Sidewalker

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Most volunteers at Riley Equine Center begin as a sidewalker. The Sidewalker walks alongside the horse and assist the rider. The sidewalkers primary responsibility is the STUDENT. They must stay with their student no matter what!

The sidewalkers's job begins as soon as the students walk into the barn. Sidewalkers should greet the student and help them fit their helmet. Most students will bring their own helmet, but should they forget or not have one, there are extras available in the back room. The sidewalker will then stay with the rider and await instructions from the instructor on where to do warm up exercises and when to come into the arena for mounting.

The Sidewalker should stay with the rider and give proper assistance from the moment the rider enters the arena and mounts their horse until they dismount and leave the area, even if the horse is standing still or even the horse spooks. The importance of staying with your student cannot be overstated. Many people with disabilities lack a sense of danger and self-preservation. The sidewalker, therefore, helps to provide an extra level of safety for the rider.

Sidewalkers are encouraged to bond with their riders before and after the instructor begins class, however they should be careful not to give the rider more assistance or support than the instructor indicates. We promote independence amongst our riders and encourage it in all cases. If, however, the rider seems to be having more trouble than they should, or sometimes doesn't seem to be working correctly, it should be brought to the instructor's attention.