Join Our Team!!
The FTRA depends on volunteers for a wide variety of tasks, from helping with our programs to various background work.
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​Opportunities other than with programs
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Although our biggest need for volunteers falls in our programs, we have lots of other opportunities outside programming for those looking to volunteer. The following some examples:
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Board Member - We are always looking for people to join our board in various positions.
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Grant writing and donation requests
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Fundraising/event planning
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Various administrative work
If you would like more details on how you can help, please email us at volunteersftra@gmail.com.
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Program Volunteers
Basic Requirements
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Minimum age of 14
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Ease around horses (no horse experience needed, unless you want to be a horse leader).
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Attendance at a Volunteer Training Session (more information below).
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Reasonable level of fitness (for leaders and sidewalkers).
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Vulnerable Sector Check for those over the age of 18.
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Benefits for Volunteers
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Sense of achievement as riders improve both their physical condition and all-round well being.
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Helps to develop social interaction with students and volunteers.
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Become aware of the needs of society.
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Working with and helping others.
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Opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
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Increased physical condition.
Duties of the Volunteer
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Know the accident and fire procedures.
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Provide support to your assigned participant.
For Therapeutic Rides:
- Leaders
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Responsibility is the horse. Your attention should be on the horse, if there is a problem with the rider, the sidewalkers will tell you. Always lead on the inside.​
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Before the ride: Arrive an hour before the start of the rides to groom and tack up.
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After the ride: take the tack off, sanitize it all then put it away in it's respective location. Groom the horse and return it to their home (stall or paddock).
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Sidewalkers
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Responsibility is the rider. Keep conversations to a minimum during the ride so as to not distract the rider. Be aware if the rider is feeling, nervous, tired or ill. When necessary, assist the rider to maintain the proper position in the saddle or assist and encourage participation in exercises. Encourage riders to do as much as possible on their own.
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Before the ride: Arrive 15 minutes before the rider. Help bring out equipment.
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After the ride: Help put away any equipment.
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Volunteer Training Session
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All new volunteers must attend a volunteer training session before starting. The FTRA offers two to four training sessions per year, typically 1-2 in the spring and another 1-2 in the fall. These sessions are completed by the instructor and Volunteer Coordinator to introduce the volunteers to the organization and our programs. Some of the topics to be covered are:
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Purpose and objective of the FTRA programs
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Accident and fire procedures
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Duties of the volunteer
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Mounting procedure
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Disabilities
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Emergency dismount demonstration and practice - NOTE: All volunteers wishing to help with our programs must demonstrate emergency dismount.
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If you would like more information or to register for the next training session, please email us at volunteersftra@gmail.cm.
*Please see our Event Calendar for Training Session Dates
