Volunteering at Healing Reins is incredibly impactful and fun! No horse experience needed, but you must be comfortable around horses. The volunteer schedule is totally flexible and revolves around your schedule. There are no minimum hours required. Simply complete an application on our website (healingreins.org), attend a two-hour New Volunteer & Sidewalker Training and you are ready to help heal with horses! Your Volunteer Manager will be there to assist and support you throughout your time at Healing Reins! We look forward to seeing you in the arena!
Position Summary: Assist Instructors and Horse Leaders in creating a safe and fun learning environment for participants with special needs, by supporting participants before, during, and after sessions.
Qualifications:
● All Sidewalkers must have participated in the Healing Reins Sidewalker Training.
● Minimum age of 14.
● Able to physically react quickly and calmly to maximize safety of the participant and perform an emergency dismount of a participant.
● Able to walk with intermittent jogging for an hour at a time over uneven surfaces.
● Able to frequently stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Sidewalker Responsibilities:
● Assist participant with grooming the horse, as directed by the Instructor.
● Stay next to the participant both on and off the horse to maximize safety and provide stability
assistance and prompts as needed.
● Assist instructor with mounts and dismounts.
● Aid participant with lesson activities as directed by the instructor.
● Communicate with the Instructor and Horse Leader regarding the needs of the participant.
● Communicate with the participant regarding their needs and providing prompting or reminders
as needed.
● Work as a team with staff and other volunteers.
● Follow directions from the Instructors.
● Ensure compliance with all Healing Reins policies.
