Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center Welcomes Volunteers
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Lothlorien!
We are always looking for new volunteers to add to our tremendous family of helpers! If you are age 14 or older, interested in working with horses and helping people, we’re a great fit!
Our typical season is April through November. One-hour group lessons are offered Monday-Thursday and Saturdays at various times throughout the day and evening. Volunteers can commit to as many lessons as they would like. All volunteers are required to attend training and orientation.
New and returning volunteers are required to fill out an application prior to participating each season. Volunteers will be contacted to schedule leader and sidewalker needs as riders sign up for lessons. If you are seeking community service hours, please mark the appropriate section on the application.
Volunteer Qualifications
Leader Qualifications
Leaders are responsible for the horse during the lessons, helping to lead the horse and rider around the ring.
- Must be at least 14 years old
- Attend a mandatory orientation session and leader training
- Complete at least one session of sidewalking
- Able to walk for at least an hour, with occasional jogging
- Able to follow instruction and work well as a member of a team
- Able to reliably commit to scheduled day/time
Sidewalker Qualifications
Sidewalkers work with the rider during the lesson, providing support as needed.
- Must be at least 14 years old
- Attend a mandatory Orientation session
- Able to support a rider’s weight, on the horse, at volunteer’s shoulder weight or above
- Able to walk for at least an hour, with occasional jogging
- Able to follow instruction and work well as a member of a team
- Able to reliably commit to scheduled day/time
Training and Orientation
All prospective volunteers must participate in a volunteer orientation and training session at LTRC. Experience is not required. Training is provided. New volunteer orientations are held on an ongoing basis. Upcoming dates will be posted on our website and Facebook page or contact our Volunteer Coordinator for details at 716-655-1335.
Leader Training: Current leaders who would like a refresher course OR sidewalkers who have volunteered for at least one session are eligible for leader training. Leader training is scheduled based on interest. Please email volunteerltrc@gmail.com or call 655-1335 for more information.
Volunteer Positions: Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center (LTRC) relies on the help of over 200 community volunteers each year. Volunteers can work with program horses, help clients practice their riding skills or assist with office work and special events. Lesson volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, and able to walk for up to an hour.
Leader: Responsible for primary control of the horse during equine assisted activities (in the saddle or on the ground). Attention on horse, not rider. May assist rider with verbal cues, verbal support and encouragement per direction of instructor.
Sidewalker: Responsible for walking beside horse and rider to give physical and/or moral support to rider. Attention on rider, not horse. May give verbal and/or physical cues, reminders and encouragement to the rider per direction of Instructor.
Office: Under the direction of LTRC Staff, assist with administrative functions of organization including, but not limited to; copying, data entry, mailing, and answering phones.
Facility and Grounds Maintenance: Under the direction of LTRC Staff, volunteers perform routine repairs and improvements of facility and grounds.
Fundraising: Working with the LTRC Staff, these volunteers plan and staff special events which direct the community’s attention and support to LTRC.
For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator:
Phone: 716-655-1335
Email: volunteerltrc@gmail.com
VOLUNTEERS PLEASE NOTE: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to lesson time if you are a leader and 15 minutes prior if you are a sidewalker.
Please be aware that lessons may be cancelled due to circumstances out of our control, including weather, last minute cancellations, issues with horses/riders, etc. We realize your time is precious and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding in this matter. If you arrive and your assistance is not needed, we would be happy to have your help in another area of the barn.
Call 716-655-1335 or email volunteerltrc@gmail.com if you are unable to volunteer for a scheduled lesson. When possible, please give us 24 hours notice of a cancellation. If you commit to a session, please try to honor your commitment whenever possible. The riders depend on you, our valuable volunteers, and many times, make a connection with you and depend on your presence throughout the duration of the session.