Retired Nurse Reins in a New Purpose with Therapeutic Horses

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Bev Winton. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

As a retired pediatric nurse, Bev Winton spent decades of her life caring for children. So, when she discovered therapeutic horseback riding later in life, it felt like a natural next step. Combining her love for kids with a newfound passion for horses, Bev found her second calling at Equi-Ed, a therapeutic riding center in Santa Rosa, California. Now 82, she’s been a steady and warm presence at the center for 17 years, helping children and adults with disabilities build strength, confidence and connection through horseback riding. From mucking stalls to mentoring other volunteers, Bev says she finds deep purpose in every small act of care.

What is Equi-Ed, and what’s your volunteer role?

Equi-Ed is a therapeutic riding center that helps riders of all ages with different challenges—some may have autism, others might have physical or cognitive delays. Some kids can’t walk on their own, so we use a ramp to help them get on the horse. We have riders as young as four or five, and others in their 30s and 40s.

When I first started volunteering, I was a sidewalker and horse handler. I’d walk beside the horse to support the rider or lead the horse during lessons. Now that I’m older and have some balance issues, I help behind the scenes. I groom and tack the horses, help prep feed, clean buckets, weigh out hay and grain, and get everything ready for the day. I also help train new volunteers and answer questions. I’ve been there so long, I’ve kind of become a resource person.

What moment stands out to you most from your volunteering?

There’s a young woman who’s been riding since before I started in 2007. She has autism, and over the years I’ve seen so much growth. She remembers my name now, and she can follow instructions during a ride. That may seem small, but it’s a big step.
And then there are the riders who come in terrified of horses. After a few sessions, they’re smiling and can’t wait to ride. We see a lot of those little miracles.

What inspired your passion for volunteering?

Well, I was a pediatric nurse for about 20 years, and I’ve always loved working with children. My love for horses started when I was around 10 or 11, visiting my great uncle in Sonora. There was a horse in the field next to his house, and I remember going up to the fence and just being drawn to it.

I didn’t start riding myself until I was nearly 50. I took lessons, leased a horse and rode trails all around Mount Tam. When I retired, I knew I wanted to do something with horses and children, and volunteering at Equi-Ed brought that all together.

You’re known as a mentor and role model at the barn. What does that mean to you?

It’s an honor. I just try to be helpful. We get a lot of high schoolers and junior volunteers who come in to help, especially in the summer. I like showing them the ropes and encouraging them to stick with it. Hopefully they see how meaningful this work is.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering, especially later in life?

There’s always something you can do. I talk to people all the time who are about to retire and don’t know what to do next. I tell them to get out there. You don’t need to work with horses—there’s always a letter to stuff or a shelf to organize. Volunteering has become my second career, and it’s kept me active and connected.

What do you hope people take away from your story?

That it’s never too late to start getting involved. Volunteering is a commitment, but the rewards are huge. You get back so much more than you give. It’s enriched my life in every way, and I hope others see that and feel inspired to find their own way to help.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Bev? Find local volunteer opportunities.