How to Help Disabled Children Ride Horses

Laura gets acquainted with Heaven, a pony at the Gallastar Equine Center in Afton, Virginia.

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If you love children, animals and the outdoors, there is a unique volunteer position that combines your interests. You can work with children who are taking part in a therapeutic riding program somewhere near your home. These programs are sponsored by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Computer with Internet access
Clothing and shoes suited to working in a barn

Step1

Visit the NARHA website for a list of centers in your area. You may already know of some horseback riding centers nearby, but you may not realize that they offer therapeutic riding programs for children.

Step2

Be prepared to commit your help for several weeks. Most programs are held during the summer months, and ask that you volunteer at least one hour a week. In warmer parts of the county, programs extend into the last weeks of fall. If you prefer to stay indoors, you can volunteer for a clerical, fund-raising or public relations position.

Step3

There will usually be a brief orientation session and a tour of the property, including barns and indoor riding areas. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes or boots. Be prepared for encounters with farm animals, as many program centers are hosts to cats, dogs and cows as well as horses.

Step4

In most cases, you will be trained as a sidewalker, to walk alongside the horses while the children are riding. You will also receive training on how to groom and tack (equip the horse with a saddle and bridle).

Step5

Consider helping out in other ways before and after the season ends. In some cases, the center takes part in competitions out of the area and needs extra volunteers for these shows. Many centers could use your help at annual horse shows, where the children are awarded ribbons. Some centers sponsor cookouts and can use help with food. For more information, see the list of Resources below.

Tips & Warnings

Actual riding sessions can last anywhere from an hour to a few hours, so you should be physically fit.
This is hands-on work in a dusty, straw-filled environment, so you should dress appropriately for each session.
An experienced volunteer could qualify for training and eventual employment as a certified riding instructor.
Pay close attention to recommendations about how to behave around horses. They startle easily.