Horse Leading & Side Walking
| Organization Details | |
|---|---|
| Organization Name: | Prairie Strides |
| Address: | 53086 Road 4E Box 402 Oak Bluff MB R0G 1N0 |
| Website: | http://www.prairiestrides.com |
| Organizational Description: | Prairie Strides has been in operation since 1977, running an adaptive horseback riding program for kids aged 5 to 15 with disabilities. As a volunteer-powered organization, we need your generosity and energy to keep the program going. Each child has 3 Volunteers with them to ensure they receive the proper support they need to enjoy the Equestrian sport. Without the generosity of time from our volunteers, we may not be able to operate, and these children will never experience riding a horse. |
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| Volunteer Opportunity Details | |
| Volunteer Opportunity ID: | 5203 |
| Description of Duties: | We are looking for 2 types of Volunteers: Leader: Should have horse experience. The leaders have direct contact with the horses. They are responsible for Grooming, Tacking up, Leading, and controlling the horse to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for the rider. Leaders are required to arrive at least 25 minutes before class. Walking in the sand for one hour and short bursts of jogging. Sidewalker: Have direct contact with the riders. They are responsible for giving a rider the appropriate support, both physical and in the form of encouragement, to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and positive experience. You must be able to have your arm at shoulder height for a period of time during class without discomfort. Walking in the sand for 1 hour and short bursts of jogging. |
| Skills Required: | 1. Leaders - Must have horse experience, be competent in controlling and leading the horse. Leaders are expected to come ahead of the ride time to groom and tack up their horse preparing them for their rider. 2. Sidewalkers - will be walking right beside the horse and rider, working with the child to assist in supporting them on the horse, and to facilitate them doing exercises and games during their ride time. BOTH - Volunteer MUST be able to walk, and do a little jogging in the sand for 60 minutes. |
| Skills Gained/Related Careers: | Working in a team environment with children who have a variety of abilities and other volunteers. Leaving a class knowing you have helped make a difference in a child's life. Being witness to children reaching new milestones in their lives and smiling and having fun while doing something which not all children get the opportunity to do. |
| Age: | 16-17, 18-30, 31-54, 55+ |
| Time Commitment: | Evening 12 Week commitment in the Spring 2026 for 1 hour (Leaders 1.5 hours) on a Monday and/or Wednesday evenings. Class times are as early as 5:30 pm and as late as 9pm. Training is held 1-2 weeks prior to session starting. and program runs outside the city at West Wind Stables located just West of Winnipeg in Oak Bluff, Mb. All Volunteers are expected to attend an Orientation and in person training night prior to the start of program running. Our Spring 2026 Session Dates are as follows: Volunteer Orientation: Monday, March 23, 2026 (Zoom) Leader/Sidewalker Training: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Dry Run night: Monday, April 6, 2026 and Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Monday night classes will run from April 13 through June 22, 2026 Wednesday night classes will run from April 15 through June 24, 2026 There will be no class on Monday, May 18, 2026 and Wednesday, May 20, 2026 |
| Location of volunteer opportunity: | Winnipeg |
| Does opportunity require a criminal record check? | No |
| Does opportunity require a child abuse registry check? | Yes Will cost be reimbursed? Yes |
| Opportunity is available to candidates that: | Fulfilling volunteer hours for school credit French speaking / Bilingual (French and English) |
| Organization will provide: | A letter of reference Training/Orientation |
| How to Apply: |
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| Closing Date: | Mar 23, 2026 |
IMPORTANT:
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