Empower Through Horsepower- Become a Volunteer!

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GAIT Equine Assisted Services (GAIT EAS) strives to promote independence and self-confidence for people with special needs through the use of adaptive riding and horsemanship skills. Volunteers are essential to the success of GAIT’s programs and to enriching the lives of participants.

GAIT depends on its volunteers to not only help run a safe and successful program, but also to foster the bonds between horse and rider for their therapeutic benefit. Volunteers assist PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors during Therapeutic Riding classes and act as a member of a team with the horse and rider to help achieve their goals.

GAIT’s most popular program, Therapeutic Riding, runs from Jan- Nov and relies heavily on the assistance of volunteers to ensure a safe, fun, and educational experience for the riders involved.

Volunteers tend to work in outdoor conditions for extended periods of time, work with large animals, and work with individuals with a wide range of special needs. TR classes are typically scheduled on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.

¨ Sidewalking with a rider during lessons

¨ Additional training to become a Horse Handler/ Groomer

¨ Off-horse Activities Program

¨ Fundraising and Special Events

¨ Volunteer "Barn Day"

¨ Gardening/ Landscaping/ Facility Repairs

Experience with horses and/or working with people with special needs is appreciated but not necessary, as training is provided.

¨ Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older

¨ Complete and sign the Volunteer Application (available on GAIT’s website www.gaittrc.org/volunteer)

¨ Obtain necessary background checks prior to attending volunteer training, per PA Law (Child Abuse Clearance, PA State Criminal Background Check, and FBI fingerprinting)

¨ Attend GAIT’s Safety and Orientation Training

For more information about GAIT EAS, please visit our website at www.gaittrc.org, email us at volunteer@gaittrc.org, or call 570-409-1140.