NARHA Premier Accredited Center

Join us in Changing Lives . . . one stride at a time!

Want to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities? Little Bit has many rewarding volunteer opportunities, including:

Program Volunteers - Working with Horses and Riders
Other Volunteer Opportunities

Our greatest need is for Program Volunteers who work with our horses and support our riders in Adaptive lessons and Hippotherapy Sessions. This is a great opportunity to support an individual with a disability while enjoying the company of our fantastic four-legged therapists.

For more information about any Volunteer Position, contact Mandi Gauthier, Volunteer Services Manager at mandi@littlebit.org. We thank you for your support of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center and our riders!

Program Volunteers

Program volunteers prepare horses for riders, lead or walk beside horses while supporting riders in lessons and treatment sessions, and put away horses. No horse experience is required to become a Program Volunteer.

Objective:
To prepare for and support the rider in Hippotherapy sessions, Vaulting and/or Adaptive Riding lessons.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure horse is groomed, tacked and warmed up in arena 10-15 minutes prior to class/session
• During Class:
  o Lead horse
  o Walk beside horse and provide physical and/or emotional support to the rider
• Help rider follow the directions of the instructor or therapist
• Help ensure rider, horse and volunteer safety before, during, and after class
• Un-tack and groom horse after class/session

• Possess a positive attitude and the ability to adapt to change and be flexible
• Minimum of 14 years old
• Physical Requirements
  o Ability to walk for an hour at a time (indoors and outdoors) on uneven surfaces
  o Have adequate vision to ensure safety of horse and participants
  o Comfortable interacting with and supporting individuals with disabilities
  o Be able to lift up to 20 pounds above head
• Ability to hear, understand, and follow instructions in English
• Completion of application and background check

Requirements:

All new volunteers must attend an Orientation and an Ability Awareness training.

1. Orientation: New volunteers will learn about Little Bit as well as how to groom and tack the horses.

2. Ability Awareness: All volunteers will learn more about Little Bit riders and their abilities. We will provide information about disabilities and how to best help the riders be successful in class.

3. Horse Leader Training: This hands-on training will teach you how to best lead, manage horse behaviors and work with horses in classes. This training is only required for those who are interested in being a horse leader.

Please note: Volunteers must also commit to a minimum of 2 hours per week for the length of the 8- to 12-week quarter.

Upcoming Training Dates:

Orientation

• August 10, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• August 17, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• August 21, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• August 28, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

• August 11, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• August 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• August 21, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• August 28, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Horse Leader Training

• August 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• August 23, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• August 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m

Signing up for trainings ahead of time is mandatory as our trainings usually fill up. Please contact Volunteer Services Manager, Mandi Gauthier to secure your spot.

Benefits:

• Satisfaction of helping your community
• Continuing education opportunities regarding horses and individuals with disabilities
• Community Service hours for school, Scouts, work, etc.
• Increased understanding of disabilities

For more information on becoming a Program Volunteer, or to sign up for training, contact Mandi Gauthier at mandi@littlebit.org. or 425-882-1554.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Event Committees and Support
Little Bit riders, volunteers and staff participate in many events from fundraising opportunities like our Reins of Life Auction and our Uncork the Dream Wine Event, to fun demonstrations like our Rider Showcases and Day at the Races at Emerald Downs.

Office Support
From filing thank you letters to helping with mailings, volunteers are a huge help in the office! Office shifts are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Gardener/Landscape Maintenance
Maintain and enhance Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center's Memorial Garden, Little Bit Redmond grounds and other open spaces.

Special Projects
One-time company or school work groups.

Court Ordered Community Service Opportunities
Opportunities for individuals to fulfill Court Ordered Community Service at Little Bit will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We have limited openings for these opportunities, and cannot place everyone. Court Ordered volunteers will not work with the horses or riders.

For more information on non-program volunteer opportunities, please contact Mandi Gauthier at mandi@littlebit.org or 425-882-1554.

Non-profit information available through

NARHA Premier Accredited Center