GallopNYC

About GallopNYC

Therapeutic horsemanship teaches the skills of horseback riding and horse knowledge to build developmental, emotional, social, and physical skills for each individual rider. Under the direction of a PATH International certified instructor, supported by trained volunteers, each rider progressively acquires riding skills and measurable improvements in life skills. Through weekly sessions, we help riders walk, talk, learn and have FUN! Volunteers play a very important role in our therapeutic riding lessons. In fact, we can’t have lessons without you.

Volunteer requirements

• Age 16+ or by instructor permission
• Ability to stand and walk for an extended period (at least 30-minute intervals)
• Ability to briefly jog with the horse and rider

Volunteer Duties and Expectations – Side-Walking:

Assist the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions by working directly with the riders. Act as an intermediary between the rider and instructor by assisting the rider in carrying out the instructor’s directions.

• Help prepare riders for lessons
• Assist with rider support during mounting and dismounting
• Walk (and jog) next to the rider throughout the class and provide physical support as necessary
• Prompt the rider to follow directions given by the instructor
• As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles

Volunteer Duties and Expectations – Lead-Walking:

Support therapeutic lessons by lead-walking horses and supporting instructors with lesson preparations.

• Lead horses during therapeutic riding classes, working with a group of side-walkers, keeping the primary focus on your assigned horse (and not the rider) while maintaining communication with the team.
• Executes directions of the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions
• Depending on the site, will bring horses in and out of the arena
• As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles

The Volunteer Process:

1. Registration: Complete our simple volunteer registration here: gallop.nyc/volregistration
2. Complete the online orientation: After completing orientation you will receive an electronic waiver via Conga Sign. Please make sure to complete before coming on-site. *Volunteers under 18 need to provide a parent/guardian name and email for the waiver*
3. Managing your volunteer account: In order to check on your volunteer hours and jobs, report your volunteer hours, update your demographic information, skills and availability you’ll enter your name and email address at gallop.nyc/myvolpage and we will email you your unique personal volunteer link to access your volunteer information.
4. Volunteer job listings: In order to view and sign up for volunteer jobs from a list view (limited), click here: gallop.nyc/voljoblistings
5. Volunteer calendar: In order to view and sign up for volunteer jobs from a calendar view, click here: gallop.nyc/volcalendar

It’s as easy as that!