Help make a difference in your community
Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Do you enjoy working with kids and animals? Enfants en Équi-Libre is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team. Last year, our riders and clients benefited from over 4,000 hours of generously donated time from our amazing group!
Requirements
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A minimum age of 14 is required for both leaders and side walkers
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Must be comfortable around horses, however experience is not necessary
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Must be comfortable working with people with different abilities.
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General good physical condition; must be able to walk briskly for approximately 40 minutes (small bursts of running in some, but not all lessons / therapy sessions)
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Must be available minimum of 1 day weekly / bi-weekly for 3 hours in a row
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Must be able to commit to at least one session per year (eight to twelve weeks per session).
Responsibilities
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To assist people with disabilities in our various equine assisted programs
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The help prepare horses for lessons / therapy sessions, assisting with the grooming and tacking (saddle, bridle or special equipment)
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Once the horses are ready, the volunteers act as either horse leaders or side walkers
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Horse leaders are responsible for the horse in the lesson / therapy session
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Side walkers are responsible for the rider and walk alongside the horse to offer rider support when needed
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Perform miscellaneous tasks as needed
Volunteer Orientations
Volunteer orientation visits are provided each week by appointment during lesson times where visitors can get a sense for our lessons / therapy sessions and see volunteers in action. During an orientation visit, volunteers may tour the facility and grounds, meet our staff, horses and volunteers as well as discuss their availability.
Volunteer Training Clinics
Volunteer training clinics take place during a two-hour theoretical and practical session in the stable and indoor arena. This training helps prepare volunteers to offer help during lessons and therapies. New volunteers must attend a volunteer training clinic before being eligible to assist with riders. For our dedicated volunteers, additional training may be offered free of charge to fill positions such as occupational therapy assistants and long-rein horse handler.
Download our volunteer form by clicking the button below and send it to volunteer@eltrc.org. We look foward to meeting you!