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Volunteers are the critical key to the continued success
of the TROT mission. Each volunteer is trained to work directly with participants. Volunteers give moral and physical support
to riders and enjoy the personal satisfaction of seeing each individual's progress from week to week. Other volunteers help
with fundraising, grounds maintenance and care of the horses.
Each volunteer is trained to assist in lesson activities as a sidewalker. Volunteers wanting to assist with horse handling must have previous experience with horses. Those wishing to horse handle must first attend a sidewalker training and then a horse handler training at a later date. Horse Handlers are expected to be able to demonstrate safe handling of horses including; haltering, grooming, tacking and leading at a walk and trot. Other volunteer opportunities are available to include but not limited to barn duties, tack cleaning, property care, gardening, office duties, and assisting with special events. Please help us make a difference in the lives of our participants with special needs - it's the most "feel good" work you'll ever do!
click here to download volunteer letter and application (pdf)
Therapeutic Riding Class Volunteer: Side WalkerThis volunteer commits to 2 to 3 hours per week working in a riding class environment. The Side Walker acts as a "safety net" for the rider by providing various means of support while walking or jogging along side the horse and rider. The Side Walker interacts with the student at the direction of the instructor. Our volunteers get to share in the student’s progress and are a major part of the team that contributes to enhancing the lives of our riders. Some of our students have taken their first steps or uttered their first words during a class session. This is an excellent opportunity to share of yourself and at the same time, get so much in return.Side Walkers must be at least 14 years of age and in good health. Volunteers are required to be physically active and mentally alert and focused for a two to three hour class session. They should also be able to tolerate occasional severe weather and dust. Volunteer Orientation and Side Walker training sessions are required. Call TROT for details on volunteer openings and training schedules
Therapeutic Riding Class Volunteer: Horse HandlerThis volunteer commits to 2 to 3 hours per week working in a riding class environment. A Horse Handler is responsible for safely grooming, tacking, leading and untacking the horse for class. The Horse Handler does not usually interact with the rider as they are focused on the safety of the team they are working with as it relates to the horse. Our Horse Handlers take pride in knowing that they are a part of the team that creates a safe environment which enables the rider to perform to the best of their ability. Being a Horse Handler is a wonderful way to enjoy our therapy horses as well as be a part of the team that enriches the lives of our students. Horse Handlers must be at least 14 years of age with a strong equine background. This volunteer must be in good health, physically active and mentally alert and focused so that they can control the horse at a brisk walk or, at times, a trot for a 2-3 hour session. They should be able to tolerate occasional severe weather and dust. Volunteer Orientation, Side Walker training and a Horse Handler Clinic are required. |
TROT VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering 
