JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. -- They have been making Colorado proud for more than 60 years. The Westernaires precision horse drill team is famous the world over. What is less known is the fact this huge group is run solely by volunteers.

"We have about 500 adult volunteers today. They do all kinds of things, from sewing costumes, driving trucks, shoveling manure, you name it and we do it out here," said Westernaires director Glen Keller.

The organization is full of everyday people who give a great deal of their own time just so young people of Jefferson County can have an enriching experience. They are people like Ruth and Harry Smith, who started giving their time in 1994 when their two daughters were younger. Their daughters are grown now, but the Smiths continue to give their time nearly every Saturday.

Ruth said: "It is like a family out here."

And Harry added, "It is something that I believe in."

There are 1,000 kids ages 9 through 19 in the Westernaires and at least as many horses, but the program is about a lot more than riding.

"We teach them how to ride, but we don't make them great riders. We make them great adults," said Keller.

"I have learned a lot of social skills. I can hold down a lot of jobs better than most teenagers because I know how to work with people, " said Westernaire member Margaret Blaha.

"It teaches you team work skills," said Westernaires member Tiger Johnson.

"I have definitely learned leadership and courage through my horses," said Westernaire member Maddie Voiles.

"I think the program has helped kids who really need help and it has helped all the good kids get better," said Ruth Smith.

Much of that encouragement and guidance comes from volunteers like Ruth and Harry Smith.

"They volunteer all the time. They are here when they don't have to be," said Voiles.

"Volunteerism is alive and well at the Westernaires," said Keller.

To learn more about the Westernaires of Jefferson County, visit their Web site at: www.Westernaires.org.