2010 Equestrian Program Volunteer Handbook

Therapeutic riding has been used since the early 1950s as a tool for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Individuals with almost any cognitive and/or physical disability can benefit from our purposeful, safe and supervised interaction with horses. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle tone. The unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, self-esteem, and improved social skills.

Eagle Mount Therapeutic Riding Center is a Premier Accredited Center and our instructors are registered and certified through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Currently, Eagle Mount offers three types of horse assisted therapy.

* Recreational and Sports Riding are one hour lessons with one to four other riders similar in either age or ability. Instructors, with individuals’ goals in mind, create a variety of games and exercises designed to gain social and therapeutic benefits. Sport riders will work on improving their horsemanship skills and are taught how to help groom and saddle their horses.

* Hippotherapy is an intensive one-on-one therapy session with a licensed physical therapist who utilizes the horse itself as a therapy tool. The horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The goals are to improve posture, balance, mobility, and function.

* For those individuals who enjoy horses but are unable to ride, we offer our Miniature Horse Experience. Not only can participants enjoy the company of our fuzzy little horses, they also learn horsemanship skills while grooming, leading, and bathing. Our Miniature Horse Experience also hits the road to visit special events, nursing and retirement homes, and special education classrooms in Bozeman and outlying communities.

For all the above activities, all donated horses are evaluated for soundness and temperament. Each potential “equine therapist” then undergoes a 30 day trial and training period before they are accepted to become part of our staff.

Our Therapeutic Riding Program would not be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers. Our main need is for class volunteers to lead horses and to “sidewalk”, or spot riders. We ask for a minimum time commitment of approximately 1 1/2 hours a week for the duration of a 7 to 9 week session. We offer classes 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, with morning, afternoon, and evening hours. No previous experience is needed, as we supply the volunteers with the necessary training. We also have non-class volunteer opportunities such as barn help, tack cleaning, and special events. The physical and emotional benefits our riders and their families receive from our program make volunteering an extremely rewarding experience.

To volunteer, participate, or make a donation to support people in achieving a sense of independence and acceptance through activities with horse, contact us.