04/20/2026
💕Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Week to all our amazing volunteers! 🙏THANK YOU for making such a meaningful difference in our lives.
As we kick off the week celebrating those who give so much of their time and talents, we'd like to recognize HGR's 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Kevin, for all he's done in and out of lessons. In case you missed it, here's our Volunteer Highlight of the Year!☀️
Some volunteers quietly change everything.
For the past four years, Kevin Ott has been a steady, reassuring presence at Heaven’s Gait Ranch—showing up season after season as a volunteer side walker for individuals with special needs and disabilities. While many volunteers are able to give for a short time, Kevin has continued to give consistently, offering his time, energy, and heart whenever his schedule allows. His reliability alone sets him apart; his impact goes far deeper.
Kevin supports multiple participants and their families, meeting each rider with patience, encouragement, and care. Whether facing a blizzard, a heat wave, or a long day at the barn, Kevin arrives with the same calm demeanor and positive attitude. His quiet humility and moral integrity create a sense of safety and trust for riders who rely on consistency and compassion to thrive.
As a side walker, he provides physical support and emotional reassurance during therapeutic riding lessons, and beyond the arena, he helps prepare horses before lessons by grooming and tacking. He helps in between lessons by cleaning stalls and sweeping aisles, and after lessons, he lends a hand wherever is needed around the property. His attention to detail and willingness to do whatever is asked ensure that programs run smoothly for participants and staff alike.
Kevin’s greatest impact is seen in the people he serves. Over the years, he has supported a number of individuals with various needs, always succeeding in making them shine. Whether he is paired with a young woman undergoing cancer treatment, a small child with spina bifida, or a young man processing early childhood trauma, Kevin can always find a way to connect. He strikes a rare and respectful balance—offering a steady, helping hand as needed while encouraging independence whenever possible. He understands when to step in and when to step back, always focused on helping each participant reach their fullest potential.
What sets Kevin apart is his calming presence and gentle voice. He has an instinctive ability to meet people exactly where they are, even without knowing the full details of their journey. Parents and caregivers feel a sense of relief when they see Kevin at the ranch, knowing their loved one is supported by someone who leads with kindness, patience, and respect. Whether guiding a rider recovering from surgery or standing beside a small child grooming a 1,300 pound horse, Kevin encourages others to sit tall, stand proud, and face the day with confidence.
Kevin embodies the very heart of volunteerism at HGR. His service reminds us that leadership does not always come with a title, and impact does not require the spotlight. Sometimes, it looks like quiet perseverance, showing up again and again, and believing in others especially when they may struggle to believe in themselves. We are proud to recognize Kevin Ott as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year, and we are deeply grateful for the compassion, integrity, and dedication he brings to our greater community.
