TRI - Home About TRI TRI Classes TRI Gallery TRI Events TRI Volunteers TRI Sponsors Contact TRI

Become a TRI Volunteer!

TRI is always looking for dedicated volunteers who love working with children and adults and enjoy being around horses! TRI’s Volunteers make our program possible!

We have 3 class sessions each year that run for 5-7 weeks.(Spring, Summer and Fall) Classes are usually offered 4 evenings a week and on Saturday mornings. Volunteers generally work one day a week during a session. Most volunteer commitments are for anywhere from 2-4 hours an evening. Many volunteers enjoy working more than one session a year. There are no limits,the choice is yours! Many of our college and high school students find our summer session works into their schedules more easily.

Volunteer positions include:

  • Hostess - a person who sets up the student registration table and other directional signs, greets students and parents, passes out name tags and helmets, and distributes program information.
  • Side Helper - a person who walks beside the horse to assist the rider with maintaining balance and a secure seat. For safety reasons, a minimum height requirement of 5’4” (or comparable reach) is considered. No horse experience required but must be comfortable around horses. Must be physically capable of walking for 30-45 minutes at a time, and jogging short distances (20-30 feet).
  • Horse-Leader - a person who grooms and tacks assigned horse before class, maintains control of the horse throughout the class and follows the direction of the instructor. Horse leaders must have extensive horse experience, must first work as a side helper and must attend additional training. Physical requirements are same as Side Helpers regarding walking and short distance jogging (see above). No height requirement.

New Volunteer Training
Next session: TBD

ALL NEW VOLUNTEERS MUST ATTEND A VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION.

All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Anyone between the ages of 14 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent to sign releases and paperwork and remain on site for the Training Session and first few classes of the initial session in which they are volunteering . TRI Staff will then determine the dependability of that volunteer.

Many volunteer positions do not require specific horse experience.

To volunteer contact:

Barb Singleton
(937) 848-8744

Volunteer Dinner
November 14, 2010
Location to be announced
  • Ring Assistant - Assists the instructor during class, including activities stations or anytime the instructor needs to address an individual student's needs. Ring Assistant must be aware of the flow of the class at all times, and have attended side helper and horse leader training. Selection by instructor.
  • Event Assistant - Assists chairpersons of any special events including fundraisers, and student horse show. This can include planning phases or implementation on day(s) of event.
  • Exercise Rider - Must be an experienced rider having owned and shown horses.  Experience as a riding instructor a plus. Must be a volunteer with TRI having worked as a Side Helper and Horse Leader for one year.  Must be able to demonstrate proper grooming, tacking, riding, and general care techniques. Time commitment -  one to two hours per day - two to three days per week. Please contact Betty Lou Townley at 937-885-7909 if you are interested in this position.
  • Board Member/Commitee Chair - help TRI continue its work well into the future with your non-profit, fundraising and/or business experience.

Therapeutic Riding Institute © 2010 and JLP Media