About Volunteer with Therapeutic Horseback Riding Lessons

Miracles are happening at Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy so it is a great place to volunteer. Volunteers will attend a 2 hour training learning about equine therapy and our programs. We are recruiting Sidewalkers and Horse Leaders. Sidewalkers will be trained to walk beside the horse in lessons and provide physical and/or emotional support to the rider. They help the rider to successfully reach their lesson goals, as well as ensure rider safety before, during and after the lesson. Horse Leaders ensure that each horse is groomed, tacked and warmed up prior to the start of each lesson. They help ensure the safety of horse and rider before, during and after the lesson. Horse Leaders also help with un-tacking and grooming horses after the lesson. Horse Leaders must possess a basic understanding of horse behavior and demonstrate horse handling skills and the ability to assess and address horse behavior. After the training, we will have the opportunity to match the volunteers with specific riders and lesson times that work for the volunteers. Lessons will be held on the week nights as well as some mornings as needed. Each session lasts 50 minutes and volunteers can help with one or more lessons.

Application Process

Volunteers must be 14 years old, attend mandatory training, fill out volunteer application and be physically fit enough to walk and some jogging in a sandy arena.

Family-Friendly

Parents and children are invited and encouraged to get involved.