About Us What Our Volunteers Do..... Q&A Why Horses?
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Southern Vermont
Therapeutic Riding Center was started in January, 2010. In May, 2011 we completed our Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certification process by demonstrating a strong commitment to safety and professionalism. The program is run by Amber Thibodeau, a PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructor. 
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Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 15 and able to lift a saddle onto the horse. You must be able to walk for a half hour with occasional jogging for a few seconds. Safety Safety is one of our biggest concerns. Tack, first aid supplies, and the grounds are checked regularly for safety risks as part of our PATH Certification. We use only the calmest, well-seasoned horses we can find. Lesson Preparation Depending on the ability of the rider, volunteers will either saddle and bridle the horse themselves, or assist the rider to do this. We will teach you if you don’t know how! Leading Some of our riders need help guiding their horses. Leaders are there for back up if the rider is unable to do it. Side-walking Side-walkers are sometimes used if a rider needs physical support, emotional support, or help with directions and reins. They walk next to the rider’s legs on either side. 
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Do I need to have experience?
No experience is necessary. We will teach you everything you need to know. This is the perfect opportunity for all of you horse lovers! How much am I expected to volunteer? Most volunteers come to the same 1-2 lessons every week. Time slots are between 1.5-2 hours depending on the lesson. If you cannot commit to a weekly lesson, we also need subs to fill in when our regular volunteers cannot make it. Do lessons run year round? Yes. We have an indoor riding arenas, but it can still be cold, so dress warmly! Typically, we have lessons Monday-Thursday from 9:30am-4:30pm and Saturday from 9:30am-1:00pm What sort of abilities would I be working with? We serve people of all ages and abilities. Many riders have physical disabilities, learning differences, or behavioral challenges. Some just want to become more confident! 
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Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Physical • Improved balance • Coordination • Muscle Tone • Flexibility Social • Confidence • Patience Cognitive • Focus • Listening skills 
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