About Side Walker and Horse Leader Training

Our next side walker and horse leader volunteer trainings are scheduled for Tuesday, June 8.
All lessons are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Summer session is Jun 15 - Aug 11. Fall session is Sept 7 - Nov 3.

Application Process

ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS AT RIDE FOR JOY
Volunteers are essential to ongoing function and success of all Ride for Joy programs.

The primary goals for a lesson volunteer is to ensure rider safety, be a mentor, and help riders accomplish goals during the lesson. While in the arena, side walkers and horse leaders work under the direct supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified instructor.

ELIGIBILITY
Ability to independently complete required forms, schedule online and report volunteer hours.

Ability to attend orientation, trainings and lessons independently.

Cognitive capacity to follow directions, clearly communicate, respond to an emergency and focus attention in the present.

Reliable roundtrip transportation.

Ability to walk and jog on an uneven, sandy surface for 45 minutes.

Ride for Joy does not accept court ordered community service participants.

TIME COMMITTMENT
Volunteers should commit to a minimum of one hour on one day per week for a full session (sessions range from 4-8 weeks).

2021 Side-walker Trainings: Horse Leader Trainings:

January 12 from 1-3pm January 12 from 3-5pm

March 8 from 1-3pm March 8 from 3-5pm

June 8 from 11am-1pm June 8 from 1-3pm

August 24 from 11am-1pm August 24 from 1-3pm

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER:
Review the Volunteer Handbook.

Complete the online volunteer application and waiver & release form.

Adult Volunteer Application

Junior/Minor Volunteer Application

Waiver & Release Form

The Volunteer Manager will be in touch to schedule an interview and orientation.

Pass a background check and complete required trainings.

Questions? Contact Candace Rose, Volunteer & Outreach Manager at [email protected] or call 208-454-8894

JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS
Review the Volunteer Handbook.

The parent/guardian of junior volunteers are required to complete the adult volunteer application, waiver and release form, background check. Please complete the application and waiver for both the junior volunteer & parent/guardian.

Adult Volunteer Application (Parent/Guardian of junior volunteer)

Junior/Minor Volunteer Application

Waiver & Release Form (Parent/Guardian complete for both)

The Volunteer Manager will be in touch to schedule an interview and orientation. The parent/guardian is required to attend the orientation.

Complete required trainings.

Junior volunteers may serve independently at lessons only after an evaluation and approval. Juniors may not be dropped off to volunteer without approval from staff.

Juniors volunteers with previous extensive equine experience may qualify to be horse leaders.

Family-Friendly

Parents and children are invited and encouraged to get involved.