Volunteer Requirements​

• ​Albany Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. requires our volunteers to be 14 years old or older to work with the horses or riders. 
• Volunteers who work with the horses and/or riders, i.e., leaders and sidewalkers, must be able to walk a minimum of 60 minutes consistently as well as jog for various intervals.
• They must be able to lift at least 40 pounds as well, as some pieces of tack are rather heavy!
• Horse experience is not required for any volunteer opportunity, although it is preferred for leading.
• Leaders and sidewalkers will be required to pass a leading and sidewalking assessment before they will be allowed to lead or sidewalk in lessons.  ​

​We are forever grateful for any and all time our volunteers give to our program to make sure that things are running smoothly! We would not be able to do what we do without the help of all of you. That being said, lessons at Albany Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. are held weekly and in sessions 6 lessons for 6 weeks, one lesson per week for 6 weeks in a row. If you sign up to lead or sidewalk for a lesson, you are committing to that specific lesson on a WEEKLY basis for the entire session. This creates a sense of consistency for the rider, and helps the team working with the rider build a relationship and establish trust. Riding lessons are more effective when working with the same team on a weekly basis and this promotes progress within the rider.