Help community members enjoy our parks on horseback again this season by training to become a newly qualified Equestrian Trail Guide at the Carriage Hill Riding Center!
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? This NEW Equestrian Trail Guide Volunteer Training is only open to long-term volunteers ages 16 and up who have checked off and qualified as a Barn Aide. For more information on how to get started as a Barn Aide, please visit our Carriage Hill Riding Center Volunteer Training page. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer!
WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT YOU'LL REVIEW
This training is for long-term volunteers, ages 16 and up, who have qualified as Barn Aides
Equestrian Trail Guides assist with grooming and saddling the horses, help customers while they get on and off their horses, and untack and clean up once the trail riders return.
In addition to these tasks, Trail Guides will join the trail ride on horseback while giving instructions, keeping a watch on spacing and behavior, and answering questions.
Trail rides are often a visitors first exposure to horses, and their experience with us creates a lasting memory and a deep connection to nature.
For training, volunteers are asked to complete a virtual training and then attend an onsite training at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. Once the virtual and onsite training are complete, the volunteer will be invited to sign up for Shadow Experience shifts where they will work alongside qualified volunteers and staff to master the skills of the Equestrian Trail Guide until they are able to check off on these skills.
This training includes both classroom and field components:
- Physical Requirements: Volunteers should be prepared to squat, kneel, bend, carry 10-15 lbs., and work in various weather conditions.
- Protective Gear: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. No steel-toed boots please.
- Weather-appropriate Attire: Please dress for the weather.
GET STARTED!
Begin with our virtual training to learn more here. Then, RSVP to join us for this in-person training and practice session. RSVPs are required to attend this training. Click "YES" to RSVP.
