Volunteers
Volunteer Team
Are you ready to make an impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities?
No horse experience necessary, just a passion for helping others.
Volunteers are at the heart of our organization as Reins of Hope is 100% volunteer driven! Join our team of dedicated volunteers and gentle horses, along with their owners, as we provide adaptive riding to individuals with disabilities. It takes many hands to fulfill our mission of providing Courage in Motion as we work with these individuals and we need You!
Riding Session Needs
Volunteer Teams
For each individual rider, we need a minimum of three volunteers.
- one horse leader
- two side-walkers (provide support and security for the participant)
- activity assistants pending the activity
Assignments will be based on your comfort level / abilities. We do our best to pair new volunteers with experienced volunteers allowing you to gain comfort and understanding of your role.
Roles
Setup Assistance
Greeter
Volunteer and Participant Check In
Instructor / Activity Lead
Horse Leaders
Side Walkers
Activity Assistants
Volunteer Coordinator
Barn Maintenance - the stinky stuff
Equipment Cleaning
Photography / Videography
Tear Down Assistance
See below for descriptions.
Volunteer Opportunities and Descriptions
Riding Session Duties
- Greeter
Greet volunteers, parents / guardians, and participants as they arrive and help direct them with where to go. Help answer questions.
- Check In
Assist volunteers with check in, finding name tags, and confirming paperwork has been completed / turned in. Assist participants and families with check in, confirming paperwork has been completed / turned in, assist with finding name tags and helmets.
- Groomer / Tacker Assistant
Assist with locating and prepping tack, assist with grooming horse as needed, and returning equipment to proper location when session is completed.
- Instructor / Activity Lead
Lead the group session and help direct participants, volunteers, and horse leaders through set activities.
- Activity Assistant
Assist the instructor and / or participants with activities as requested. Example: playing catch
- Horse Handler / Horse Leader
Ensure the horse is groomed and tacked appropriately, warm up the horse before sessions, lead / handle the horse to assist with a safe and enriching environment for horses, riders, and volunteers during session, and assist with removing tack upon completion.
- Side-walker
These individuals provide support and security to the rider throughout the session. This may include encouraging the rider, demonstrating exercises/activities, playing games, listening and helping the rider listen and follow directions, assisting rider with social & motor skills, sing songs, and more.
- Equipment Setup / Take Down
Assist with setting up the arena and our loading / unloading ramp, check-in / out area, and finding / preparing / cleaning /returning session equipment utilized.
Additional Roles / Duties
- Barn Maintenance
Help take care of the "stinky stuff"
- Volunteer Coordinator
Help coordinate volunteer teams and discuss any volunteer concerns
- Equipment Cleaning
Assist with disinfecting helmets, etc utilized during sessions. Blanket washing between seasons.
- Photography / Videography
Take photos and videos during sessions and events for marketing and promotional materials.
- Clerical Work
Assist with Paperwork organization, email communications, marketing materials, social media, etc.
- Fundraising
Assist with fundraising ideas, coordination, events, etc.
- Board Member
Attend Board Meetings and help move our organization forward
- And More