Volunteer FAQs:
+ What is the minimum age for volunteering?
Our insurance policy mandates that all volunteers must be at least 14 years old at the time they attend orientation. There are, unfortunately, no exceptions to this.
+ I’m experienced with horses, can I volunteer to train or exercise your horses?
No, we do not allow volunteers to train or exercise our horses. All of our horses work very hard in regular lessons, and they deserve time off. They also have training and conditioning needs that are very unique to working with riders with disabilities. Our dedicated staff of equine professionals provides all of our horse training and conditioning.
+ I am experienced with horses, can I volunteer to lead or groom your horses?
All volunteers start out as a Lesson Facilitator so that you get experience with our program! Once you have logged at least 10 hours as a Facilitator then you are able to attend trainings to transition to a different volunteer role.
+ If I am experienced with horses do I have to attend additional trainings to move to other roles?
Yes, all volunteers need to attend and pass our trainings to be elgible for each role. Consistency is key - we want all our horses handled in our standard way regardless of previous horse experience.
+ Can I volunteer to clean stalls, feed horses, or groom horses?
The care and management of our horses is our top priority, and our full-time barn manager is responsible for daily care and feeding. Our volunteer program is designed to directly serve our participants. Volunteers can be trained as grooming assistants, but horses are only groomed prior to classes. We do not allow volunteers to drop-in to groom horses.
+ I am a student and need volunteer hours for a school program. Can I get them at TRI??
Yes, we are happy to provide recommendation letters and sign off on volunteer hours reports. But, make sure you plan ahead—all volunteers must attend an orientation and are expected to volunteer on a regular schedule. We cannot accommodate volunteers looking for hours on short notice, or those who only wish to volunteer one time.
+ Can I volunteer in exchange for riding time?
No, we do not offer riding oppurtunities or lessons to our volunteers. We offer adaptive programming 5 days a week and there is no time for additional lessons.
+ Can I visit your facility?
Yes, with some advance notice! To protect the privacy and confidentiality of our participants, we do not allow drop-ins to observe lessons or tour the facility. We offer a full facility tour during our volunteer orientation.
+ I want to volunteer but I am not able to commit to a weekly schedule. Can I still volunteer?
If you cannot commit to a weekly shift (and have attended the required training session), we do have sub oppurtunites that pop up that you can sign up for. We also have some various unmounted events that we need help with throughout the year. *We ask that our volunteers log at least 10 hours during the calendar year to remain an active volunteer. *
+ I want to volunteer but am not interested in being a facilitator. Can I still help out?
The majority of our need is related to our adaptive programming. However we may have various other needs throughout the year. If you would like to contribute in a different way please contact us to discuss other talents you may wish to share with us!
+ I would like to become a certified instructor. Can you help me?
Yes, we do have an instructor training program designed to prepare you for certification. To be elgible for this program, you must have volunteered with us for at least 4 sessions and have demonstrated that you are committed and knowlegable.
+ Do you offer trail rides or riding lessons to the general public?
No, our operations are entirely non-profit and dedicated to serving people with disabilities and other challenges. We do not offer riding lessons, trail rides, pony parties, or horse boarding to the general public.