Volunteering with the Program

Without people who choose to make a difference, there would be no Therapeutic Riding program in the Creston Valley.  Therapeutic riding is a volunteer intensive activity some riders may need as many as four volunteers one to lead the horse, one on each side and one behind. We have been fortunate to have a number of very dedicated volunteers who have been essential to the success of this program.

For most areas of the program you won’t need any special skills—just the desire to give your time. You don’t need to have experience with horses to work with them—we will train you. However, you do need to feel comfortable and safe with them.

CDSCL is committed to the ongoing education and training of its volunteers and offers a variety of training opportunities.

Be assured that you will not be asked to carry out any responsibilities until you are comfortable with your duties.

Volunteer Opportunities

PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS work with the students. They may lead horses, walk beside the horse offering assistance to the rider or set up the ring for the lessons.  See the descriptions for Side Walker and Horse Handler positions for more information.

FACILITY VOLUNTEERS help with the every day tasks that come with keeping horses.  Become a favourite with the horses and sign up for the Evening Stables volunteer position!  For chores any time of the day or week, check out the Stable Helper position.

PROJECT VOLUNTEERS help in many areas—building projects, newsletters, hospitality, website design & updating…..

SPECIAL EVENT VOLUNTEERS plan and put on various events throughout the year such as end of session BBQ, volunteer recognition events, fundraising events …...

FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEERS work hard raising the money necessary to keep the program alive!

RESOURCE VOLUNTEERS offer their professional expertise in areas such as medical, therapy, marketing, promotion, fundraising, graphic design……..

Before each session starts, a Volunteer Information meeting is held so that prospective volunteers may find out more about what is involved.  Subsequently, Volunteer Training sessions are held to orient our new volunteers.

Volunteer information and training sessions will be scheduled for the Spring of 2008.

If you can't wait to get started volunteering with the program, please contact Sarah Schmidt at 250-428-2296 or e-mail at sschmidt.cdscl@shawlink.ca.

Volunteer Manual and Application Forms

For lots and lots of information, please have a look at the Volunteer Manual.

For a volunteer application package, please visit our Application Forms page.