Our Volunteers

At the heart of the Lucky Harvest Therapeutic Riding Center is our devoted, and tireless, crew of volunteers. Although Lucky Harvest has a small nucleus of paid staff who manage the operation, supervise the horses and stable, and provide the instruction, as a non-profit organization, Lucky Harvest relies on the generosity of volunteers to assist at many levels in order that we may keep our rates affordable, our lessons safe and enjoyable, and our horses healthy and happy. Here are some of the ways our volunteers contribute:

Lesson Volunteers

Horse Leaders: A horse leader is the person who manages the horse during the lesson, leaving the instructor free to concentrate solely on the rider. The leader’s responsibility is to keep the horse under control at all times, and follow the verbal directions of the instructor. Side Walkers: Side walkers are the people who walk alongside the rider and act as “spotters” providing extra support and assistance to the rider, when necessary.

Stable Volunteers

Twelve months of the year, Lucky Harvest is home to as many as eight wonderful, hard-working horses. No matter what the weather, or level of lesson activity, the job of seeing that the needs of the horses are met is never-ending. The barn needs to be kept clean and safe. The horses have to be fed, groomed, and taken out to the paddocks. Tack and equipment used in the lessons must be cleaned and inspected regularly for safety and longevity. Horse volunteers are skilled riders who help exercise our horses. This is not an opportunity for people to ride for recreational purposes. Ridersabilities are evaluated before they are permitted to ride the horses, and the riders are always under supervision.

Buildings and Grounds Crew Volunteers

Building Projects: To keep costs as low as possible, volunteers with various types of construction skills are required from time to time.Building Maintenance: There are the normal maintenance jobs to be taken care of.Grounds Keepers: From spring until fall, grass needs to be cut, flowers planted and tended to, edges need to be trimmed.

Special Events Volunteers

The special events volunteers help organize, and participate in, Lucky Harvest’s annual fundraising events, information-sharing events, and team social events. This might mean helping to plan a fund raising campaign, acting as a spokesperson for Lucky Harvest at a booth during a local fair, or planning our annual barbecue for the entire Lucky Harvest team.Volunteering

To become a volunteer for any position that involves the horses or riders, a person must only have the desire to help someone experience the joys and benefits of therapeutic riding. These volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, and be available as little as one hour per week. Experience with horses is valued, but not necessary as we provide on site training, and conduct regular educational clinics. The training provided, gives the new volunteer the skills required to work with both our riders and our horses. New volunteers will learn how to be effective side walkers or horse leaders, depending on either their personal interests, or comfort level working with the animals.

Since the beginning of operations, Lucky Harvest has welcomed and trained countless volunteers. Some have gone on to become certified therapeutic riding instructors. For a few, their dedication has turned into a passion, and they have gone on to develop similar projects elsewhere.

Our volunteers are exceptional people, some of whom drive over 200 kilometers every week to participate in our program. They do so because the time they spend with us is so rewarding, and enjoyable, and they love the fact that their efforts brings so much joy to others. Lucky Harvest provides an environment in which everyone learns, teaches, gives, receives, and becomes connected by the common goals of growth, fun and achievement. New friends are made, and a new outlook on life is discovered.