Volunteers

 

Our team of dedicated volunteers, highly trained certified instructors and gentle horses allow us to provide therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving lessons to children and adults with special needs. We are privileged to work with a caring, patient and strong community of people. As a volunteer with River Valley Riders, you are a partner in our mission of creating a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits.

 

New Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with River Valley Riders!  The next volunteer training session will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old.  No experience is necessary and all training is provided. 

RSVP to attend RVR's Volunteer Training on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Please note your name and best phone number. We will send you additional details including the Zoom link after you RSVP. Or you may call us at 651-439-2558.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VOLUNTEER TRAINING

 

Returning Volunteers

First, thank you for your passion and dedication to helping our riders! You are very important to their success!  We look forward to seeing you again! 

Please email info@rivervalleyriders.org with your availability to be scheduled to volunteer in 2023. Please note your name and best phone number.

Riding lessons will be held at our Afton location on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Riding lessons will be held at our May Township location on Monday evenings.  Carriage driving lessons will be held on Monday and Thursday afternoons, and Saturday mornings at our Afton location.

Returning volunteers are encouraged to attend the afternoon session of the April 15th Volunteer Training (1:00-4:30pm), especially those who started with RVR in May-October 2022 or would like to be evaluated as horse leaders.

RSVP to attend the Afternoon Session of Volunteer Training on Saturday, April 15, 2023.  Please note your name and best phone number.

Or you may call us at 651-439-2558 with your availability or to RSVP.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VOLUNTEER TRAINING

 

Volunteer Background Checks

River Valley Riders' policy requires that volunteers ages 18 years old and over have a background check every three years.  After you are scheduled to volunteer, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to complete the background check.  Click here for additional information or contact us with any questions.
 

Volunteer Resources

To help you better understand the important role you contribute, please review these documents:

Vol_page_Delaney_5_for_website_framed_250x310.jpg

Volunteer Handbook

Volunteer Application and Waiver/Release

List of Websites Related to Disabilities

Reading A Horse's Ears

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

River Valley Riders Seizure Protocol

2020_Thumb-Volunteer_Video-Elastic_Cares_730.jpg