Volunteers are the foundation of We Can Ride. In 2006, 425 individuals from the community and over 70 volunteers from the Hennepin County Home School helped We Can Ride provide therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults living with disabilities. These volunteers help lead horses, provide support and encouragement to riders, groom and tack horses before class, assist in the We Can Ride office, and volunteer during special events.

We Can Ride is always looking for volunteers to donate their time and talent. Whether you are looking for an on-going commitment or a short-term opportunity, volunteering with We Can Ride will always be a memorable and rewarding experience. The time and effort donated by volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of individuals living with disabilities. We appreciate all that our volunteers do for our organization, and know that we could not do it without them. Below we have answered some of the most common questions about volunteering with We Can Ride.

What are the requirements to volunteer?

To be a volunteer with We Can Ride, individuals must be at least 14 years old. For a few of our weeknight classes at Minnetonka, we require volunteers to be at least 21 years old. You do not need any previous experience working with horses or individuals living with disabilities, only a desire to help. If you decide to volunteer, a training session will be provided to prepare you for working in the barn.

What kind of time commitment do you ask of volunteers?

We ask volunteers to commit to 1-2 hours per week for an eight-week session. If you are unable to commit to volunteering every week, we encourage you to volunteer as a substitute. As a designated substitute, the volunteer coordinator will schedule you as needed according to your availability.

What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have?

Sidewalkers • Sidewalkers work with the client by walking alongside the horse during class. They help the client understand the instructor's directions, achieve balance, independence, and reach personal goals.

Leaders • Leaders are responsible for control of the horse during class. They warm up the horse before class, secure the horse during mounting and dismounting, and then lead the horse during class.

Office assistance • We sometimes need help in the We Can Ride office. Volunteering here might include stuffing envelopes, labeling newsletters, filling up goodie bags for special events, and other opportunities.

Special events • During the course of the year, We Can Ride is involved in numerous special events where we are in need of extra help. We welcome your smile and extra hands on deck as we spread the word about We Can Ride throughout the state and the metro-community.

Mentors, Barn Help, Fund Raisers • We Can Ride is always looking for good volunteers with a variety of talents. Call the office to find out what opportunties are currently available.

When do you need volunteers?

Our main class schedule runs from April to October. During this time we have volunteer opportunities during the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and in the evenings Monday through Thursday.

How soon can I volunteer?

We are always looking for new volunteers. Our 8-week class sessions start three times per year in April, June, and August. Training sessions for new volunteers are held prior to the start of the class session in March, June, and August.

For more information or to become a volunteer, please call the office at (952) 934-0057 or email.