Retired Teacher Helps Riders Discover Freedom on Horseback

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

When longtime educator Donna Coley closed the classroom door for the last time, she already knew where she was headed next. After 37 years of teaching high school English, Donna drove straight from her final day of school to ManeGait, a therapeutic riding center in McKinney, Texas.

Passing by the ranch every Sunday on her way to church, Donna had long admired the horses grazing in the pastures. In 2016, retirement opened the door to something new: she signed up as a ManeGait volunteer. Eight years later, Donna still drives 45 minutes each way from her home in Sherman, Texas, dedicating thousands of hours to support the nonprofit’s mission of serving children and adults with disabilities through equine therapy.

Though she had no ranching experience, Donna embraced every role she could—sidewalker, horse leader, barn buddy, mentor, and tractor-loving groundskeeper. Over time, she has contributed more than 4,000 hours, even earning “honorary staff” status during the COVID-19 pandemic for her tireless care of ManeGait’s herd of 30 therapy horses. Every task, from barn chores to therapy rides, is fueled by what Donna considers the most rewarding part of her service: sharing in the riders’ joy as they discover confidence, freedom and connection on horseback.

What inspired you to begin volunteering with ManeGait?

I’ve always loved being around horses. Every Sunday morning, I would pass ManeGait on my way to church and see those beautiful horses in the pasture. The day I retired, I literally drove straight from my school’s parking lot to ManeGait, pulled into their lot, and asked for information.

Once I went through training and learned about their mission—helping children and adults with disabilities experience therapy through horseback riding—I knew I had to be part of it. That was in 2016, and I’ve been with them ever since.

Tell us about your volunteer role with ManeGait.

One of the first things I learned was that the work never ends. With around 30 horses, their health and well-being are essential to the riders’ success. A lot of the tasks require skills or strength I don’t have, but there are so many things I can do.

I clean pastures, mow grass, clean stalls, groom horses, and keep the utility vehicles running. In my earlier years, I was very involved with horse-leading during therapy classes and sidewalking alongside riders. As time passed and the physical demands increased, I shifted to the work I can do safely and comfortably.

Out of all the tasks you’ve done, what has been your favorite?

I’d say two things. First, feeding the horses. I feel like the guy driving the ice cream truck—pulling the Gator utility vehicle full of hay into the pasture, and the horses come running like I’ve got a million-dollar check in my pocket. It’s pure joy.

The other is horse-leading during classes. When a young rider is on the back of a horse and you hear their laughter, see their faces light up—it’s magic. Many of these kids struggle to walk or participate in sports, but on horseback, they’re just like everyone else. I once worked with a girl who was deaf and nonverbal. During her ride, she kept making a hand motion I didn’t understand. I asked her mom what it meant. She said, “She’s saying more. She wants more.” That kind of joy is unforgettable.

Is there a moment that stands out as especially memorable?

Yes. I worked with a young girl starting when she was about 10. She was in a wheelchair and nonverbal. Communication was difficult, but through eye contact and presence, we tried to comfort her.

After years of therapy—including equine therapy—her legs grew a little stronger. I’ll never forget the day I looked up and saw her walking from her car with assistance, but not in a wheelchair. Watching her walk into the arena for the first time was nothing short of miraculous. That image will stay with me forever.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

It’s about sharing joy. When a child or adult is on horseback, they experience freedom, sometimes for the first time. The disability that keeps them from walking or speaking disappears in those moments. They communicate with the horse through the reins, and the joy spreads—to parents, instructors, other riders. To share in that joy is the greatest reward I’ve ever experienced.

You spent 37 years teaching. Do you see a connection between teaching and volunteering?

Absolutely. If you do teaching right, it’s not just a job—it’s a service. You have to look at it as serving the student in front of you, one by one. That attitude carried over into volunteering.

At ManeGait, I approach it the same way: find the need, find what you can do, and give it everything you’ve got.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Because everyone has something to give. If your love is cooking, find a food bank. If it’s sewing, find an organization that provides clothing.

Find a mission that aligns with your passion, and give what you can. President Bush once said everyone has something to give, and I believe that’s true. It benefits both you and the organization.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

That you’re never too old to make a difference. You don’t have to be rich. Just give what you can.

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