HOW YOU CAN HELP
At the heart of the Seaside Therapeutic Riding Program is our devoted
and tireless crew of volunteers. Seaside Therapeutic Riding relies
on the generosity of volunteers to assist at many levels. The volunteers
are the key to the program. It is only with the help of the volunteers
that we keep our rates affordable and our lessons safe and enjoyable,
and our horses healthy and happy. Here are a few descriptions of
ways people volunteer:
The Volunteer Sidewalker:
A sidewalker is a person who acts as a "spotter", assisting
a rider with a disability by walking alongside him/her while mounted
on the horse. Instructors may also ask for assistance from a sidewalker
while in the barn, when the rider is preparing or caring for the
horse before and after the mounted portion of a Therapeutic riding
session. Sidewalker's go where the lesson takes them. Lessons usually
are conducted in an enclosed sand arena, but occasionally riders
venture out to the open fields or wooded trails. Most importantly
the role of the side walker is to be attentive, helpful, and willing
to assist those around them. Seaside Therapeutic Riding staff is
responsible for the students and horses; a side walker's job is
to be an extra set of hands, eyes and ears to help keep every session
safe and fun.
Time Commitment and Other Requirements:
Sidewalker's must be at least 14-years-old and available for 2 to
4 hours per week on a consistent basis. A riding session usually
lasts one hour: 30 minutes is spent grooming and tacking up the
horse prior to riding. The other half hour entails vigorous walking
beside a horse and spotting the rider. Prior horse experience is
not necessary. A NARHA certified instructor conducts an annual volunteer
training in June, and will hold an additional training session later
in the season as needed. The volunteer training covers disabilities
awareness and horse and human safety.
The Barn Volunteer:
At any given time of the year Jamaica Bay Riding Academy is home
to one hundred hard-working and wonderful horses. No matter what
is happening at the Academy, the horses needs remain the same, and
consequently, the job of seeing that the horses needs are met, is
never-ending! The barn is the center of operations, and needs to
be kept clean and safe. The tack and other equipment used by the
horses must also be cleaned and inspected regularly for safety and
longevity. A barn volunteer might sweep up the barn aisle, scrub
water buckets, clean saddles and bridles, and help groom horses.
Available hands will be put to work when it's time to set up for
an event.
Time Commitment and Other Requirements:
Barn volunteers must be at least 12-years-old and available for
2 to 4 hours per week on a consistent basis. Prior horse experience
is not necessary, though barn volunteers with a background in horseback
riding and/or horse care are greatly appreciated. The Seaside Therapeutic
Riding volunteer coordinator will train volunteers while on the
job. This is a great opportunity for teens looking to fulfill their
high school community service hours.
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