The work we do is impossible without the hundreds of volunteers we’re able to rely on each week changing lives, one stride at a time!
Explore our array of weekly volunteer opportunities, each offering unique experiences. Embrace our mission and join us as a volunteer today—no prior experience required, just a compassionate heart and a readiness to learn.
Side Walker
Side Walker This volunteer serves as a “safety net” for the rider by walking or jogging along side the horse and rider. The Side Walker interacts with the student at the direction of the instructor.
Horse Handler
The Horse Handler is responsible for grooming, tacking, warming up, leading the horse through the lesson and untacking the horse afterwards.
Special Events
Special events are a great way for your group to get involved with TROT. We host many events throughout the year and would love to partner with your group.
Property & Barn
We always need groups or individuals who can help keep our facilities maintained. If you are over 14 years old, we have needs from raking to painting.
Testimonials
“I love TROT because it combines the two things I love most, children and animals. Children are precious, funny, curious and constantly changing. Animals have their own way of interacting with people. When you put them together, it is magic”.
TROT Volunteer
Volunteer FAQ
Contact Laura at volunteer@trotarizona.org for more information or click here to use our online form.
For volunteers that participate in our therapeutic riding classes, we ask that they commit to at least one class per semester. This helps us maintain consistency for our riders and our horses. Each semester is 12 weeks long (with the exception of our 6-week spring semester). Depending upon your role in the class, this is a time commitment of anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours per class. For volunteers that assist with office, property, or fundraising needs, hours will vary.
We invite all skill levels to participate in volunteering at TROT. We start all volunteers out with Orientation and Side Walker Training. As a side walker, you will be responsible for assisting the rider. You will be next to the horse, but not leading. If you wish to expand your skill set, we hold Horse Handler Trainings, as well as Ground Schooling. After completion of these pieces of training, volunteers will undergo a skills check before being cleared to horse handle during classes.
Absolutely! TROT runs its therapeutic riding program in semesters. Our Winter session runs from mid-January to mid-April. This tends to be the best fit for those that escape the heat, come summertime. While we do prefer that volunteers commit to the entire semester, we also understand that life happens. For this reason we keep a very active “Substitute List” for volunteers who can only help out on an as needed basis.
TROT has a very dedicated staff that ensures our horses get the best care possible. The best way to get involved with our horses is to attend our trainings and become a Horse Handler. Once you have completed the training and demonstrated the appropriate skill level, more opportunities will become available to you.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and demonstrate the maturity level appropriate for working around horses and vulnerable populations.
We have plenty of volunteer opportunities related to office help, fundraising assistance, and property work for those who do not wish to participate in our classes.
During our busy season, TROT has volunteer opportunities up to 7 days a week. We typically hold our Therapeutic Riding classes in the early morning and late afternoon on weekdays and Saturdays.
