TROtt Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa Carleton

What services does your organization provide?
Programs at TROtt

While all program activities are truly holistic in nature and engage the rider's physical, mental and emotional participation, individual requirements and specific goals are met through placement in an appropriate program category.

Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Horse Riding is a global term which embraces all horse-related activities for people with disabilities.

Historically, the therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognized as early as 460 BC and have been recognized as physically, psychologically, socially and educationally beneficial.

Some of the benefits of Therapeutic Horse Riding are an improvement in physical health, relaxation of tight muscles, an increase in balance, building of muscle strength, mobilization of trunk and pelvis, sharpening of hand/eye coordination, improvement in social skills, and a gain of sense of control and self-confidence as the rider experiences a freedom which has often never been felt before.

Do you have any age requirements?
Minimum age 14yrs.

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
No.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
2 hours once per week at a regular day & time.

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
Reasonable fitness level e.g. be able to run alongside a trotting horse for 40 to 80 M
Own transport - we are not on a bus route.
Expectant mothers are asked not to participate - for safety reasons.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
Horse knowledge & experience is helpful but not necessary. Many of our volunteers come to us with no horse experience at all.

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
The role of the volunteer is to assist the instructor to prepare the horse and rider for the class and then to assist during a class.

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
Full training is given at regular training sessions.

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Volunteers work as a team to :

-Groom and tack up the horse ready for the class
-Lead the horse
-Walk alongside the horse to assist the rider during the class
-Untack and groom the horse after the class
-Clean tack

How will a person benefit from volunteering with TROtt Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa Carleton?
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization!

Volunteering at TROtt provides the opportunity to establish rewarding relationships with riders and horses.\\r|\\r|Our volunteers enjoy getting out for some exercise and experiencing the benefits and great strides that the riders make during their lessons.

We welcome students who are doing volunteer work as part of their curriculum.

Do you accept high school students?
Yes