brushinghorse (9K) Volunteers


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.
TROT would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers who have made the organization what it is today. Without volunteers, TROT would not have been a reality for the riders we serve today. There are many ways in which you can help to keep TROT students riding.

Volunteering

  • TROT needs people who are willing to be assist the Board of Directors in planning and carrying out their fund-raisers.
  • TROT needs people with extensive horse backgrounds to act as our "Horse Handlers" to tack up the horses before classes and lead the horses during our riding lessons. This volunteer position requires a weekly commitment.
  • TROT needs volunteers to act as "Side Walkers" to walk along side the riders during lessons, to give them physical and moral support. This volunteer position requires a weekly commitment.
  • TROT needs on-call volunteers who may be unable to make a weekly commitment, but will be available as a replacement on an on-call basis and/or willing to help with fund-raisers and bulk mailings.
  • TROT can use your help and experience with grounds and maintenance, house cleaning, upcoming events, journalism and many other ways. If you have any special talents you would like to share with us, TROT would like to hear from you.


    • 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 The Volunteer Letter (.pdf)
    Click Here To Download The Volunteer Form (.pdf)

    Therapeutic Riding Class Volunteer: Side Walker:

    This 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 students 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 Handler:

    This 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.
    Spring Volunteer Orientation and Training Dates will be Posted Soon. Please call the TROT office for more information. (520) 749-2360.