Hippotherapy Sidewalkers

Sidewalkers are responsible for assisting the client physically, cognitively, and emotionally as necessary throughout the duration of the hippotherapy session, as directed by the therapist. They must stay within reach of the rider and perform a therapeutic hold when necessary for a patient's balance and safety.

Qualifications:

• 16 years of age or older.
• Attend an introductory sidewalker training and pass a sidewalker competency checklist.
• Able to communicate with therapists/instructors, volunteers, and other staff members.
• Able to reinforce instructor’s or therapist’s directions when requested.
• Able to react appropriately in a crisis situation.
• Able to stand, bend, and walk with intermittent jogging for up to an hour at a time over uneven surfaces.
• Willing to learn and follow DST procedures and policies.
• Able to accept constructive feedback and follow direction from DST staff members.

Responsibilities:

• Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled session.
• Check in at the Volunteer Center and view daily schedules and announcements.
• Greet the rider when he/she arrives and assist in finding and fitting the harness and helmet.
• Assist with mounting and dismounting.
• Walk or jog beside the rider providing support as instructed.
• Assist with position changes and/or supporting the rider as instructed by the therapist.