High Hurdles Horsemanship Program Volunteers Needed

PROGRAM CREW:

Assist during program with side walking, horse leading, grooming and tacking, setting up the arena or assisting with lessons.  Individuals with horse experience are especially needed.

Time Requirement: minimum 1 hour per week

Side walkers:

Side walkers and spotters walk alongside the horse and student and are directly responsible for the safety of the student during the lesson.  Assignment of a side walker or spotter is at the discretion of the Instructor and Program Director who assign volunteers based on the need of each individual student.  The following guidelines apply to the assignment of side walkers and spotters:

·    Volunteer must be at least 12 years old.  Volunteers under age 18 must demonstrate maturity and responsibility

·    Volunteer must be tall enough to side walk with a student and horse combination such that the volunteers elbow is not higher than his/her shoulder.

·    Volunteer must be able to walk for 30 minutes at the horse’s pace

·    Volunteer must not have any physical ailments or injuries that would prevent him/her from moving, reacting, or responding quickly in the case of sudden movements by the horse.

·    Volunteer must exhibit the characteristics in the document Personal Requirements of Program Volunteer

·    Volunteer must observe and obey all Rules of Conduct

·    Volunteer must have completed all required paperwork and passed all background checks

·    Volunteer must observe the Volunteer Attire Policy 

Horse Leaders:

Horse leaders are a critical part of the lesson team because they are responsible for the behavior of the horse.  Horse leaders are chosen to work with a student/horse combination based on their ability to work well with specific horses.  The following guidelines apply to the assignment of volunteers as horse leaders:

·    Volunteer must be at least 16 years old.

·    Volunteer must have at least one year of riding lessons or experience at a local barn or horse facility.

·    Volunteer must have demonstrated horse knowledge and the ability to control a horse under varying circumstances.

·    Volunteer must complete a horse leader training class and be able to demonstrate the ability to apply the concepts learned

·    Volunteer must be mature, responsible, attentive and reliable

Demonstration of safe side walking and leading is required prior to final approval to work in these roles as a program volunteer.

Program Staff:

Volunteers with a background in occupation therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, pathology, education, and riding instruction are needed to assist with student evaluations, lessons, and many other tasks. Please note that all staff positions are at this time considered voluntary and there are currently no paid positions available.

Special projects and events:

At Times, HHH has the need for volunteers to complete special projects or assist with special events.  Signs will be posted to let you know that an event is coming and when volunteers are needed. At anytime, we are always in need of fundraising ideas and are open to any that you have to give.