Join RFJ
Ride for Joy simply could not exist without
the help of Our wonderful volunteers!
Active volunteers can sign up for shifts, view their schedule, update their profile and report service hours with their VICNET account.
Role of Volunteers at Ride for Joy
Volunteers are essential to the ongoing function and success of all Ride for Joy programs. They help to ensure rider safety, serve as mentors, and help riders accomplish their goals during the lessons. While in the arena, side walkers and horse leaders work under the direct supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified instructor.
Eligibility
Availability on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays from 10:00am-4:00pm in the summer and/or 11:00am-6:00pm in the spring, fall, and winter. RFJ only operates these two days, except for occasional special events.
Ability to independently complete required forms, schedule online and report volunteer hours.
Ability to attend orientations, trainings, and lessons independently.
Ability to follow directions, communicate clearly, and focus attention in the present.
Reliable roundtrip transportation.
Physically able to walk and jog on an uneven, sandy surface for 45 minutes.
Cognitively and physically able to react quickly in an emergency.
14 years or older
Current RFJ riders, or those who have participated in the past one year, are not eligible to participate as volunteers.
Ride for Joy does not accept court ordered community service participants.
Other types of community service (example: school or church) will be considered only if the individual is able to commit at least eight hours of service over a single session, in addition to an orientation, volunteer training and observation hour (12+ hours total).
Time Commitment
Attend a one hour orientation and tour.
Observe one 45-minute lesson.
Attend a two hour side walker training and, if qualified, attend a two hour horse leader training.
Volunteers are recommended to commit a minimum of one hour a week for a full session (typically 8 weeks).
Side-walker Trainings: Horse Leader Trainings (experience
req.):
February 21, 2024 February 21, 2024
May 21, 2024 May 21, 2024
August 27, 2024 August 27, 2024
December TBD December TBD
All qualified horse leaders are required to volunteer as a side walker for a minimum of eight hours before horse leading during lessons.
HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER:
Complete the online volunteer application and waiver & release form.
The Volunteer Program will be in touch to schedule an interview and orientation. Orientations last approximately one hour.
Pass a background check
Complete required observation & trainings.
Questions? Contact Shea Cobb, Volunteer Coordinator at scobb@rideforjoy.org or call 208-454-8894.
JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS (14-17 Years Old)
Complete and submit the volunteer application and waiver & release form.
Waiver & Release Form (Completed by the Junior Volunteer’s parent/guardian)
The Volunteer Coordinator will follow up to schedule an interview and orientation. The parent/guardian is required to attend the orientation. Orientations last approximately one hour.
Pass a background check (Completed by parent/guardian. No background check required for junior volunteers.)
Complete required observation & training. The Junior Volunteer’s parent/guardian is required to attend the required trainings. Trainings last about 1.5-2 hours each.
Junior volunteers may serve independently at lessons with staff approval. Juniors may not be dropped off to volunteer without approval from staff.
Juniors volunteers with previous extensive equine experience may qualify to be horse leaders.
““I’ve been volunteering at Ride for Joy for several months now. I’ve been very impressed with the organization and the staff. They are well organized, communicate often to their volunteers via email, and have clear processes (as a business person at HP, I appreciate a well-run organization!). As a volunteer, they provide regular training which must be completed annually. They teach us how to be a side walker (as a spotter or holder for the rider) and horse lead. They explain our role as we perform these duties, how much talking we should do (or not do!), how to handle an emergency dismount, what to say on the phone to 911 if that is ever required, etc. I have assisted in their summer camp and the lessons for children thus far. In September, an 8 week Veteran’s program will start and I’m most anxious to participate in that to see how it differs from the children’s program. They hold an annual Volunteer Appreciation Day at their “Harvest Party” in October. Ride for Joy is very appreciative of their volunteers. I hear ‘thank you’ from the staff (and even other volunteers!) several times on each visit. They all know that’ without the volunteers’ they couldn’t provide this service to as many people as they do. I can’t think of anything Ride for Joy could do better for their volunteers. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity.”
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