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 join the trail ride on horseback while giving instructions, keeping a watch on spacing and behavior, and answering questions. 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.
Impact
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
- 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 Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth Volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as Barn Aides and completed the Equestrian Trail Guide Training Series. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Note: This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval.
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.
- 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.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
