Our riders work hard to meet their goals and are supported by the combined efforts of the equine, instructor and volunteers. The program enjoys tremendous volunteer support. Community support is also evident with the collaboration of local service clubs and youth groups, the Tulare Youth Service Bureau, Tulare County Mental Health, United Way and Kaweah Delta Rehabilitation Center of Kaweah Delta Hospital.
Volunteers are an important part of any Happy Trails Riding Academy activity. Without the extra sets of hands to help riders sit tall in the saddle, and guide their horses, it would be difficult to operate Happy Trails Riding Academy.
We are volunteer driven, partnering with over 75 volunteers this past year who donated an estimated 7500 hours of service. Volunteers' talents are applied to a variety of tasks, but most often they work with the therapists and instructors in direct contact with our riders and horses. Other responsibilities include routine stable and pasture maintenance and assistance with fundraising and special projects.
What jobs are volunteers asked to do?
- Act as a side-walker for mounted participants in the arena
- After training, lead horses during a riding lesson or therapy session
- Prepare and tack horses for lessons
- Clean tack
- Barn maintenance
- Perform clerical work in the office
A volunteer training session consists of the following:
- Orientation to our facility, our programs and equine assisted activities in general
- Volunteer responsibilities
- Safety rules and regulations
- Confidentiality issues
- Emergency procedures
- Introduction to types of disabilities seen in the program
As a Happy Trails Riding Academy volunteer your role is to be a helpful presence and to support the staff in whatever you are asked. Over time you will develop friendships with our participants of all ages. This is a wonderful part of being a Happy Trails Riding Academy volunteer as it allows you to become a part of the lives of a variety or people and lets you share your personal skills and talents.
To volunteer with us you must attend our Volunteer Orientation, email us for the next upcoming orientation. Please note that you must be at least 14 years old to volunteer at Happy Trails Riding Academy.