Become a Volunteer
One of the important mainstays of our programs is our volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks from light stable duties to horse handling. Volunteers involved in horse handling are responsible for grooming and saddling horses prior to lessons, and also function as leaders and/or sidewalkers during the lessons. BraveHearts also has many opportunities for volunteers who are not at ease around horses, such as administrative assistance, gardening, painting, fundraising and cleaning. We greatly appreciate your interest and can utilize your assistance.
Who can volunteer?
- Anyone over the age of 14
- Anyone with a desire to learn how to work with horses and people with disabilities
- No horse experience necessary
Where:
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center
7319 Maxon Road
Harvard, IL 60033
BraveHearts at the Bergmann Centre
4950 Route 173
Poplar Grove, IL 61063
How:
- Step 1: Attend a sidewalker Training,
- Step 2: Begin sidewalking in lessons OR Attend Leader Training
- Step 3: Begin leading in lessons
Contact:
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or
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What:
Volunteer training description:
Side Walkers
- Introduction to BraveHearts and the programs and services we offer
- Information on volunteer opportunities within BraveHearts
- Volunteer duties and program policies
- Safety around horses
- Grooming
- Tack and other equine equipment
- Horse handling procedures
- Side Walkers’ role (Hands-on practice!)
- Emergency procedures and policies (Hands on)
Equine Leader
- Leader responsibilities
- Leading guidelines
- Mounting and dismounting (Hands on)
- Leading at walk (Hands on)
- Verbal cues for horses
- Leading at the trot (Hands on)
- Emergency procedures and policies (Hands on)
What’s next?
- Send us an e-mail or call us to sign up for the next volunteer orientation
- Complete volunteer paperwork packet (including background check with $16 check payable to Illinois State Police for volunteers over the age of 18)
- Attend Volunteer Training
- Sign up for a time slot and start earning hours for a free riding lesson
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