Lawana Harper of Purcellville, a long-time volunteer for Loudoun Therapeutic Riding at Morven Park in Leesburg, has been named the regional “Volunteer of the Year” by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

As the winner of the Region 3 honor, which encompasses therapeutic riding centers throughout Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Harper now qualifies for the International Volunteer of the Year award, which will be presented during the annual PATH conference, held this year in Bellevue, Wash., Oct. 31-Nov. 3.

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding, one of the oldest existing equine-assisted therapy programs in Virginia, has approximately 140 volunteers at any given time, according to Executive Director Joanne Hart.
With 80 different therapeutic riding centers within Region 3, Harper’s selection is especially significant.

“She is one of the most generous and multi-talented people I’ve ever known,” added Hart.

Harper’s son, Ben, who has cerebral palsy, began riding at LTR 11 years ago at age 5. After witnessing Ben’s almost immediate boost in strength, balance and confidence due to riding, Harper wanted to give some of her own time to help others in the program.

“I started gradually because at first I felt somewhat intimidated,” she said. “I didn’t grow up around horses, and I didn’t understand what was really needed. So my first volunteer job was helping to set up a fundraising event.”

Her true reward is the knowledge that she’s helping a great cause. LTR serves adults, children and wounded military and veterans with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities that include stroke, autism, traumatic brain injury, and psychosocial diagnoses. “You know you’re supporting parents who can’t volunteer their own time because they are so overwhelmed with just caring for their child,” said Harper. “LTR has provided an incredible experience for Ben, and it’s created a wonderful growing experience for me, as well.”