VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Tasha and Nick Usewicz both work full time, but that does not stop them from donning their cowboy boots to spend their free hours working with and caring for therapy horses and their riders.
The husband-and-wife duo are volunteers at Equi-Kids, which offers riding lessons and training for kids and adults with special needs, active-duty service members, veterans with PTSD and first responders. Now, they're also News 3 Everyday Heroes.
Nick says it all started when Tasha began helping out at the stables two years ago.
“I came and helped her out a little bit, and then I saw what they do here and the impact that it has,” Nick said. “Most people don’t realize a little tiny thing can benefit mentally and make your day completely.”
Weekly, the couple makes time to clean stalls, care for horses and assist with lessons. Tasha's even brought her coworkers along to help out a couple of times.
“I love horses. I used to ride horses, and I thought, why not come here and make a little bit of an impact?” Tasha said.
For volunteer coordinator Renee Grimstead, the work the pair does is invaluable.
“We can’t replace them. We couldn’t pay them enough for what they do," Grimstead said. "But it really speaks to how much you value them. They are just wonderful. Like Nick said, all I have to do is ask, and they’ll come.”
Tasha, Nick and the amazing staff and volunteers at Equi-Kids make life better for those in our community and are positively impacting Hampton Roads.
