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We love our Volunteers and cannot do what we do without YOU. We had over 16,000 hours of volunteer services in 2024! You do not need to have horse experience. WE will teach you.
Volunteers are people who give their time and services to benefit our programs. Some bring skills in horsemanship, while others bring skills in leadership and other experiences. Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of others. They are the heart of our programs and their dedication to our mission is the reason why we thrive.
Volunteers Must: Be willing to attend appropriate volunteer training. Be committed to volunteering at your scheduled time at least once a week per 10 week session. (we need a commitment)
We do not have an age requirement but a level of maturity is expected and all youngsters MUST be accompanied by an adult/parent/guardian who will be responsible for them while volunteering.
It is up to the staff of Healing Strides to determine if any volunteer is a good fit for the responsibilities that are asked of them.
Opportunities to Volunteer:
Muck Therapy - Official Barn Rats
Program support - Directly serving our population working with participants and horses.
Administration - Help in office with answering phones, greeting people and other tasks.
Groups Projects - Farm and building maintenance is always welcome! Organize a group to spend the day in the fresh air and work on current Healing Strides projects!
Past projects have included: painting, fence mending, trail and field clearing, building, gardening and fall and spring cleanup.
Special Events - help at our special events as needed.
If you are interested in volunteering please fill out the form here.
Volunteer applicationTherapeutic Riding and Horsemanship is a program for individuals with personal challenges. This program has individualized horse interactions designed for all levels of participants. We serves over 60 different diagnosis' ranging from autism spectrum, neurological disorders, amputees, ADHD, MS, SMA, CP, Down Syndrome, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and sensory integration to name a few. The unique relationship formed with a horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem.
Therapeutic Riding is for individuals with neurological disorders, ADHD, MD, MS, CP, S & A, Downs, Rhett’s and Angelman’s Syndromes, Autism Spectrum, spinal cord injuries, developmental delays, Sensory Integration (S.I.) and/or skeletal dysfunction.
Healing Strides (HSVA) is a Premier Accredited Center with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int'l) since 2013.
Benefits include:
• Decrease in hyperactivity and distractibility
• Improved postural alignment, control, and coordination
• Strengthening of the trunk, spinal, leg, and shoulder muscles
• Positive change in cognitive, behavioral, and attention span
• Relaxation of muscle tone. Improved balance and strength
• Social skills are improved along with communication skills
• Self-confidence, patience, and self-esteem
• Reduction of PTSD symptoms
• And it just makes you feel better and smile
Our mission is to promote wellness for people with personal challenges who can benefit from equine assisted activities and therapies in a safe and supportive environment.
