Horse Leading & Side Walking

Organizational

Description:

Prairie Strides has been operating since 1977, running an adaptive horseback riding program for kids aged 5 to 15 with disabilities. As a volunteer‑powered organization, we rely on your generosity and energy to keep the program running. Each child is supported by 3 volunteers to ensure they receive the proper support needed to enjoy the equestrian sport.

Volunteer Opportunity

Leader: Should have horse experience. Leaders have direct contact with the horses and are responsible for grooming, tacking up,, and controlling the horse to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for the rider. Leaders are required to arrive at least 25 minutes before class and walk in the sand for one hour with short bursts of jogging.

Sidewalker: Direct contact with riders. Sidewalkers provide physical support and encouragement to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and positive experience. You must be able to keep an arm at shoulder height for a period of time during class without discomfort. Walking in the sand for 1 hour with short bursts of jogging.

Working in a team environment with children who have a variety of abilities and other volunteers, leaving each class knowing you have helped make a difference in a child's life, and witnessing children reach new milestones and enjoy opportunities not all children receive.

Evening: 12‑week commitment in Spring 2026 for 1 hour (Leaders 1.5 hours) on Mondays and/or Wednesdays evenings. Class times range from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Training is held 1–2 weeks prior to the session start. All volunteers must attend an orientation and in‑person training night before the program begins.

• Volunteer Orientation:
  Monday, March 23, 2026 (Zoom)
• Leader/Sidewalker Training:
  Wednesday, March 25, 2026
• Dry Run Nights:
  Monday, April 6, 2026 and Wednesday, April 8, 2026
• Monday night classes:
  April 13 – June 22, 2026
• Wednesday night classes:
  April 15 – June 24, 2026
• No classes on Monday, May 18, 2026 and Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Program runs outside the city at West Wind Stables, just west of Winnipeg in Oak Bluff, Manitoba.

Child abuse registry check: required. Criminal record check: not required. Supervisor reimbursement: provided.

• Fulfilling volunteer hours for school credit
• Bilingual (French and English) preferred

• Letter of reference provided by the organization
• Training and orientation included

Volunteer Manitoba acknowledges the indigenous peoples of the territory and commits to partnership and reconciliation.