FAQs
1. What physical ability is required to volunteer?
Volunteering at an equestrian therapeutic center is mildly physical. You must be able to walk at least 30-40 minutes and jog for short distances. However, if you are unable to participate in the program for physical reasons, there are many other ways to get involved!
2. Do I have to have horse experience?
Horse experience is not required to be a side walker. As long as you are willing to learn, 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.
3. What qualities are you looking for in volunteers?
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.
4. How does scheduling work?
You can either commit to coming on a specific day each week, which is a great way to build relationships with our riders, or you can sign up week by week for our Thursday and Saturday classes. We use Signup genius for these Thursday and Saturday classes because not everyone can commit to a regular session. More information will be given at your orientation.
5. Which days and times do you run your program?
We have classes Monday through Saturday. Our school program runs Tuesday through Friday mornings for eight week sessions and our TR classes are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Saturday mornings. This is subject to change, as we are always adding more opportunities to volunteer!