Instructor Sidewalking Assistant

Submitted by Leah Smith on Thu, 05/10/2012 - 11:23am

LOCATION

2601 E Rose Garden Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85050
See map: Google Maps

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Training required which may significantly delay start of service hours or which needs to be completed prior to the start of the semester.

General volunteer orientation is mandatory and must be completed prior to participating in classes*.  Orientaiton is typically held once per month, check online calendar at www.horseshelp.org or email Leah (leah.s@horseshelp.org) for next available date.  Please download the volunteer application and submit it via fax (602.765.7031), scan and email (to Leah), drop it off in person, or you may snail mail it to PO Box 71005, Phx, 85050.

*One-on-one training can be scheduled for special circumstances

SCHEDULE OPTIONS

Semester availability

Fall
Spring

Service hours

Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Weekend

Available days/hours

Times are flexibile, classes are typicically available on the following days and times*:

  • Monday (8:30am-12pm)
  • Tuesday (4:30pm-8:30pm)
  • Wednesday (4:30pm-8:30pm)
  • Thursday (4:30pm-8:30pm)
  • Saturday (7:30am-12:30pm)

*Other opportunities may be available depending on availability and/or equine experience

REQUIRED/DESIRED SKILLS

Must be able to walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes

Must be able to perform a light jog for up to 25 yards

Must have a passion for working with special needs and be very outgoing and friendly

Horse experience not required but is a plus

CATEGORIES

Adults
Animals
Disabilities
Education
Special Education
Youth (direct interaction)
Youth I: less than 5 years
Youth II: 5-11 years (K-6th grades)
Youth III: 11-14 years (6th-9th grades)
Youth IV: 14-18 years (high school)
Youth V: 18-22 years (young adult)

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Horses Help, Therapeutic Riding Center

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP

Duties

Many of our riders need assistance in maintaining their balance or in processing instructor directions during class.  While students learn how to ride, side walkers provide physical, emotional and verbal support while walking next to the horse.  After class is finished, side walkers complete weekly notes on each rider they work with in order to record progress and keep track of goal achievment. 

Population served

Riders range in age from as young as 4 years, all the way up to adults and Veterans.  We cater to both pysical and cognitive disabilities as well as at-risk youth.

Community need/impact

Horses Help, a premier accredited therapeutic riding center, provides recreational services to the special needs population throughout the Phoenix valley.

Sidewalkers are essential to keep our program running, they are the backbone to our center.  WIthout sidewalkers we would be unable to mount riders and provide them with lessons or therapy.