VOLUNTEERING FOR FREE S.P.I.R.I.T. RIDERS, INC.
The volunteer experience offered through Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. is as rewarding as it is unique. Ours is an opportunity for you to channel individual talents and skills into any one or more important volunteer activities. In doing so, you contribute to the process of giving children and adults with special needs one of life’s most precious gifts--a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment--SELF ESTEEM.

EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO OFFER...
The only special skill a potential Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. volunteer needs is an interest in supporting the program. We believe everyone has something to offer. We will help match your interest to our opportunities.

Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. volunteers are real people from every background. Some are laborers, homemakers, students, business people educators, medical personnel and office staff. Whatever their background, they have energy and compassion to share.

Our therapeutic instruction insurance insists that all volunteers working directly with students and horses be a minimum of fourteen (14) years old. However, people of all ages find opportunities at Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. We are always pleased to have retired individuals and teenagers join us.

PHYSICAL HEALTH...
Many volunteers are themselves limited in abilities. And many volunteers activities have no special physical health requirements. However, those volunteers working directly with students and horses must be able to walk a minimum of sixty (60) minutes and jog for brief intervals.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NOT NEEDED...
It is not necessary to have previous experience with horses
 or individuals with special needs.

TIME COMMITMENT...
Time commitments vary depending on the activity. However, volunteers working with students are asked to commit to an entire session of lessons (6-8 weeks) to provide continuity for the students.

GROUP VOLUNTEERING...
Service clubs, youth groups, church groups and other organizations are encouraged to participate in community service projects at
Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES...

SIDE WALKER:
This person works with students during lessons to provide safety, support and direction. The side walker helps the student maintain balance and control by walking beside the rider. The side walker helps to interpret the directions given by the riding instructor when needed. The side walker also assists with mounting/dismounting of students. TRAINING IS PROVIDED!

HORSE HANDLER:
This person has developed an adequate degree of horse experience to be responsible for the horse’s behavior while a student rides. Sometimes this person leads the horse and at other times, remains within reach of a mounted student. A safe riding experience is always a top priority.  This person also helps with grooming, and saddling. TRAINING IS PROVIDED!

SUPPORT SERVICE VOLUNTEERS:

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US! 
"You may even be helping someone you know!"
Call (920) 924-9920 for more information.

ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS...
Volunteers come from all age groups. There are students, homemakers, professionals and retirees. We have had nuns volunteers as well as ministers. These volunteers contribute to every facet of Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders operation and the program could not exist without them. Volunteering during classes is hard work and we want the environment to be as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. has experienced dynamic growth in the past few years and there is no reason to believe that this will not continue in the future. This means that the volunteers will be playing an even more important role in the future of Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc.

The volunteer is a wonderful creature and without our volunteers there would not be Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. Volunteers are characterized as caring and unselfish individuals who give tirelessly of both time and energy to enhance the lives of others. A volunteer sis by nature a generous person because volunteering costs money. Our volunteers are tolerant and cognizant of the desires and needs of others. Not only are they patient, they are understanding.

Should you decide to become a volunteer for Free SPIRIT Riders, Inc., you will experience many rewards. Both riders and volunteers recount many miracles that happen at our stables. When you become a part of this, it may change the way you look at horses...and life.

Equine assisted therapy is becoming more accepted each year by physicians, therapists, psychologists and teachers as an alternative form of therapy. Whether you are looking for a challenging career in a horse-related field, would like to volunteer an hour or so a week, or if you have a disability and would like to participate in a riding program, there is a place
 for you in the world of equine therapy.

Many therapeutic riding center count teenagers among their volunteer corps. Volunteering for a therapeutic riding program stimulate young minds and teaches teenagers to work together for the good of all concerned. The become good team members and gain self awareness. The groups
 effort makes a big job small.

Leadership skills as well as horsemanship skills, such as grooming, tacking, feeding and cleaning stalls are learned. Volunteers also learn how horseback riding is used as a therapeutic tool and how it benefits a student, both physically and emotionally. By interacting with people communication skills are increased as team work is performed.

Knowledge about various disabilities is gained and if a problem situation arises, the volunteers learn how to assist the student and are empathic and supportive of the rider’s efforts. Best of all, our volunteers learn that it is not right to judge someone just by looking at them. Rather, it is the person’s personality that counts. Our volunteers learn
to think about others before acting.

New values are gained by volunteering for Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. And a feeling that there is always hope. Volunteers gain new friends, and love and appreciation from people around them.

Volunteers are exposed to a variety of career options, such as veterinarian, doctor, nurse, physical or occupational therapist,
 riding instructor and teaching.