Home > Organizations > Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association > Therapeutic Support – Side Walker
Populations Served
- Adults
- Children
- People with Disabilities
- Seniors
- Youth
Competencies/Skills
- Communication
- Empathy
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Social Skills
- Teamwork
Opportunity last updated: June 16th
Therapeutic Support – Side Walker
Flexible Hours
The Side Walker works directly in the therapeutic riding classes alongside the Horse Leader to support the client receiving the service. Volunteers who have prior experience with horses are preferred. Additional specialized training for therapeutic riding programs is provided by CanTRA-certified or alternatively credentialed instructors. The side walker plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe mounting and dismounting for the rider, as well as maintaining control and ensuring the rider’s well-being during lessons, under the guidance of a certified instructor. An adept side walker works closely with the horse handler—and, if present, the other side walker—maintaining clear communication to stay attuned to the rider’s body language and ensure a balanced collaboration with the horse. They step in to assist as needed, especially with less experienced riders.
Volunteer Duties
Responsibilities:
- Aid for Individuals with Disabilities: Volunteers are crucial in supporting individuals with disabilities participating in our therapeutic horseback riding program.
- Preparation of Horses: Responsibilities include grooming and saddling horses, with new volunteers receiving support and guidance from experienced individuals.
- Roles During Classes:
- Following the direction of the Instructor, Side Walkers, oversee and manage assigned riders during the class.
- Reinforce what the instructor is asking of the rider.
- Provide physical support for the rider at the high, hip, knee, ankle or toe(instructor will advise you on how to help each rider.
- Post-Class Responsibilities: Volunteers must complete the Volunteer Attendance Formby scanning the posted QR code and completing the short form.
Requirements:
- An ease around horses, a fondness for interacting with others, a willingness to assist individuals with disabilities, and a generally healthy and fit physical state (note that some classes may require a bit of running, though not all) are essential traits for this role.
- Willingness to learn and follow LTRA’s policy & procedures.
- Willingness to attend continuing education opportunities.
- Provision of a recent (less than 6-months) criminal record check with vulnerable sectors checks and a willingness to renew every 3-years.
Qualifications:
- A minimum age of 18 is required for both leaders and side walkers.
- This volunteering role is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Volunteers must be in generally good physical condition and be able to briskly walk for approximately 45minutes. There may be some running involved in some, but not all classes.
- Must be able to understand and respond to directions promptly.
Age Requirements
18 years old or above
Other Requirements
Training Provided:
For the safety of our clientele, all volunteers will receive training on the following topics:
- Helmet Fitting
- Quick Release Knots
- Responsibilities of a Horse Leader
- Safety Protocols & Emergency Procedures
- Appropriate Client Interactions & Disclosure Protocols
- Awareness of Client & Side-Walkers
Following mandatory training, an assessment of horsemanship skills – based upon the CanTRA Volunteer Training Rubric – will occur regardless of individual experience prior to being assigned as a Side Walker within an active class:
- Maintain constant awareness of the rider, horse leader, and instructor, with communication as needed.
- Execute smooth, safe, and effective side changes during halts.
- Possess knowledge of emergency procedures.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of a side walker.
Additional training based upon individual skill and need may be provided in the following:
- Haltering
- Removing/Returning Horses to Pens
- Grooming
- Saddling & Tack
- Leading a Horse
- Position of Horse Leader at halt, walk, & when turning or changing sides.
- Emergency Procedures
- Voice Commands & Body Language
- Mounting & Dismounting
Periodically, training clinics will be held for prospective & active volunteers to ensure continuity of practices and maintenance of safety standards. Volunteers serve as the vital backbone of LTRA, serving as a crucial element in the foundation of our programming. We deeply value and appreciate your assistance!
Schedule
Time Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours/week for a minimum commitment one full session (typically 3-6 months).Our instructors rely on regular weekly participation of volunteers to provide a quality program in a safe environment.
September to June Class Schedules:
Monday
- 10am-12pm
- 1pm-3pm
Tuesday
- 9:45am-12:15pm
- 12:45pm-3:15pm
- 4:45pm-7:15pm
Wednesday
- 10am-12pm
- 1pm-3pm
July to August Class Schedules:
Wednesday
- 10am-12pm
- 1pm-3pm
Time Commitment
Continuing commitment
Type of Opportunity
Animal Care,Health, Wellness & Recreation,Mental Well-Being
Application Type
Advanced
Other Opportunities with Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association
Reporting to the CanTRA Instructor, the Horse Leader works directly in the therapeutic riding classes alongside the Side Walker to support the clients receiving the service.
Leaders who have prior experience with horses are preferred but horse experience is not necessary. Additional specialized training for therapeutic riding programs is provided by CanTRA-certified or alternatively credentialed instructors. The leader plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe mounting and dismounting for the rider, as well as maintaining control and ensuring the horse’s well-being during lessons, under the guidance of a certified instructor. An adept leader is attuned to the horse’s body language and understands the balance of control between themselves, the horse, and the rider, stepping in to assist, when necessary, especially with less experienced riders.
Thanks for your interest in this volunteer position!
We'll just need a bit of information so we can pass your application along to Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association.
In December 2025, we’ll focus only on event-based opportunities. We’ll respond to other volunteer inquiries or referrals starting in January 2026.
Volunteers can sign up for up to 3 continuing commitment opportunities for immediate referrals. If you signed up for more than 3, a Volunteer Lethbridge staff member will connect with you before making new referrals.