| Q: I’m interested in volunteering, but I don’t really know what it’s all about. |
| A: The best way to learn about the program is by observing sessions in action. You can see the interaction between participants, instructors, therapists, volunteers, and horses first hand! |
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| Q: What do I have to do before I start? |
A: Before you start, you need to fill out a volunteer information packet that contains a
confidentiality agreement, photo release, liability waiver, and health history. Minors need to have parent/guardian signatures in order to participate. |
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| Q: I don’t know anything about horses, are you sure I can help? |
| A: Yes! There are many opportunities for people with little horse experience to participate in volunteering. Orientation and training will be conducted under the direction of a NARHA certified instructor so that everyone is familiar with program specifics and safety practices.Freedom Woods hopes to help all volunteers increase their horsemanship abilities! |
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| Q: I have some horse experience, do I really need training? |
| A: Yes! Horse experience is a definite advantage, but many people familiar with horses are not necessarily familiar with specific policies and practices that allow us to provide the safest environment possible for all of our participants. Some rules may seem unnecessary, but they are in place to keep everyone safe - including our horses! |
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| Q: What should I expect to do the first time I come? |
A: You will probably be introduced to the facility and other volunteers by a NARHA certified instructor. Depending on your abilities and/or limitations, your orientation may be targeted toward sidewalking (assisting riders), or horse leading (specific to Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding sessions). Typically you will follow a session without actually participating to get comfortable with walking in sand for 30 minutes and observe closely how volunteers may help
with sessions. |
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| Q: How long and how often do I need to volunteer? |
| A: Typically a time slot of 2-3 hours is recommended, and you can come as often as you like! Usually volunteers are asked to participate on a weekly basis as this is how sessions are normally scheduled for riders. You can check with the front desk to see when sessions are currently scheduled. It is best to contact the certified instructor/therapist to determine if you are needed on a specific day/time. There may be times when as little as 30 minutes of your time would be greatly appreciated! |
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| Q: What should I wear? |
| A: Comfortable shoes with a closed toe suitable for walking in sand for 30 minutes. Clothes should fit comfortably without being too loose/baggy or tight/binding/restrictive/revealing. |
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| Q: I don’t know if I can walk in sand for 30 minutes, can I still help? |
A: Yes! There are many ways that volunteers can help outside of direct participation in
sessions, from moving horses between buildings, grooming and tacking the horses, doing laundry, organizing materials used in sessions, to helping to keep the arena clean and tidy! |
