An Aldergrove horse riding charity is seeking volunteers to fill shifts in the fall.
Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association (VTEA), a therapeutic riding centre, offers medically-approved horseback riding to children and adults.
"Horses have long been known to help with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression," said Rachelle Mitchell, volunteer coordinator.
There are two main positions the centre is hoping to recruit volunteers for starting September: side walkers and leaders.
"Because many clients may have difficulties which prevent them from staying mounted, whether that is anxiety and confidence or physical issues... we have side walkers who help them remain on the horse and to alert the instructor if there is anything that may not be seen from a distance," Mitchell said.
No experience is required for this role.
The leader position, however, is recommended to have some experience with horses because the volunteer will be leading the horse.
"Leaders are responsible for the horse," Mitchell said. "Many clients, whether through inexperience or otherwise, are not able to fully control the horse."
So, the leader's job is to follow the instructions from the riding instructor and ensure they alert the instructor if anything of note is happening with the horse, Mitchell explained.
She emphasized that training is provided, and just asks folks approach with an open mind.
"We've had people go from having absolutely no horse experience to volunteering in the barn and arena, eventually becoming CanTRA certified teachers themselves."
Mitchell has asked previous volunteers why they do it and what they enjoy at the centre, and the majority reported they wanted to give back to the community and also found the experience to be therapeutic itself.
"They speak a lot about how incredible and outright magical it is to be a part of someone's journey. To watch them go from being timid and cautious, to having more confidence, more strength, and even becoming an independent rider 鈥� someone who no longer needs side walkers or leaders," Mitchell explained.
She added that the riding centre is always looking for volunteers to help with barn work, such as grooming horses and maintaining the yard and gardens, or help in the office or supporting staff at events.
"If someone wants to help, I would love to work with them and find how to make that happen."
Shift times for the side walker role this fall are:
- Tuesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Fridays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
And for the leader role:
- Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursdays from 12:30 to 1 and 4 to 5 p.m.
- Fridays from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Commitments for shifts can range from 30 minutes to a couple hours, Mitchell noted, and start Sept. 10 and go into December.
"In addition, I'm always looking to add to my 'on-call' list. People who are willing to do the training and then be on the list to get a phone call or email if I need to cover a regularly scheduled volunteer," she said.
Mitchell added that her goal as volunteer coordinator is to create and hold a sense of community with her volunteer team and staff at VTEA.
"I want to empower not just our clients, but everyone involved. To give them a break from their life, a human and equine connection that can bolster them when things get rough," she shared.
Anyone interested in volunteering at VTEA can fill out the form on their website at .
The riding centre is located at 3330 256 St.
