Volunteers
....Therapeutic riding is made possible through dedicated and trained volunteers. Without the many wonderful volunteers who choose to make a difference, our program would not exist. Previous experience with horses is not required. Special training sessions are provided for new volunteer staff, these also serve as refreshers for established members of our volunteer staff. In addition, to the special training and lecture sessions, instruction is ongoing throughout the lesson periods. For most areas of the program you will not need a special skill. You just need the desire to give your time... we can almost guarantee you will receive more than you give!
....Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks from light stable duties to horse handling. Volunteers involved in horse handling are responsible for grooming and saddling horses prior to lessons, and also function as leaders and/or side walkers during the lessons.
Horse leader job description

Horse leader’s primary responsibility is to the horse, i.e. prepare the horse for class, maintain safety spacing, and help the horse follow the directions of the rider during class. The leader must be at least 14 years old with horse experience. The horse leader reports to Lesson Instructor and Program Director.

Qualifications required:

  • Commitment to attend your schedule lesson night for 6 weeks.
  • Must have a strong understanding and experience with horse handling.
  • Minimum age of 14 years.
  • Walk and occasionally jog with the horse for the duration of the lesson with occasional jogging on uneven surfaces.
  • Must have adequate vision and hearing to ensure safety of horses and participants.
  • Ability to “read” a horse and the knowledge and confidence to calmly prevent unexpected movements.
  • Ability to adapt to change, be flexible and patient.

Responsibilities:

  • Must remain focused on the horse at all times during the lesson to ensure safety, claming the horse and anticipating any unforeseen, situation.
  • Ensure horse is groomed, tacked and warming up in arena 10 minutes prior to lesson start time.
  • Lead the horse in class. Give guidance to the horse from the rider’s cues as necessary.
  • Listen to the directions of the instructor.
  • Untack & turn out the horse after class (unless it is needed in the class following.)
Side walker job description

Side walker’s physically assists the rider (during riding, mounting and dismounting), helps the rider guide their horse during the lesson, and assists the rider in following the directions of the instructor as necessary. The amount of assistant is dependent on each rider’s abilities. Horse experience is not necessary. The side walker reports to the Lesson Instructor and Program Director.

Qualifications Required:

  • Commitment to attend your scheduled night for 6 weeks.
  • Walk and occasionally jog along side the horse for the duration of the lesson, at times on uneven surfaces.
  • Ability to hold your arm slightly raised and out to the side for up to 30 minutes providing support to the rider as necessary.
  • Must have adequate vision to ensure the safety of rider.
  • Ability to adapt to change, be flexible and patient.
  • Comfortable working with children and/or adults with disabilities and special needs and with horses (including physical contact)
  • Minimum age of 14 years.
  • Cannot be fearful of horses.

Responsibilities:

  • Meet and greet riders. Remain with your rider ensuring their safety at all times.
  • Assist parent or rider with correct fitting helmet
  • Assist with supporting the rider during mounting/dismounting.
  • Bridge” the instructor to the rider. (Repeat directions, redirect attention, cheer, encourage and praise)