Therapeutic Riding and Off-Track Rehabilitation

Share Your Time & Talent

Volunteers are the lifeblood of T.R.O.T.R.!

Without their dedication, loyalty, and hard work, we could not fulfill our mission.


Volunteers can earn high school or college community service hours and, with T.R.O.T.R. approval, credit toward free riding lessons. For more information, contact Shannon@trotr.org or Heidi@trotr.org.




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3 Ways to Volunteer

1. Donate Your Skills

If you have special skills or training, we could use your help! If you’re a veterinarian, we have horses that need extra care, and your aid could mean the difference between ​a horse being rideable ​or simply being a pasture companion horse. Are you a computer whiz? A social media or public relations expert? A grant writer or experienced fundraiser? Handy with a paintbrush or hammer? Let us know.


2. Lend A Hand

If you would prefer not to commit to regular volunteering, we have plenty of project work for people and groups. Are you handy with a hammer or paintbrush? A grant writer or fundraiser? PR person or computer whiz? If you have special skills or training or if you simply want to tackle some barn chores, we could use your help! In a nonprofit organization, especially one in a busy ranch setting, there’s always a need!


3. Side Walkers and Stall Warriors

T.R.O.T.R. offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities ranging from Stall Warriors who help keep our horses’ stalls clean to Side Walkers who help with our adaptive riding students. Some require horse experience, but many do not. All we need is your willingness to give of yourself and commit your time.​


Volunteer Requirements

  • You must be at least 12 years old. Therapy volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
  • Volunteers for therapeutic riding and hippotherapy sessions must be able to do moderate physical activity, including walking, doing some jogging in a sand arena, and being on your feet for up to two hours. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that is less physically demanding, we offer other great alternatives, such as volunteering in the office and mucking stalls!


Volunteers working within our therapy program are also asked to follow the guidelines below:

  • Short-shorts, sagging pants, tank tops with spaghetti straps or low necklines, dangling jewelry, and perfume are prohibited.
  • Cell phones and personal music players are not permitted while in the arena with students and should be left in your vehicle or in a pocket turned off.
  • For your safety, please do not chew gum during class.
  • During the cooler months, dressing in layers that can be removed if necessary is advised for comfort.
  • Gloves may be worn as well for warmth and comfort.


Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes. We recommend the following:

  • Shoes or sturdy boots (no open-toed shoes or sandals are allowed) that offer foot protection and sure footing – REQUIRED
  • Long pants
  • Short or long-sleeved shirts
  • Work gloves (optional) 
  • Water (please put your name on your water bottle)


Get Started

Step 1. New volunteers will need to create an account on Vagaro, T.R.O.T.R.’s online booking system.

Then click on and complete the following 3 enrollment forms:


Step 2. New volunteers will need to attend a mandatory two-hour orientation session. A general orientation class is held the first Saturday of each month, and an orientation class for adaptive riding program side walkers and leaders takes place the third Saturday of each month; both sessions begin promptly at 8 a.m. behind the office by the tie racks. Side walkers and leaders will need to take both the general orientation class and the side walkers/leaders class.

 

To register for these classes, log onto your Vagaro account. In the white box labeled “Business Name or Location,” type TROTR. The T.R.O.T.R. FOUR WINDS FARM information will pop up below the box. Click on it to reach the T.R.O.T.R. page. Then click on the BOOK NOW button. In the scroll-down menu, click on “Classes.” Choose the week in which you would like to take your orientation. Then in the gray bar marked “Any Classes,” scroll down to “new volunteer orientation” or “leader/sidewalker training” and click the red “Sign Up” button to the right. Indicate number of attendees, then click on “Next” and then “Checkout” there is no fee for orientation) and then “Continue.” After attending the orientation, volunteers will be scheduled based on interest, experience, and availability.