Volunteer

Volunteer Login

We can’t do it without you!

Volunteers are the backbone of Shining Horizons and are involved in helping support our riders and horse care.

Volunteering with us is incredibly rewarding: just as the ride is therapeutic for the rider, it is also beneficial for our volunteers as you get to meet new people, make new friends and have fun.  It builds awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and is a great opportunity to work with and help others in the community.  And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that it also helps your fitness level!

We provide training for all volunteer roles. Training must be completed before volunteering and is repeated yearly.

Whatever your ability or availability, we have a volunteer role to suit you. Read on to see how and where you can help.  

Interested in helping out?

If you are interested in volunteering with us in any of the above roles, reach out to us using the form below  or email us at Volunteer@shininghorizons.ca and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can.

Register as a volunteer NOW!

You can also read or download our Volunteer Handbook.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Side-walkers are responsible for riders’ safety; they walk alongside the horse and ensure the riders do not fall off and are sitting as best as they are able. Not all riders are fully capable of riding without support, so side-walkers are always needed and two are required for each ride. Side-walkers also play an important role in the confidence of the rider. Side-walkers must be 16 years or older and must complete our volunteer forms and training before volunteering. For those aged 18+, a current vulnerable sector and criminal background check is required.

All forms and background check request letter are provided in the link (Volunteer Handbook).

Time commitment: 1 hour/ week or more.
Sessions are between 7 – 12 weeks in duration

Leaders are responsible for the horse. They tack and prepare the horse before the ride, lead the horse around the arena during the ride and return it to the stable. Generally, we recommend that people start as a side-walker, unless they are highly experienced with horses or already have experience as a leader.

Leaders must be aged 16 years or older and must complete our volunteer forms and training before volunteering. For those aged 18+, a current vulnerable sector and criminal background check is required. All forms and background check request letter are provided in the link (Volunteer Handbook).

Time commitment: 2 hours / ride / week or more.
Sessions are between 7-12 weeks in duration

This is the perfect role for those who love horses, but cannot or do not have their own! Horse carers socialize, groom and exercise the horses and keep their living quarters clean.

Time commitment: Flexible. Ongoing.

While not visible, our behind-the-scenes volunteers are equally important to our program;  their role includes helping co-ordinate volunteers, co-ordinate horse care, fundraising, social media, organizing events or administration.

Time commitment: Variable / flexible. Ongoing.