Volunteer With Us
Help children with disabilities build strength, confidence, and joy through adaptive horse-riding.
Volunteer With Us
Help children with disabilities build strength, confidence, and joy through adaptive horse-riding.
Volunteer With Us
"The meaning of life is to give life meaning."
- Ken Hudgins
Volunteers are the heart of Prairie Strides. Each week, they walk beside our riders and guide gentle horses, helping create a safe, welcoming space where children with disabilities, aged 5 to 15, can grow stronger, build confidence, and experience the joy of riding.
Whether you’re supporting a rider, leading a horse, or helping behind the scenes, your time helps turn small efforts into meaningful milestones. No horse experience is needed, just a caring spirit and a willingness to learn. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
"The meaning of life is to give life meaning."
4
- Ken Hudgins
Volunteers are the heart of Prairie Strides. Each week, they walk beside our riders and guide gentle horses, helping create a safe, welcoming space where children with disabilities, aged 5 to 15, can grow stronger, build confidence, and experience the joy of riding.
Whether you’re supporting a rider, leading a horse, or helping behind the scenes, your time helps turn small efforts into meaningful milestones. No horse experience is needed, just a caring spirit and a willingness to learn. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
Ways You Can Volunteer With Prairie Strides
Ways You Can Volunteer With Prairie Strides
Horse Leader
Guide the horse through lessons with calm, steady handling.
Side Walker
Walk beside the rider to help with balance and safety.
Physio & Occupational Therapists
Support rider goals alongside instructors.
Barn Support
Help with light stable tasks so lessons run smoothly.
Program Assistants
Assist with sign-in, equipment, and general lesson support.
Horse Leaders
Guide the horse through lessons with calm, steady handling.
Side Walkers
Walk beside the rider to help with balance and safety.
Physio/Occupational Therapists
Support rider goals alongside instructors.
Barn Helpers
Help with light stable tasks so lessons run smoothly.
Program Assistants
Assist with sign-in, equipment, and general lesson support.
Horse Leaders
Guide the horse through lessons with calm, steady handling.
Side Walkers
Walk beside the rider to help with balance and safety.
Horse Leaders
Guide the horse through lessons with calm, steady handling.
Side Walkers
Walk beside the rider to help with balance and safety.
Physio/Occupational Therapists
Support rider goals alongside instructors.
Barn Helpers
Help with light stable tasks so lessons run smoothly.
Program Assistants
Assist with sign-in, equipment, and general lesson support.
Horse Leaders
Guide the horse through lessons with calm, steady handling.
Volunteer Program Dates
SPRING 2026
TBA
Parent Orientation
Wednesday, March 23 – 6:30 PM
Volunteer Orientation Online
Wednesday, March 25 – 6:00 PM
Volunteer Training In-Person
April 6 & 8
Volunteer Practice Session
April 13 & 15
Rider Sessions Begins
May 18 & 20
No Classes
June 22 & 24
Last Classes
FALL 2026
TBA
Parent Orientation
Wednesday, August 26 – 6:30 PM
Volunteer Orientation Online
Wednesday, September 2 – 6:00 PM
Volunteer Training In-Person
September 7 & 9
Volunteer Practice Session
September 14 & 16
Rider Sessions Begins
October 12 & 14
No Classes
November 23 & 25
Last Classes
Volunteer Program Dates
SPRING 2026
TBA
Parent Orientation
Wednesday, March 23 – 6:30 PM
Volunteer Orientation Online
Wednesday, March 25 – 6:00 PM
Volunteer Training In-Person
April 6 & 8
Volunteer Practice Session
April 13 & 15
Rider Sessions Begins
May 18 & 20
No Classes
June 22 & 24
Last Classes
FALL 2026
TBA
Parent Orientation
Wednesday, August 26 – 6:30 PM
Volunteer Orientation Online
Wednesday, September 2 – 6:00 PM
Volunteer Training In-Person
September 7 & 9
Volunteer Practice Session
September 14 & 16
Rider Sessions Begins
October 12 & 14
No Classes
November 23 & 25
Last Classes
Volunteer Program Dates
SPRING 2026
TBA
Parent Orientation
Wednesday, March 23 – 6:30 PM
Volunteer Orientation Online
Wednesday, March 25 – 6:00 PM
Volunteer Training In-Person
April 6 & 8
Volunteer Practice Session
April 13 & 15
Rider Sessions Begins
May 18 & 20
No Classes
June 22 & 24
Last Classes
FALL 2026
TBA
Parent Orientation
Wednesday, August 26 – 6:30 PM
Volunteer Orientation Online
Wednesday, September 2 – 6:00 PM
Volunteer Training In-Person
September 7 & 9
Volunteer Practice Session
September 14 & 16
Rider Sessions Begins
October 12 & 14
No Classes
November 23 & 25
Last Classes
Jim
Jane
Heather
Jim
Jane
Heather
"It’s a great program that truly makes a difference in the lives of kids and their families."
