Willow Farm Therapeutic Riding
Volunteers
Willow Farms Therapeutic Horseback Riding program couldn't exist
without the many wonderful volunteers that step forward to help out in
every way possible. Each session is staffed by dozens of willing adults
and young people to insure that the needs of our clients are taken care
of. From greeting them at the door to assisting them with their unique
individual needs, our volunteers are what make this program successful.
To become a volunteer, we offer a training program that all people
working with our clients must enroll and complete. A background check is
also required of each adult individual. Classes are held a number of
times throughout the year to ensure we have an ever increasing pool of
people to staff our sessions. Check out our calendar for dates that
classes being offered this year.
Any volunteer who has completed training and who is 14 years of age or
older is able to work with students in the arena area as a sidewalker or
horse leader. Younger volunteers assist as greeters and barn
management leaders or assistants. Our barn management program is
coordinated by members of Superiorland Pony Club as a service project
and is open to all students as part of their experience at Willow Farm.
Our riders learn names of grooming tools, parts of riding equipment
(saddles, bridles), colors of horses, markings of horses, how to clean a
stall, and what horses eat as a part of this experience.
without the many wonderful volunteers that step forward to help out in
every way possible. Each session is staffed by dozens of willing adults
and young people to insure that the needs of our clients are taken care
of. From greeting them at the door to assisting them with their unique
individual needs, our volunteers are what make this program successful.
To become a volunteer, we offer a training program that all people
working with our clients must enroll and complete. A background check is
also required of each adult individual. Classes are held a number of
times throughout the year to ensure we have an ever increasing pool of
people to staff our sessions. Check out our calendar for dates that
classes being offered this year.
Any volunteer who has completed training and who is 14 years of age or
older is able to work with students in the arena area as a sidewalker or
horse leader. Younger volunteers assist as greeters and barn
management leaders or assistants. Our barn management program is
coordinated by members of Superiorland Pony Club as a service project
and is open to all students as part of their experience at Willow Farm.
Our riders learn names of grooming tools, parts of riding equipment
(saddles, bridles), colors of horses, markings of horses, how to clean a
stall, and what horses eat as a part of this experience.
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What would you be doing as a volunteer? Read on!
Sidewalkers
The main objective for a sidewalker is to ensure the safety of the rider.
At times, this means providing physical support to the rider. On other
occasions, sidewalkers walk or jog alongside the rider as a safety
measure. Therapeutic riding requires a high ratio of volunteers to
students -- many riders need two sidewalkers. As a result, we are
always looking for people who are willing to learn the needs of disabled
equestrians.
• Keep the rider attentive to the lesson
• Assist with and reinforce instructions
• Provide physical support to the rider
• Prevent falls
• Help keep the horse moving
Sidewalkers enjoy the interaction with students and see their progress
first-hand!
Horse Leader
The horse leader prepares the horses for class and leads the animal in
the class arena. Previous horse experience is necessary. These
individuals go through special training to learn about our horses, tack
and facility.
• Lead the horse in class
• Catch, groom and tack horses
• Put horses and tack away
Sidewalkers
The main objective for a sidewalker is to ensure the safety of the rider.
At times, this means providing physical support to the rider. On other
occasions, sidewalkers walk or jog alongside the rider as a safety
measure. Therapeutic riding requires a high ratio of volunteers to
students -- many riders need two sidewalkers. As a result, we are
always looking for people who are willing to learn the needs of disabled
equestrians.
• Keep the rider attentive to the lesson
• Assist with and reinforce instructions
• Provide physical support to the rider
• Prevent falls
• Help keep the horse moving
Sidewalkers enjoy the interaction with students and see their progress
first-hand!
Horse Leader
The horse leader prepares the horses for class and leads the animal in
the class arena. Previous horse experience is necessary. These
individuals go through special training to learn about our horses, tack
and facility.
• Lead the horse in class
• Catch, groom and tack horses
• Put horses and tack away
