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"I became involved with Lothlorien because my wife had an interest in horses and wanted to volunteer some of her time. She introduced me to the world of therapeutic riding the following year and it has been a very rewarding experience since. That was two years ago and now I look forward to the start of each season.
Initially, I was quite concerned about any number of things. One being those big horses and how I would handle them or better yet how they would handle me. Another, was how I would act with the riders, since I had not had much experience interacting with the handicapped.
It didn't take long for me to get the hang of dealing with the horses and in short order I felt rather comfortable with them. That isn't to go without saying there is a lot to learn! Dealing with the riders, well that is another interesting aspect of life. I found, in short order, that they are just like anyone else. They have good and bad days and are very grateful individuals. After the initial introduction I didn't notice individual problems, we focused on getting them up onto the horse and having a good time. Boy, the expression on their faces!!!! The rewards I get from dealing with the riders is almost unexplainable. The instructors evaluate each of the riders and set short term goals for them. We as side walkers work with each rider and assist the instructors toward the accomplishment of those goals. When you can see the individual accomplishments you tend to get just as excited as the rider. This is something you have to experience yourself!
Other experiences? Well since I began my volunteering career, I've been able to bang nails, saw wood and even learn to operate a tractor and loader. The enjoyment doesn't stop in the riding arena it is spread all over the farm and in the barn."
Help us get the word out to potential volunteers! Download volunteer flyers to post at work, school, your barn or at a local business.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator:
716.655.1335, ext. 102.
Print Volunteer Job Descriptions
Responsible for primary control of the horse during programs, attention on the horse, not the rider. May assist rider with verbal cues, verbal support and encouragement. Instructor will give direction.
Responsible for walking beside the horse and rider to give physical or moral support to the rider. May give verbal or physical cues, reminders and encouragement to the rider. Side walkers’ attention is on the rider, not the horse.
Gets a list of horses and tack to be used for that lesson from the instructor. Responsible for taking the horses out of their stalls, putting them on the crossties, grooming, picking hooves, and tacking them appropriately for the lesson.
With the assistance of stable management, responsibilities vary according to need. These responsibilities are cleaning stalls, water buckets & troughs, restocking hay, restocking grain room, cleaning tack, grounds upkeep, grooming horses, bathing horses and any other daily operations of barn maintenance. This opportunity is also designed for individuals who would like to further their interest and education in stable management, horse ownership, and knowledge of horses in general.
Under the direction of the Program Director and Office Manager, office volunteers serve to assist in the administrative functions of the organization including; copying, data entry, mailing, and answering phones.
Under the direction of the Program Director and Grounds Committee, the maintenance volunteers perform routine repairs and improvements on the facility and grounds.
Working with the Volunteer Coordinator and Project Managers, these volunteers plan and staff special events which direct the community’s attention and support to Lothlorien.
Print Volunteer Job Descriptions
Volunteers who have completed all additional education and evaluation components as required, and actively volunteer for a minimum of two therapeutic riding sessions each year, may ride in the Horse Exercise Program.
View additional information about the Horse Exercise Program here. Further information about the 2007 Horsemanship Clinics schedule will be available after the 1st of the year.
Help us get the word out to potential volunteers! Download volunteer flyers to post at work, school, your barn or at a local business.
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