Equine-Assisted Services Internship - Fall

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Overview:

Interns will explore what goes into planning and facilitating adaptive horseback riding lessons at a Premier Accredited Center of PATH International. Interns will gain a valuable perspective on the role of the therapeutic riding instructor through observation and mentorship of PATH Intl. certified instructors, while learning about lesson planning, skill progression and program implementation. Interns will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the industry of Equine-Assisted Services, assist as a side-walker during adaptive horseback riding lessons for people with diverse abilities and military veterans, plan games and activities that will be implemented during EAS lessons, and learn about the process of obtaining a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification through PATH Intl. Time spent side-walking during adaptive riding lessons can contribute to the "Evidence of Working With Individuals With Disabilities" section of the CTRI Application. Opportunities to work directly with staff to develop nonprofit management, volunteer management, and equine and barn management skills can also be arranged. This internship offers an opportunity to learn how equine assisted services support physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth and wellbeing and may be particularly relevant to students in the fields of human services, education, and medicine.

Responsibilities May Include:

• Attend staff meetings & assist with volunteer trainings.
• Leading and side-walking during lessons as needed.
• Develop relationships with riders, volunteers & instructors to ensure all needs are met.
• Plan games and activities to be implemented during adaptive riding lessons.
• Attend prospective equine and rider evaluations. Learn about pairing riders with horses.
• Maintain office, arena, tack room and stall organization and cleaning practices.
• Learn how to write individual and group goals, evaluate rider progress and create lesson plans.
• Understand the whys behind risk management procedures, PATH Intl. standards, and precautions and contraindications.
• Help plan and implement annual camps and special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Must be available to complete internship hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9am-6pm, more availability on an as-needed basis
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Interest in equine-assisted services
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Interest in working with a collaborative team

Compensation:

This is an unpaid internship. Ride for Joy is happy to collaborate with university institutions to provide academic credit to students upon their completion of an internship with us.