VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Lesson Program – Volunteers assist by leading horses or walking beside riders (side walking) during classes. Horse Handlers come with an understanding of, and experience with horses. Horse Handlers assist in preparing horses for classes (groom and tack), and are responsible for leading horses during class. Side walkers do not need experience. They are responsible for offering physical and emotional support. Side Walkers may train to be Horse Handlers after three months of volunteering in the lesson program. Lesson volunteers should be willing to commit to coming the same day and time each week and are required to attend a general volunteer orientation and training session.
  The General Orientation and Training Session begins with an overview of the Rein and Shine Therapeutic Riding program, who we serve, our horses, barn rules, and policies and procedures. After a tour of the facility, we head into the barn and demonstrate how horses are groomed and tacked. Next, Staff trainers and volunteers spend time in the arena, learning the ins and outs of “side walking” and horse handling. At this point, volunteers will be given the opportunity to practice these skills hands on, thus, preparing newcomers to assist with lessons. For those with horse experience, who are interested in becoming horse handlers, additional training in therapeutic techniques will be provided.
• Equine Program – Volunteers work directly with barn staff to help feed and care for the horses and the facility. Volunteers in the equine program should be willing to commit to a specified, consistent period of time each week and must first attend a general volunteer orientation and training session.
• Office - Volunteers assist with word processing, data entry, photocopying, bulk mailings and other support tasks. They also serve as receptionists and help answer phone calls.
• Facility/Farm– Volunteers help with general maintenance, repairs and improvements of the facility, including building and/or repairing fences, constructing shelters, plumbing, grass seeding, dragging fields… you name it, we need help with it!
• Special Events and Fundraising – Volunteers serve on event committees and assist with production during the various fundraisers and special events that Rein and Shine holds each year.
• Special Skills – Volunteers who possess skills or professional/technical experience that may benefit Rein and Shine, such as photography, graphic design, computer knowledge, etc., are encouraged to contact us.