Volunteers
Prairie Strides provides adaptive horseback riding for children living with disabilities, ages 5 to 15.
Volunteers assist in the classes by leading a horse or side-walking. Help is also needed in the barn to assist with the horses. The minimum age to volunteer as a leader or side-walker is 16 years. There are some opportunities for 14-15 year olds with horse experience to help in the barn, activity room, and arena.
We welcome Corporate Volunteer Groups. For information on other volunteer opportunities such as fundraising committee members and board members, contact exedir@prairiestrides.com.
Spring 2024 Session
TBD
Requirements
A twelve-week commitment, a comfort level around horses and children with disabilities. Volunteers that are leading or side-walking need to be able to walk for approximately 60 minutes (with some stops along the way) in sand, in an indoor arena or, at times, outdoors.
IMPORTANT:
- ALL volunteers must complete the online Orientation.
- Leaders and Side-walkers must attend the Zoom orientation session - date To Be Determined.
- Leader / Sidewalker training/assessment will take place on - date TBD.
- ALL volunteers are to attend the "dry run" on - date TBD.
- Proper clothing and foot attire to be worn around horses:
- Long pants: Jeans, sweatpants or leggings
- Footwear: Mandatory closed-toe, supportive boots
- Well-fitted gloves
LEADERS: under the direction of the instructors, leaders are responsible for grooming, tacking, leading and controlling the horse to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for the rider. Leaders are required to arrive at least 25 minutes before class. Walking in sand for one hour and short bursts of jogging are required.
SIDE-WALKERS: side-walkers support the Rider, during the class, and help observe the Rider's emotional state. Feedback to the Instructor/ Therapist during the class ensures that the best support, comfort and guidance are accomplished, to help the rider. You must be able to have your arm at shoulder height for a period of time during class, without discomfort.
Prairie Strides conducts a Provincial Child Abuse Registry Check for all volunteers at the start of each session (at no cost to you).
Click here for the Child Abuse Registry Check form (fillable PDF).
Click here for the Prairie Strides Volunteer Application Form.
Online orientation can be done at your convenience using the video below.
