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Volunteer

Volunteers are an integral part of the VTRA team. Volunteering with VTRA provides a fun opportunity to support participants in their equine activities, gain new skills, and develop lifelong friendships.

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What Can Volunteers Do?
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Horse Handlers are volunteers that lead the horse during adaptive riding and driving classes, assisting the participant to navigate riding tasks and obstacles and further their skills.
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Training requirements:
  • Horse Handlers must pass an evaluation done by one of our certified instructors.
  • Horse Handlers should have substantial previous horse experience and should feel comfortable with all skills listed on the evaluation form.
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Additional requirements:
  • Clear criminal record check
  • Previous horse experience
  • Minimum 16 years of age

Horse Handler

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Sidewalkers are volunteers who walk alongside the participants during their adaptive riding or driving class, offering physical, cognitive, or emotional support as needed.
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Training requirements:
  • Sidewalkers must complete a sidewalker training course. No prior horse experience is needed.
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Additional requirements:
  • Clear criminal background check.
  • Minimum 16 years of age.

Sidewalker

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Grooms are volunteers who groom and tack up horses in preparation for their next lesson, and assist with other needed barn and facility tasks.
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Training requirements:
  • Grooms must pass an evaluation done by one of our certified instructors.
  • Grooms should have substantial previous horse experience and should feel comfortable with all skills listed on the evaluation form.
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Additional requirements:
  • Clear criminal record check
  • Prior horse experience
  • Minimum 16 years of age

Groom

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Assistant instructors (AIs) are volunteers who support the instructor in delivering the lesson content and support the riders in improving their skills. AIs also help ensure lessons are safe and fun, support other volunteers, and manage tack change.
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Training requirements:
  • Assistant Instructor must take Sidewalker Training, must take and pass Horse Handler training, and complete an Assistant Instructor training.
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Additional requirements:
  • Clear criminal record
  • Prior horse experience
  • Minimum 16 years of age
  • Experience in another role in the program is an asset

Assistant Instructor

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Stable Management Volunteers are volunteers who support the instructor in delivering stable management content, ensuring lessons are safe and fun.
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Training requirements:
  • None needed. Sidewalker and horse handler training are very beneficial.
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Additional requirements:
  • Clear criminal record check
  • Minimum 16 years of age

Stable Management

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Groups can reach out to VTRA for opportunities to assist with facility maintenance or other projects that need to be done around the farm.


VTRA also hosts and attends a number of events throughout the year. Volunteers are always needed to help set up, represent the organization, and take down.

Work Parties and Events

  • What are the class times?
    Our program times are set as: Mondays 9:30am - 5:30pm Tuesdays 9:30am - 5:30pm Wednesdays 2:30pm - 5:30pm Thursdays 9:30am - 7:30pm Fridays 9:30 - 12:30 Each class is either 30 minutes (if a semi-private or private) or 45 minutes (if a group lesson) with a 30 minute break in between.
  • Can I choose to only volunteer in the horse roles?
    When in a regular spot, you can certainly request which role you prefer. However, all volunteers are expected to fill any position they are trained to do, which may include sidewalking, ring spotting, and assisting with the Stable Management classes. It is very important that our volunteers are flexible so they are best able to help us keep our programs running.
  • Can I fulfill hour requirements by volunteering with VTRA?
    Absolutely! Please try to record how many hours you volunteer with us. When you need a reference or a letter to certify that you completed x number of hours, please email the Coordinator of Volunteers.
  • Can I volunteer on evenings and weekends?
    As of Term 1 2021, we will run one evening class on Thursdays at 6:45pm. There are currently no opportunities to muck paddocks or groom horses after-hours.
  • Can I try Horse Handler or Groom training without horse experience?
    No. Any volunteer attempting Horse Handler or Groom training should feel confident that they can pass the Horse Handler or Groom evaluations. These roles do require significant and recent horse experience so we can ensure our volunteers keep themselves, our horses, and our participants safe. Copies of the evaluation forms are provided in your first email from the Coordinator of Volunteers. If you do not have any horse experience, you must start as a sidewalker.
  • It’s been a while since I’ve worked with horses. Should I start with sidewalking?
    Yes! We require a substantial amount of horse experience to pass Horse Handler or Groom training. Anyone who is not experienced enough must do at least 6 months of sidewalking before attempting the other trainings. Sidewalking is super fun and a great way to get to know our program and re-familiarize yourself with horses!
  • I have a past injury/health condition that makes it difficult for me to lift or run. Can I still volunteer?
    Absolutely. We can swap volunteers out for the running portion of the class if needed and / or schedule you with another volunteer who can assist you when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT VTRA

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"Volunteering with the VTRA has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying endeavours I’ve undertaken. Although you would assume that volunteering benefits the kids that are riding, I think the benefits to the volunteers themselves are just as important. There is such a positive and friendly attitude at VTRA, the staff are so welcoming and patient. Being involved can lift spirits and shine a bright light on your day. To see the joy in the face of the kids riding and to be able to have close contact with the horses is the best cure for whatever ails you. Volunteering for VTRA is my weekly positive mental health break!"

“As a volunteer, I really enjoy seeing the riders gain confidence with themselves and the horse as the term progresses. It is very rewarding to support an organization that has such positive impacts on its participants.”

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“VTRA is a godsend to the lives of not only our students, but their families and friends alike. To see the joy in the face of a student who normally shows no expression, or the “WooHoo!” from a young man at the end of the lesson who is so very proud of himself is so precious. As a volunteer, there is nothing more rewarding than being a part of the magic between the horse and the student. Life is Good!”

VTRA is grateful to the Government of Canada's Community Services Recovery Fund for supporting the growth of our Volunteer Program!

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