This past July, WindWalkers Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Center, a nonprofit, welcomed its new executive director, Ginger Opp. Gabrielle Greeves held the position for over a decade. After what Opp described as a smooth transition, she is prepared not only to take on existing responsibilities but looks forward to expanding programming to reach more of the community.
“I came from a highly competitive and goal-oriented equestrian world,” Opp told The Sopris Sun, “and one of the biggest joys for me has been just seeing people enjoy the horses, just for the sake of being here. It’s like all the best parts of that relationship I get to see on a daily basis, and it’s really a treat.”
Opp has been in the Roaring Fork Valley since 2002. She previously ran a horse show and was a seasoned competitor. After taking a hiatus, Opp began volunteering and helping out in local schools, where her love for the world of nonprofits and philanthropic work began. After receiving her philanthropic advisor certification and reconnecting with a colleague who had ties to WindWalkers, Opp revived her love for working with equines. This opportunity presented the chance to marry her desires to be of service with her passion for horses.
“Whether or not you start out with horses as a therapeutic endeavor, there is something healing and therapeutic about them for everybody,” Opp shared. “It’s a really special way to build community, so it has been a joy to be a part of something like that with an organization that is doing both of those things.”
Discussing her short-term goals for WindWalkers, Opp said she supports the organization listening earnestly to the community in order to best be of service, particularly for people with disabilities, veterans and individuals facing challenges. She intends to put those wheels in motion through collaborative efforts and ample outreach.
“I feel very strongly that we must collaborate and work together in our valley. In addition to keeping our programs thriving, we are looking to partner and collaborate as much as possible,” she said. “We have a beautiful facility and a great herd, including horses, minis, goats and cats. That has been a pleasure to share with other nonprofits, veterans’ programs and mental health providers. The benefits of equine therapy are pretty incredible. Anyone who has spent time with horses or out at the barn knows how special these relationships are for personal well-being, growth and development.”
As she adjusts to her new position and responsibilities, events have been put on pause with the exception of the “Built for the Barn” competition in collaboration with Aspen Strength & Conditioning on Oct. 26 from 10am to noon, with an open house for the facility from 10am to 3pm. This event is designed to support first responders of the Roaring Fork Valley along with clients and riders.
Meanwhile, Opp and her team are focusing on maintaining existing programming while also expanding their volunteer base, something she knows is crucial to the organization’s future.
“We have so many great opportunities for volunteers,” Opp said. “Our volunteers are treasures to us, and they will tell you that they get as much out of their efforts as we do from them. I hope that, in the long term, we can see many relationships grow and help lift our community.”
Going forward, Opp encourages the community to come out however they can, whether to tour the land, volunteer or collaborate on some deeper level.
To keep up to date with WindWalkers, visit www.windwalkers.org