Horse Leaders and Side Walkers for Adaptive Riding Lessons

Ride For Joy is seeking volunteers to lead horses or walk alongside riders during our adaptive horseback riding lessons.

Lessons volunteers are mentors, and provide a safe environment for our riders. While in the arena, side walkers and horse leaders work under the direct supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified instructor.

Side walkers assist the instructors during mounting/dismounting process, during the ride by encouraging the riders to participate in activities, to protect the rider by offering support holds, and to help the rider develop to their fullest potential.

Horse Leaders assist barn staff with grooming, tacking and transitioning horses between lessons. Volunteers lead horses to and from lessons, warm up horses before lessons begin and lead a horse during the lesson as prompted by the lesson instructor.

Junior volunteers 14-17 years old may serve as side walkers. Those with previous extensive equine experience may qualify to be horse leaders.

Volunteers are required to complete an online application, waiver & release form, background check, orientation, and trainings.

Please visit our website for more information, and to apply for this volunteer opportunity.