**This opportunity is a SHADOW Experience open to volunteers in training to be qualified Equestrian Trail Guides at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers have qualified as Barn Aides and completed the Equestrian Trail Guide volunteer training. Now, they will shadow qualified volunteers and Carriage Hill Riding Center staff to practice the skills needed to become a qualified Equestrian Trail Guide volunteer. **
Help community members enjoy our parks on horseback by supporting our Trail Rides at the Carriage Hill Riding Center as a volunteer Equestrian Trail Guide! 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 learn to ride on horseback while giving instructions, keeping a watch on spacing and behavior, and answering questions.
Impact
Trail rides are often a customers’ first exposure to horses, and their experience with us creates a lasting memory and a deep connection to nature through this experience. Volunteers help ensure a safe experience and provide personal attention to each rider. This extra support allows us to offer a direct connection to large animals and nature through programming.
Tasks
Working alongside qualified volunteers and staff, volunteers in training will do and learn the following at this shadow experience:
- Groom and tack horses used for trails.
- Horses remain in cross-ties until the trail is ready to go out (Bridles on horses with halters over the bridles.)
- Re-check tack and tighten girths before mounting riders.
- Mount riders, fit stirrups to riders, and give basic instruction on control.
- Join the trail ride on horseback, assisting participants.
- Make sure customers are taken care of and a staff member is with the group before mounting your own horse.
- Assist with Barn Aide responsibilities as needed.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth Volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as Barn Aides and are in training to serve as Equestrian Trail Guides.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature), and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Barn Aide and Trail Guide Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting instructions: Meet near the office inside the first barn or find a staff member.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at #937-689-6939.
- Dress: Please wear long pants, and sturdy closed toe shoes (no steel toe boots). Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel while volunteering.
- Environment & Physical Demands:
- Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions, year-round.
- In this work environment, volunteers will be exposed to cat and horse dander, dust, and other environmental allergens.
- If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.
See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.
