Get Involved
As a nonprofit organization, FETC is in existence because of the time and generosity of others throughout Effingham county and surrounding
communities. We continue to need your care and support.
There are a wide range of opportunities for individuals, families, church groups, clubs, schools and businesses to take an active role in a way that is the most meaningful to them. As a 501(C) (3), all donations are tax-deductible.
We hope you will explore some of the ways you can help FETC continue its rich heritage of helping people of all ages and disabilities achieve the extraordinary physical and psychological benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and assisted activities. Additionally, we are always open to ideas to generate sustainable ways we can deepen our program and continue to play an integral role in the lives of our students.
Volunteering is giving of yourself to benefit others
There are times it can be hard work,
but for the person who truly wants to help others the price is small compared to the
feeling of knowing you are making a positive difference in someone's life.
Helping others is what we are called to do as Christians.
There are a lot of fun things to learn while helping others. We have informational manuals and supply the training, all you have to do is show up with a desire to help!
FAQs
Volunteering for an equestrian therapeutic center is mildly physical. You must be able to walk at least 30 minutes and jog for short distances.- Horse experience is not required to be a side walker. As long as you don't have a fear of horses, we will teach you what you need to do.
- To be a horse leader, some experience with horses is necessary, but the needed experience can be gained from volunteering as a side walker for awhile and getting some additional training at the center.
- Patience is a good tool to have in your pocket along with focusing on the students and their needs, not our own wants and egos.
Definitions
Side walker - A person who walks beside the horse next to the student's knee area while the student is mounted. They offer moral support as well as look out for the students balance (Seeing that they are not shifting to far over one side or the other on the horses back). Their focus is on the student not the horse.
Horse leader - A person who controls the horse's movement on a lead line while the student is mounted. The horse leader is responsible for watching to see that the horse is comfortable and responding in a relaxed manner to the student. Their focus is on the horse.
Click here to download our Volunteer Packet.
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