VOLUNTEERS: GIVING “TIME AND TALENT” TO SERVE OUR CLIENTS
Our volunteers come to Horses Help SWI to give with their hearts, and they stay because they receive more than they ever imagined they could. Volunteering with us is a great way to meet new people; witness firsthand the life-changing effects of equine-assisted therapy; and become part of the Horses Help SWI family.
They represent all age groups and experience levels. Some may be retirees, friends, or neighbors looking to give back to the community. Others simply may be teenagers earning their service hours. And, yes, a few are lifelong “horse people” who feel called to help others understand how the bond between a horse and a human can change both of their lives.
But even if you have little to no experience working with horses, there are many ways for you to become involved; of course, we’ll provide you with the appropriate training.
We typically need help in the following areas:
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Sidewalking
Encouraging, motivating, and challenging riders as directed by instructors.
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Leading/Controlling Horses
Done during therapy sessions, to include keeping horses under control while being mounted/dismounted by riders.
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Exercising Horses
By both walking and riding.
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Grooming and Tacking
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Chores
Feeding horses; cleaning stalls; turning them out into pasture; maintaining our arenas.
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Art and Music Instruction for Clients
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Day Camps/Group Lessons
Assisting participants; helping with activity set-up and tear-down.
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Volunteer Recruitment and Scheduling
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Fundraising
