Become a Volunteer

What are the requirements to be a volunteer at FHTRC?

We love each of our volunteers, and they make it possible for us to serve our clients. We want to ensure the safety of everyone involved in our program.

• Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to be involved in classes as Leaders or as Sidewalkers
• Must be able to walk for at least 30 minutes, with short periods of jogging
• Comfortably be able to support a rider with arms above shoulder level
• Must attend a New Volunteer Training Class

What Kind of Commitment is Required to Volunteer?

FHTRC strives to assign a consistent team for each of our clients in order for them to receive the full benefit from our program. Our clients accomplish more with a team that they have built a comfortable relationship with. We run in 8 week sessions, and ask that volunteers commit to a time for a minimum of 45 minutes per week.

If you are unable to make a weekly commitment, don’t worry! We are always needing substitute volunteers, and can add you to the substitute list.

What Jobs are Volunteers asked to do?

Sidewalking – The sidewalker helps assist in grooming and tacking the horses for classes. They walk beside the rider during the class, and may be asked to assist in mounting and dismounting. The sidewalker helps make sure the rider gets the most out of the lesson, while helping the rider be as independent as possible. The sidewalker provides stability and ensures that the rider stays in proper alignment while they are riding.

Horse Leader – The Leader helps assist in grooming and tacking the horse for classes, leads the horse to the mounting area, and attend to the horse during mounting. They then lead the horse as directed by the instructor during class, and assist in untacking horse after the lesson is over. The Leader is in charge of making sure the horse is under control at all times, while still allowing the rider to be as independent as possible.  You must pass a training in order to be a Horse Leader.

When is the next Volunteer Training?

We hold numerous volunteer trainings throughout the year. Our 2024 training dates are as follows:

 

 

 

August 5th at 6pm

September 30th at 6pm

December 9th at 6pm

 

 

If you are interested in attending any of the above training’s, so please contact us so we can make sure that you are scheduled in. Space is limited so we do not allow drop-ins!

What are the Days and Times Available to Volunteer?

Fall, Winter and Spring:

Monday : 9:30-12 ; 1:15-6:30     

Tuesday : 9-11 ; 12:30-6

Wednesday : 11:15 -6

Thursday:   9-12 ; 12:45-6

Summer Hours:

Monday: 8-12:30

Tuesday: 8-12:30

Wednesday: 8-12:30

Thursday: 8-12:30

NOTE: Volunteers are needed at least 15 minutes prior to the start and after completion of classes. Take this into consideration when committing to your time availability. Initial times above are one hour before each class’s start.