Lynda Moore Morse uses her love and knowledge of horses as a volunteer with the Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas. This year she is serving as

co-chair of the Friends of Windridge Horse & Rider 2009 fundraiser to be held on Saturday, April 4, at the Upshur County facility.

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, Windridge serves approximately 140 students of all ages with developmental or other disabilities that affect their balance and ability to interact with their environment. The therapy process, called hippotherapy, places the student on the horse’s back so that the horse’s movements stimulate the same muscle groups the rider must command to walk. Horse & Rider will raise funds to cover the cost of staff, tack and gear, veterinary care, feed, and other operating expenses.

Mrs. Morse is a founding member of the Gladewater Round-up Auxiliary, a not-for-profit organization providing money for college scholarships, and she also volunteers with the Deb Mohon Memorial Barrel Race.

“As the daughter and wife of Shriners and Gladewater Round-up members, I have witnessed a life-long commitment of service to others,” Mrs. Morse said. “I’ve always had horses, and I understand the relationship that can be created between horse and rider. The work done at Windridge by the staff and volunteers is remarkable and heartwarming.”

Mrs. Morse graduated from Gladewater High School and received her bachelor’s degree in history from Texas A&M University.  She also has a law enforcement background and is a certified teacher. Mrs. Morse and her husband, Tommy, have been married 30 years and have two daughters, Mary and Laura.

“As an East Texas native, I especially enjoy the small-town environment that Gladewater provides. My family ties run deep here, as I am a fourth-generation member of a pioneer family,” Mrs. Morse said.

For more information on Windridge and Horse & Rider 2009, please visit www.windridgetexas.org.