Our volunteers are the core of Flying Manes and an integral aspect of all program activities. Their hard work and dedication allow Flying Manes to pursue its mission of providing equine assisted activities and therapies to individuals faced with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
Most volunteers assist the lesson program as horse leaders or sidewalkers. Horse leaders are responsible for leading horses during lessons. Sidewalkers work with individual riders during the lesson to ensure the safety of the riders and help facilitate instruction. In addition, volunteers assist riders with pre-mounted and post-mounted equine activities, including preparing horses for lessons as well as with administrative functions such as fundraising and marketing depending on individual interests.
Prospective Volunteers
Flying Manes aims to attract a volunteer force that reflects the community’s diversity and incorporates a wide range of skills and backgrounds. The minimum age for Flying Manes volunteers is fourteen years. Prospective volunteers complete a Volunteer Application and will be contacted by our volunteer coordinator to identify the volunteers interests and to determine a volunteer assignment.
To volunteer with Flying Manes, volunteers should be available for at least 1-1/2 hours at the same time each Saturday. Volunteering in our lesson program involves moderate physical activity, and volunteers should be comfortable with the physical aspects of being a lead walker or sidewalker. New volunteers receive their assignment and schedule following their attendance at a mandatory orientation and training session that provides an insight into the benefits of therapeutic riding as well as the purpose, structure, and policies of Flying Manes. Volunteers are provided with hands-on training for horse leading, sidewalking, and other volunteer responsibilities during orientation. Volunteers also receive the Flying Manes Volunteer Manual that contains detailed volunteer guidelines, safety policies, and a description of their responsibilities. Volunteer assignments and schedules are based on interest, experience and availability. The first term of volunteering is considered a trial period. Because of the nature of our program, Flying Manes reserves the right to make the final determination as to the appropriateness of volunteers for our organization.
For more information and to sign up as a Flying Manes volunteer please contact us at volunteer@flyingmanes.org. We look forward to hearing from you!