Volunteers
What is the dog policy?
We must ensure that our clients and boarders are protected and that horses are not spooked while a client or boarder is riding. Therefore, all dogs must be contained during the entire time they are on LTRA property:
- The dog is to be under the owner's control at all times, either directly on a leash, contained in a portable kennel, etc.
- An E-collar is not considered a suitable restraint measure
- The owner of the dog is to clean up after the dog at all times
- Dogs are not to be in the arena
- Should a dog create a problem that jeopardizes the well-being of any horse or rider the owner will be asked to remove the dog from LTRA property
- Owners will be responsible for any damages resulting from the misbehaviour of their dog
Is there an exception to the dog policy for service dogs?
LTRA visitors that require service dogs have the right to access LTRA in the manner in which their service dogs provide assistance. However, dogs and horses can still pose serious situations. The following rules apply to service dogs:
- A service dog is permitted to work in its assistance capacity when the handler requires it
- When a service dog is no longer functioning in its assistance capacity it must be treated in the same manner as required by the regular dog polices
How do I go about becoming a volunteer for LTRA?
Complete the Volunteer Registration and Waiver forms and bring them to our office. When this has been reviewed we can provide you with the form necessary to apply for a criminal record search.
The Volunteer page also has more information about volunteering with us.
Complete this form and provide it to us before your first session.
What is the time commitment for a therapeutic program volunteer?
The minimum requirement for volunteering with our therapeutic program is 2 hours per week. This can be either 10 a.m - 12 p.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.
Do I need a criminal record check?
Yes, we require all volunteers to get a criminal record check. We will give each new volunteer a letter to take to either the LRPS or RCMP depending on which jurisdiction that you live in. LTRA will pay for this check.
I am interested in volunteering but I don't have a lot of horse experience.
As long as you are not fearful of working with horses, we can help orient the skills needed.
I am not comfortable around horses. Is there work that I can do that does not involve being close to the horses?
There are always projects around the farm that require volunteers that don't involve working with horses. As you spend more time with us you may find that you will want to become more directly involved with them.
When is the application/agreement required to be submitted?
We review our files regularly to ensure they are up to date and complete. This includes boarder, volunteer, and employee files. Initially, the relevant forms need to be completed during the application process, and then renewed at the beginning of each calendar year. However, it will not be necessary to renew the forms if they have been previously submitted within 30 days.
Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association
24 205015 Hwy 512
Lethbridge County, Alberta
T1J 5N8
6 km East of Lethbridge on the Jail Road.
Accredited Riding Centre
Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association is an Accredited Centre of Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).