Volunteering

Volunteer Info

Text Box: General Information We accept volunteers at a minimum of 14 years of age. No prior horse experience required. All volunteers are required to: Complete a volunteer orientation and training at our center. Supply a copy of their drivers license (if of age) Adhere to our BTRC Guidelines (rules and regulations). Click and complete the Volunteer Packet which includes: BTRC Volunteer application CAYA and LPD forms Scheduling of volunteers will take place after a background check is completed. Our volunteers are one of the program’s most valuable resources! While most volunteers look forward to assisting in riding classes, others come forward to help in the operation of the program and for assisting in routine maintenance projects. With the uniqueness of our program and our convenient location in Lansing, Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center is a very popular site chosen by individuals or community groups seeking volunteer opportunities. We welcome all to come and enjoy the refreshing experiences of helping others, while learning. With our facility conveniently located within a mile radius from Michigan State University and Lansing Community College, many of our volunteers are students who are eager to help while they learn. Roles of the Volunteer — The priority role of the volunteer is to ensure the safety and security of our riding students, while on or around the horses. This is where we need you! Though having prior experience with horses can help, it is not a requirement. Header/Leader … Volunteers with prior horse experience are usually selected by the Class Instructor to help with getting horses out of the paddocks, saddling and being the “Header/Leader” of the horse in class. The Header/Leader is basically in control of the horse during the lesson. Side Walkers … Volunteers in the “Side Walker” position help prevent the rider from falling off the horse. Those acting as Side Walkers, may either simply walk at a close distance to the side of the rider, or in some cases, may need to make physical contact with the rider to assist them with their balance. The side walker gives the rider a sense of security while in the saddle, thus helping to build the rider’s confidence. Spotters … Like Side Walkers, Spotters help prevent riders from falling off the horse. Spotters also assist our more independent riders. As the student learns how to ride, the spotter assists the student by staying close to them, ready to overtake control of the horse if the student needs help. Operational Volunteers — We are always seeking help from skilled individuals. If you are interested in offering your professional skills, please let us know as we can likely use your help! Some examples of operational help are feeding the horses on weekends, helping with trucking and handling hay, facility maintenance, and even clerical office help. In addition to these roles, we are always looking for enthusiastic people to help with fund raising. As with any non-profit, fund raising is a very big part of keeping our program going. Volunteer Rewards — Aside from the rewarding experience you’ll get from helping our special students, as a token of our sincere appreciation of your time, we offer the “Volunteer Ride Rewards Program” For every 20 hours of volunteering, you will receive a free riding lesson certificate. In addition we will be inviting you to our annual volunteer appreciation social and picnic so we can mingle amongst good friends! For more information, email us at volunteer@beekmanriding.org or click Volunteer Brochure.

Independent riders on horseback

Rider on horseback with two side-walkers guiding the horse