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Program Volunteers

Program volunteers assist riders by grooming and tacking horses, being sidewalkers and leading the horses.

• Sidewalkers groom and tack horses for classes, walk beside the rider during the class, assist with mounting and dismounting, and help feed and water the horses at the end of class. A sidewalker ensures that the rider gets the most out of the lesson while fostering as much independence as possible. Sidewalkers are responsible for grooming and tacking the horses for their assigned class. The sidewalker may assist the instructor during mounting as instructed. During class, the sidewalker provides stability and ensures that the rider stays in the proper riding alignment while on the horse. The sidewalker will assist with the dismount as directed by the instructor. After class, follow the horse to the stall to untack and assist with feed and water as instructed.
  
  
• Leaders also groom and tack horses for classes, take the horse from the stall to the mounting area, attend to the horse during mounting, lead the horse as directed by the instructor during class, return the horse to the stall after class, and help feed and water the horses at the end of class. Before the class, a leader grooms and tacks the horse. During the class, the leader cues the horse and rider and keeps both of them safe. The leader is in charge of making sure the horse is under control at all times, while still allowing the rider to be as independent as possible. After class, the leader untacks and cools the horse down. The leader may also assist with feed and water as instructed.

For more information, contact Ellie Grant.