How to Volunteer

Our volunteers are the life blood of Lend A Hand equine therapy. Without their hard work and dedication, our mission – to bring the benefits of equine therapy to developmentally challenged individuals in a safe, friendly welcoming and relaxed environment – would be impossible.

Our therapeutic riding program operates year round, using both outside trails and a spacious indoor riding arena, depending on weather conditions. Individual reasons for volunteering may differ, but giving of oneself and forming special connections with people and horses creates a common bond with everyone involved in our program.

If you would like to make an invaluable contribution to a child’s life, we have numerous options available to match your interests and skills with our needs. Please contact the farm directly by sending an email to info@lendahandri.org or call (401) 826-9278.

Horse Handler

If you are looking to become a horse handler at Lend A Hand you need to have some basic horse handling skills.
Our horse handlers help :
-prepare horses for therapy sessions by grooming, tacking, and warming up with different techniques.
-collaborate with therapists in the selection of patient equipment as it pertains to acceptance by the horse.
-maintain control of the horse during mounting and dismounting.
-maintain control of the horse during treatment session.
-take directions from the therapist regarding the precise movement required during the session and advise the therapist of any safety concerns and make final decisions regarding horse safety and behavior.

Sidewalker

If you would like to become a sidewalker you need to be in decent physical shape because you will have to walk for anywhere between 1-3 hours while assisting the therapist.
Sidewalkers at Lend A Hand handle the:
-Horse preparation.
-mounting preparation (donning helmet, safety belt of rider).
-mounting and dismounting.
-maintaining patients positions on the horse.
-ensuring patient safety.
-obtaining or handling equipment needed by the therapist during the session and facilitation or inhibition techniques at the direction of the therapist.

Barn Assistant

If you would like to become a Barn Assistant at Lend A Hand you will learn all your required skills at our facility.
We do not require previous horse experience.
Our barn assistants help with:
- feeding and watering horses.
- cleaning horse paddocks and stalls.
- organization of tack room and preparing horses for their lessons.

Maintenence/Landscaping

At Lend A Hand we are always looking for friendly people that like to work outside and enjoy the country.
Jobs include:
Fence Repairs
Painting
Gardening
Mowing
Raking
Clearing Pathways
General repairs
and many more.

Watch the video below made by a volunteer Lilia to learn more about volunteering at LAH.

Please click here to download then print the forms you will need to fill out and bring with you to your training registration day.