Jim-
Slide title
"Make a difference, gain new friendships, and experience the pure joy of seeing our riders thrive."
Jane -
Slide title
"Prairie Strides creates a positive, safe space where all are welcome and lots of fun is had. I look forward to every class and can't imagine not being part of future sessions.”
Heather
Jim
Jane
Heather
-
"It’s a great program that truly makes a difference in the lives of kids and their families."
Jim -
Slide title
"Make a difference, gain new friendships, and experience the pure joy of seeing our riders thrive."
Jane -
Slide title
"Prairie Strides creates a positive, safe space where all are welcome and lots of fun is had. I look forward to every class and can't imagine not being part of future sessions.”
Heather
-
"It’s a great program that truly makes a difference in the lives of kids and their families."
Jim -
Slide title
"Make a difference, gain new friendships, and experience the pure joy of seeing our riders thrive."
Jane -
Slide title
"Prairie Strides creates a positive, safe space where all are welcome and lots of fun is had. I look forward to every class and can't imagine not being part of future sessions.”
Heather
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about volunteering with Prairie Strides, from experience and training to roles, schedules, and who can get involved.
What does a Prairie Strides volunteer do?
Volunteers support children with disabilities during adaptive horse-riding lessons by walking beside riders, leading horses, or helping with program and barn support tasks.
Do I need horse experience, and is training provided?
No horse experience is needed. Prairie Strides provides an online orientation, in-person training, and ongoing support so volunteers feel confident and prepared.
What can I expect as a new volunteer?
Your online orientation will walk you through safety guidelines, volunteer roles, and what to expect during lessons.
What impact do volunteers have?
Volunteers play a key role in helping riders build confidence, improve balance and coordination, and feel safe and supported. Many volunteers say seeing a rider smile or grow week by week is the most rewarding part of volunteering.
Who can volunteer?
Volunteers must be 16 or older and able to walk or stand for about 60 minutes. We welcome reliable, compassionate people from all backgrounds.
What volunteer roles are available?
Roles include side-walkers who support riders, horse leaders who guide the horse, and barn or program support volunteers. Every role is essential.
How often do volunteers need to commit?
Volunteers are encouraged to commit weekly for the length of a session. Consistency helps riders feel safe and supported.
How long is each volunteer shift?
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours on Monday or Wednesday evenings.
Where is the program held?
At West Wind Stables in Oak Bluff, just outside of the Perimeter Hwy.
How do I apply to volunteer?
Complete the online volunteer application on this page. After applying, you’ll receive orientation details, training dates, and next steps.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about volunteering with Prairie Strides, from experience and training to roles, schedules, and who can get involved.
What does a Prairie Strides volunteer do?
Volunteers support children with disabilities during adaptive horse-riding lessons by walking beside riders, leading horses, or helping with program and barn support tasks.
Do I need horse experience, and is training provided?
No horse experience is needed. Prairie Strides provides an online orientation, in-person training, and ongoing support so volunteers feel confident and prepared.
What can I expect as a new volunteer?
Your online orientation will walk you through safety guidelines, volunteer roles, and what to expect during lessons.
What impact do volunteers have?
Volunteers play a key role in helping riders build confidence, improve balance and coordination, and feel safe and supported. Many volunteers say seeing a rider smile or grow week by week is the most rewarding part of volunteering.
Who can volunteer?
Volunteers must be 16 or older and able to walk or stand for about 60 minutes. We welcome reliable, compassionate people from all backgrounds.
What volunteer roles are available?
Roles include side-walkers who support riders, horse leaders who guide the horse, and barn or program support volunteers. Every role is essential.
How often do volunteers need to commit?
Volunteers are encouraged to commit weekly for the length of a session. Consistency helps riders feel safe and supported.
How long is each volunteer shift?
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours on Monday or Wednesday evenings.
Where is the program held?
At West Wind Stables in Oak Bluff, just outside of the Perimeter Hwy.
How do I apply to volunteer?
Complete the online volunteer application on this page. After applying, you’ll receive orientation details, training dates, and next steps.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join our volunteer team and help children grow stronger, one stride at a time.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join our volunteer team and help children grow stronger, one stride at a time.
CONTACT US
53086 Road 4E • Oak Bluff, MB • R0G 1N0
MAILING ADDRESS:
Box 402 • Oak Bluff, MB • R0G 1N0
CALL OR TEXT: 204.995.7932
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