If you have been present on any Saturday morning in the past 5 years you’ve probably heard the Tarzan-like yell of Ho-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-rse from Jim Robison followed by three echoes of the same from his children Ben, Abby and Gavin as they lead their horses and riders into the riding arena. That is because almost half of the Robison family volunteer together in lessons at New Hope. Prior to their volunteer time on Saturday, they also work feeding the horses and cleaning paddocks together. Ben, Abby and Gavin have all gone on to full-time jobs and school, but their Tarzan echoes have been adopted and remain. This writer asked the four family members some questions about their time here and I would like to share their answers.
How many family members (names and ages) have volunteered at New Hope?
The number has grown over time as the younger girls have gotten older and able to come out. When we first started it was the four of us: Jim (dad), Ben, Abby, and Gavin ages 15, 14 and 11 respectively. Currently Jim, Ben (20), Abby (19), Gavin (16), and Emma (12) all volunteer. The three younger girls Norah (10), Marielle (8), and Lily (6) love to come out and pet the horses and restock toys whenever possible.
What is your favorite memory at New Hope?
Ben remembers a specific Christmas holiday when the four came out and rode horses together. He says, “it was just a good day with good memories.”
Abby remembers two special riders that mean the world to her. William, a young boy with Downs Syndrome, jumped out of the car one lesson day and ran to the fence yelling her name. He proceeded to jump into her arms telling her how much he missed her and then whispered, “I love you”. Abby would lead and sidewalk with Jacob when he was younger. When Abby went off to college she still came to New Hope on weekends when she was home. On one of those weekends, she was ‘spotting’ Jacob. Spotting is a volunteer role where the rider is mostly independent and the volunteer is there for safety and to give pointers and talk with the rider. When she was walking alongside him and he leaned forward and said “don’t worry Abby I can do this”. It was a precious moment for her to see how much he had grown from the little boy she had once helped teach how to hold his reins correctly, to a 11-year-old boy who could steer his horse all on his own.
Gavin’s favorite memory is “seeing Finn in every lesson.” Finn comes into every lesson with excitement and curiosity and a sense of wonder that makes him excited to continue volunteering every week.
Jim remembers Logan, one of the riders Jim worked with often, who would walk up to him and yell “Shim!” and give a big hug. It would make his day.
What are the benefits of volunteering at New Hope?
Jim and Aileen( mom) are the driving force behind this family. When asked what the benefits of volunteering as a family have been, Jim says, “I think the quality time it offers for us to serve as a family allows us to grow together and bond in ways that can’t be done otherwise.”
Gavin adds, “You are out there in a peaceful environment helping kids ride. It is a perfect environment to bond with family.” Abby agrees and believes that the time spent at New Hope created a family bond that will last.
Aileen shares, “I have not actually volunteered at New Hope, but have cared for my littles on Saturday mornings while my husband takes the big kids to work. I have seen beautiful bonds grow between my children and their dad through volunteering together. I have seen my children learn how to interact with others in fun and uplifting ways. They have grown to understand both the work and rewards involved in caring for animals. They have experienced what it’s like to hold commitments, to show up in crazy weather, to give others grace when they’re having a hard day, and to laugh and have fun along the way. I am so thankful that my family found New Hope as a place to volunteer together. We look forward to continuing this work with our younger girls.”
We had a little fun and asked two last questions:
Do you have a favorite horse?
Ben: Gabby, because I’ve gotten to work with her for several years and enjoyed riding her specifically bareback.
Abby: This is a difficult question but I would probably say Beau. Beau and I got to work with each other frequently and because of that we have a bond that lasts to this day.
Gavin: My personal favorite is Gabby. Gabby is a fun horse with lots of spunk.
Jim: Tommy, because he’s big and clumsy you can’t help but love him.
Emma: I really love all of the horses, but I work in Missy’s pen often and enjoy it when she nuzzles my neck.
Norah and Lily: Libby because she’s beautiful, lovely, & kind.
Marielle: Olivia because I like her and she likes me.
Superpower of choice?
While Jim would like to fly, Ben and Gavin choose teleportation. Abby and Emma would like to be able to read minds, Emma specifically animals minds. Norah wants to be able to talk to animals, Marielle picks telekinesis and Lilly wants lightning speed.
It has been a joy and an honor to serve alongside this family and get to know them. New Hope has truly been blessed by the Robisons.