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Volunteers

For upcoming Volunteer training opportunities click here.

Special Equestrians Volunteer program has more than 200 participants who provided more than 12,000 hours of service in 2007.  Volunteers participate primarily as side-walkers or horse-handlers, but also feed horses, clean stalls, clean tack, and help maintain facility grounds.  Through required training sessions volunteers are taught skills that educate them not only about horse behavior, disabilities, and effective communication, but most importantly, how to create a safe environment for the riders and themselves.

Volunteers are always welcome.  Special Equestrians accepts volunteers age 14 and older.  All experience levels needed.

Ryan with water gun

How to become a volunteer:

  • New Volunteers must complete the following information, return to Special Equestrians, and attend one of our training sessions.  New Volunteer Forms.

  • Returning Volunteers must complete the following information and return to Special Equestrians.  Returning Volunteer Form.

  • Review the Volunteer Handbook.

  • Attend the required Training Session.
    • Training Sessions are scheduled before each term in the spring, summer, and fall.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Side-Walker: Responsible for assisting the rider during the lesson with instruction and balance. Requirements for all side walkers include:

  • Minimum height should be 4'10"
  • Able to walk for 45 minutes and able to jog for brief periods. (If unable to jog, may be assigned to non-trotting riders.)
  • Should not have back problems
  • Must be able to lift their arms above shoulder height.

The role of the side-walker is to assist the rider with their balance and position and to relay directions from the instructor. You are our eyes, ears and voice. The rider will look to you for support and guidance throughout the lesson. They will come to depend on you for security. You are vital to the safety and well being of the rider.

Facilities Maintenance

There are always chores that need to be completed in the Stable and on the grounds.  These might include mucking stalls, cleaning water buckets, mowing, and weed eating, among others.

Other needs include:

  • Repairs
  • Administrative Support

Advanced Volunteer Opportunities:
These opportunities are for volunteers who successfully complete at least one full term.  Each position requires specialized training.

Horse Handler: Responsible for leading the horse during class. Requirements for all horse handlers include: 

  • Must be experienced in leading a horse
  • Minimum height should be 4'10"
  • Able to walk for 45 minutes and able to jog for brief periods. (If unable to jog, when available may be assigned to non-trotting riders.)
  • Must attend a horse-handler training
The role of the horse handler is to maintain control of the horse and see that the Instructor's directions are followed during class. Between classes, you will be asked to prepare your horse for the next class. If the horse is not being used for the next class, you will be expected to un-tack, and verify that they have adequate water. You are vital to the safety and well being of the horse and the rider.

Session Leader: Responsible for management of volunteers and assisting with students in preparation for class. Requirements for all session leaders include:

  • Familiarity with rules and policies governing Special Equestrians and with riding equipment and its use
  • Should be able to give direction in a pleasant and organized manner
  • May be asked to make phone calls during the week and when classes are cancelled, etc.

Horse Care: Horse Care Volunteers are those individuals who show exceptional dependability.  They are responsible for feeding the horses, turning them out, cleaning stalls, and maintaining the cleanliness of the stable.

Weldon Walking Away

E-mail Jaime Baird, our Volunteer Coordinator.

Mail completed forms to:
Special Equestrians Inc.
1215 Woodward Dr.
Indian Springs, Al 35124
(205) 987-9462