Therapeutic Horsemanship Volunteers

We're excited to welcome volunteers for the roles of horse leader and side walker (supporting the student during the lesson). Volunteers should be able to be actively engaged for about 1.5 hours, including set up for the lesson, grooming, about 30 minutes in the arena at a walk, removing tack, walking the horses out to their field (if they're done for the day), and cleanup of the arena. Our participant population includes children through adults with physical and mental disabilities. Training includes instruction on horse behavior and management, therapeutic riding, and how to work with our participant populations.

Our lessons run Monday through Friday from early afternoon to 7p, with lessons ending earlier on Tuesdays. We have four 6-week (plus one make up week) sessions each year and ask that volunteers commit to at least one lesson a week for the entire session. Volunteers with previous experience will be considered for fill-in spots if a full commitment isn't possible.

No equine experience is needed. During training, we'll assess whether your skills are best suited for horse leader, side walker, or both.

We have two mandatory trainings for new volunteers. Volunteers will review our training materials, which include a volunteer manual, 24-minute video, and information sheets. You'll then attend a 30-minute virtual meeting to review the material and ask questions. Finally, you'll attend a 90-minute in-person training at the barn. Trainings are held during our session breaks, at least four times a year.