Horse Handler for Hippotherapy

Save to Favorites

This volunteer position reports directly to the Volunteer Coordinator, but may receive input from therapists, instructors, and other equine staff members. Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to: preparing the horse for the session, leading the horse during the session, putting the horse away after the session, and correctly cleaning and putting away tack and equipment.

Qualifications:

• 16 years of age or older
• Completed Horse Handler training and passed a Horse Handler competency checklist
• Aware of and comfortable with acceptable horse behavior and movement
• Able to communicate with therapists/instructors, volunteers, and other staff members
• Able to react appropriately when handling the horse in a crisis situation
• Able to stand, bend, and walk with intermittent jogging for up to an hour at a time over uneven surfaces
• Willing to learn and follow DST procedures and policies
• Able to accept constructive feedback and follow direction from DST staff members
• Able to commit to a consistent schedule on a weekly basis
• Able to assume a leadership role with the horse, while keeping a nurturing attitude toward both the horse, rider, staff members, and other volunteers

Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all DST policies and procedures.
• Arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the scheduled session to bring horse to grooming area, groom, tack, and warm-up horse as required for the session.
• Alert therapist/instructor or equine staff member to any problems with condition of horse, tack, and any other concerns.
• Bring horse to session area at assigned time.
• Ensure safe behavior, attention, and responsiveness of the horse as directed by the therapist/instructor throughout the session.
• Untack, groom, and turnout horse as required following the session.