A Boy's Dream Fulfilled in Adulthood

by Ron Martin, TRAK Board Member & Guest Contributor

I have been affiliated with TRAK since around 2009. I came to TRAK to try and improve my horsemanship skills and learn more about horses. Scott Tilley, then Ranch Manager and Instructor, challenged me at every lesson to become better. He wouldn't let me become complacent, riding comfortable horses. He challenged me to ride better and better horses. While Scott tries to  make you a better horseman, he also makes lessons fun. I noticed early that TRAK promotes a family environment. Everyone there, from the staff to the volunteers, work together to promote a therapeutic atmosphere.

As a boy of 5 years old, I wanted a horse. I grew up on Roy Rogers.  Every Christmas, I asked my folks for a horse, but it never happened until I got involved with TRAK. Once you spend time at TRAK, you begin to feel like all the horses are yours! During the past 8 years, I have had the opportunity to ride most of the horses at TRAK. A couple years ago, Scott asked me if I wanted to do a half lease on a horse named Hawk. Hawk became like my own horse, so I was close to fulfilling my boyhood dream. Then two years ago, an opportunity arose for me to own my own horse named Sammy. I have had her for two years now, and you can't imagine what she means to me. You see, it only took 57 years, but it was well worth the wait.

I mentioned earlier that TRAK is like a family. When I go there to ride or just spend time with Sammy, I see people of all ages working at the ranch. From the staff giving a lesson to a child with special needs, that has the biggest smile you can imagine, to the many volunteers feeding the animals, mucking stalls, people of all ages.  It's amazing to see the young and old, working together, talking, laughing, working, and the best thing is, they are actually talking to one another, not texting on their cell phones.  In fact, you don't see much cell phone use at the ranch. Volunteer opportunities at TRAK teach our younger folks leadership skills that will stay with them their entire lives. 

I have also had the opportunity to give back to TRAK. I serve as Vice President of the Board of Directors and volunteer as much as I can.

​Anyone spending time at TRAK will truly experience TRAK Magic. It's hard to explain TRAK Magic, rather, you have to experience it. I encourage anyone to come by and visit the ranch. My guess is that once you come, you will stay and become part of the TRAK Family.

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