Help 'Side-Walk' Beside Our Therapy Horses During OT, PT, & Adaptive Riding Sessions!

No experience needed, training is provided.

Minimum 3-month time commitment, must be 16 years or older.

NCEFT provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy that utilizes equine movement as part of the plan of treatment, adaptive riding, Veterans and First Responders programs, special-education school programs for children and adults with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities.

Session Volunteers: "Side-Walkers"

Every client therapy session requires two side-walker volunteers to make our programs possible. Side-walkers are integral members of the therapy and adaptive riding teams. They work directly with and are guided by our staff therapists and instructors to support the patients during sessions. Side-walker volunteers do not need previous experience with horses or with people with disabilities - they only need enthusiasm and the stamina to keep up with our patients and horses! Side-walker volunteers walk (trot at times) beside the patient on the horse for the entire therapy session, and their primary job is maintaining the safety of that patient at all times. Side walkers must meet the qualifications (16 yrs, strong enough to lift 35 lbs., ability to trot in sand) and attend a training session/orientation before working with patients. Side-walking is a gratifying experience from interacting with clients and horses and being outdoors on our beautiful 12-acre property.

Sessions run Monday - Friday from 10 am - 5 pm. We'll work with your schedule to find a day or the week and time that works for you! Minimum time commitment is 3 months, 2 hours max weekly.