where every rider has different needs taught me the importance of being attentive, flexible, and responsive throughout lessons. I learned to communicate more clearly with instructors, volunteers, and riders, and to become more confident in speaking up, sharing my own ideas, and asking questions. This experience also strengthened my leadership and ability to take initiative.
What was the most satisfying part of your internship?
One of the most satisfying parts of my internship was building relationships with the riders. Over the course of the semester, I learned more about each rider's personality, interests, and what made them unique. Being able to watch riders become more comfortable, confident, and excited during lessons over time was very meaningful to me. I especially enjoyed seeing how happy and engaged many riders were when around the horses and participating in activities. It made me realize how important environments like this can be for individuals with disabilities. Seeing the positive impact this organization has on riders and their families made me proud to be part of something that fosters support and inclusion for others.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
My internship connects to my Applied Humanities degree because it involved communication, community engagement, and working with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. Both Applied Humanities and my Public Health emphasis focus on understanding the human experience, building connections, and recognizing the importance of supportive environments. My internship allowed me to see these ideas in a real-world setting through direct interactions. Applied Humanities connects with nonprofit work through empathy, critical thinking, advocacy, and an understanding of different perspectives. Humanities emphasizes ethical reasoning, cultural understanding, and creating meaningful relationships, all of which were important at the organization where I interned.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
My internship experience helped confirm that I want to pursue work that is hands-on and centered around supporting others. Being at Therapeutic Riding of Tucson showed me that I enjoy work where I can be active, build relationships over time, and see the progress that comes from support. This experience has encouraged me to continue exploring careers where I can work directly with people, especially in disability support, public health, counseling, or child development. I am confident that I value work that feels meaningful and personally fulfilling. This internship showed me how important relationship-building, patience, and human connection are in helping professions. I want a future career where I can be involved in someone's growth and positively impact others through direct support and interaction.
What was the most significant contribution you made?
One of the most significant contributions I made during my internship was my consistency and willingness to step in where needed. Because Therapeutic Riding of Tucson relies heavily on volunteers, instructors, and teamwork to keep lessons running, simply showing up and being dependable was important. By consistently being present during lessons, helping cover shifts, and assisting in various roles throughout the semester, I contributed to an environment where riders could fully participate and feel supported.