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The significance of the title ‘Volunteer of the Year’ bears as much importance as gold buckles and trophy saddles to the riders and their families at TR 4 Heart and Soul and the community of Bismarck/Mandan, North Dakota.
Linda Melchior of Bismarck was recently named ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at TR 4 Heart and Soul’s Blue Jean Black Tie Affair (the organization’s annual fundraiser). This year the event was held at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck on November 18, 2023.
TR 4 Heart and Soul (TR 4 HAS) is a non-profit therapeutic horse-riding program that seeks to improve the quality of life, both physically and emotionally of adults and children with disabilities, learning, speech, and behavioral challenges through the heart and soul of a horse. Katie Oakland, founder, made this dream a reality about a decade ago.
“Our whole community is impacted. I call it my happy place,” said Melchior regarding TR 4 HAS. The honor of being awarded volunteer of the year brought tears to Melchior’s eyes.
“I think about these kids during the week. It is a very rewarding experience for me to work with them. Even out in public, I see them, and they recognize me, and they’ll come up and give me a hug. To be with the animals and watch them interact and be with the kids is amazing. These kids progress so fast from taking a couple steps one week to more next week and soon, they are comfortable with a horse. The horses help the kids communicate on a different level,” said Melchior.
Melchior always has a smile to give. [Photo: TR 4 Heart & Soul]
Melchior has been working with the program at TR 4 HAS for about 3 years. “These children get comfortable with certain people and like to work with the same people,” explained Melchoir. “It’s the stability they lean on as well.”
Making the quality of lives better, both physically and emotionally, on a weekly basis for adults and children with disabilities, not only makes each day better for the riders, but impacts the families of the riders as well. Guest speakers at the event noted that the happiness and freedom horses provide the riders gives tenfold, even after the ride is over.
The communities of Bismarck and Mandan are a huge support when it comes to the program. It’s not just brushing and riding horses that makes up a program such as TR 4 HAS.
“From what I have seen being out at TR, there are various organizations and businesses that help with whatever necessary from building ramps to painting fences to repairs; this is a huge community effort. It’s the businesses to the individuals that are helping make this program happen and make such a huge difference in these kids’ lives,” Melchior said.
Melchior (right) with granddaughter Carlee Weinberger [Photo: Ashley Hasper]
When Melchior isn’t volunteering, she is an accounting assistant at Krumm & Associates. Melchior is also one of the most active and loving grandmothers to her grandchildren, Jason and Carlee Weinberger, Christian Westman, and Logan Melchior. She can be seen attending rodeos and sporting events supporting them across the state of North Dakota.
For more information about equine assisted services, volunteering, or being a part of something that makes a difference right here in the state of North Dakota, visit TR 4 Heart and Soul on Facebook.
Tisa Peek is a long-time horse trainer, competitor in barrel racing and team roping, and writer about the equine. Rodeo and horses run deep in her roots. JT Family Equine is where she calls home, south of Bismarck, ND. Tisa, along with her husband, Jon, and boys, Blu and River, train horses and host clinics. Tisa is the host for Dakota Cowboy on BEK TV.