DO YOU LOVE HORSES?
Do you enjoy being around kids or helping individuals with special needs? Do you like being outdoors and having fun? If so, come get involved with HSS!
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They are active participants in lessons as side-walkers and horse-leaders. They help with barn chores, program promotion, horse care , feeding, grooming, the list goes on!
HSS offers therapeutic riding lessons to special and unique needs individuals aged 2 to adult. We hold lessons from September through June, and allow the horses a break during the hot summer months. Volunteer help is welcomed year-round to assist with mucking stalls, horse grooming and care, cleaning tack, stick-tidying, general cleaning, and maintenance at the ranch.
How do I start?
All volunteers are required to complete the Horse Sense Volunteer forms and to continue to assist with therapeutic riding sessions, will need to also complete the HSS Volunteer Training Orientation.
If you have specific questions, please contact us at [email protected]
Please send completed forms to [email protected]
Volunteer FAQs
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO VOLUNTEER?
We have volunteers as young as 13, however for the safety of our volunteers and riders, we must individually consider height and weight when placing volunteers and riders together as a team. Volunteers who are horse handlers and side-walkers are recommended to be at least 16 or older.
DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES?
Horse experience is not necessary to be a volunteer because there are many opportunities to assist with therapeutic riding services before, during, and after the appointment that does not require horse experience.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We strongly recommend checking the weather conditions, and dressing appropriately with closed-toed shoes. Bring water to stay hydrated!
CAN I EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR MY SCHOOL?
Absolutely!
DO YOU HAVE TO BE CPR AND/OR FIRST AID CERTIFIED?
This is currently not a requirement to be a volunteer.
ARE THERE ANY VACCINATIONS REQUIRED OF VOLUNTEERS?
All volunteers must have and show proof of being current on the tetanus vaccination. What is Tetanus?
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IF I VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers may tack or un-tack, groom, feed, catch or release horses prior to lessons. During lessons volunteers communicate and encourage communication through game play, songs, or other activities with the riders, assist in getting the rider mounted, stabilized, and dismounted safely. They will work with the rider in stretching exercises and hand-eye coordination games and assist the rider with focus, concentration, and coordination.