FHTRC Volunteer Requirements
Volunteering is open to adults and teenagers who are interested in assisting children and adults with disabilities. They provide physical, emotional, and educational support to our clients.
While no prior experience is required, volunteers must meet the following requirements:
- 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
Volunteer Commitment Requirement
FHTRC strives to assign a consistent team to each of our clients so they can receive the full benefit of our program. Our clients accomplish more with a team that they have built a comfortable relationship with. We run 8-week sessions and ask that volunteers commit to a time for at least 45 minutes per week.
If you are unable to make a weekly commitment, don’t worry! We are always in need of substitute volunteers and can add you to the substitute list.
Volunteer Days and Times
Volunteers are needed at least 15 minutes prior to the start and after the completion of classes. Take this into consideration when committing to your time availability. The initial times below are 1 hour before each class’s start.
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
Volunteer Jobs
There are several ways that you can assist our staff and clients at FHTRC.
Sidewalking
The sidewalker helps 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 ensure the rider gets the most out of the lesson while being as independent as possible. The sidewalker provides stability and ensures the rider stays properly aligned while riding.
Horse Leader
The Leader assists with grooming and tacking the horse for classes, leads the horse to the mounting area, and attends to the horse during mounting. They then lead the horse as directed by the instructor during class and assist in untacking the horse after the lesson. 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.
Barn Volunteers
Barn Volunteers* assist instructors by preparing horses for lessons and ensuring safe, calm conditions for riders. Beyond physical tasks, barn assistants contribute to a supportive atmosphere that allows riders with disabilities to experience the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding in a safe and well-cared-for setting.
*Currently, we do not have any openings for stalls or turnout. If you are interested in other activities unrelated to our sessions, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator to confirm availability.
Volunteer Training Sessions
We hold numerous volunteer trainings throughout the year. Our 2026 training dates are as follows:
- May 11th, 2026 at 5:30PM
- August 3rd, 2026 at 5:30PM
- September 21st, 2026 at 5:30PM
- December 7th, 2026 at 5:30PM
If you are interested in attending any of the above trainings, please contact our volunteer coordinator so we can ensure you are scheduled. Space is limited, so we do not allow drop-ins!
