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.
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 Fall 2026 Session Dates are as follows:




  • Volunteer Orientation: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (Online meeting)



  • Leader/Side walker Training: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 (In person @ West Wind Stables)



  • Dry Run night: Monday, September 7, 2026 and Wednesday, September 9, 2026



  • Monday night classes will run from September 14 through November 23, 2026



  • Wednesday night classes will run from September 16 through November 25, 2026



  • There will be no class on Monday, October 12 and Wednesday, October 14, 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:
Closing Date: Aug 26, 2026

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