Volunteer

Every year, our therapeutic riding sessions require around 1,700 volunteer hours to stay operational. Volunteers in this role commit to a weekly two-hour timeslot to support our Therapeutic Riding lessons, ensuring both riders and horses are prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience. Our program volunteers work closely with vulnerable populations, so are required to submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). If you already have a CRC and VSC completed within the last 6 months, please let us know. If not, we will provide you with a letter to reduce the cost.

Responsibilities may include:

• Catching horses from the pasture

• Picking out horses’ hooves and preparing them for lessons

• Assisting riders with grooming, tacking, and untacking horses

• Leading horses during lessons in our indoor arena

• Supporting riders during lessons when needed

• Helping return horses to their paddocks after lessons

This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy working with horses, being active, and helping riders build confidence and skills in the saddle. No prior horse experience is necessary. We provide training and an orientation to ensure every volunteer feels comfortable, confident, and prepared for their role.

Fundraising plays an important role in helping the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association continue to offer high quality programming to clients without cost ever becoming a barrier. Each year, we host three major fundraising events that bring our community together while raising support for our organization:

• Denim, Diamonds & Derby - May

• Drive4Dreams Golf Tournament - June

• Joanne Perlich Ride4Dreams Cabaret & Trail Ride - September
  

Volunteers are essential to the success of these events and assist in a variety of roles both during the planning stages and on event days.

Volunteer responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with event planning, setup, and takedown

• Selling raffle tickets or assisting with silent auctions

• Greeting guests and helping direct attendees

• Assisting with event logistics and general support throughout the event

• Helping with decorating or preparing event spaces
  

These opportunities are great for volunteers who enjoy working with people, being part of exciting community events, and supporting the mission of LTRA in a fun and social environment.

Keeping our facility clean, organized, and welcoming is an important part of maintaining a safe and positive environment for our riders, volunteers, horses, and visitors. Volunteers who enjoy hands-on tasks and helping things stay organized play a valuable role in keeping our Learning Centre and barn areas running smoothly.

Volunteer responsibilities may include:

• Sweeping and tidying the barn, arena, and arena viewing room

• Vacuuming and cleaning common areas in the Learning Centre

• Organizing grooming supplies and equipment

• Cleaning and organizing tack, boots, and horse equipment

• Assisting with general facility cleaning projects as needed
  

These tasks help ensure that our facility remains a safe, clean, and welcoming space for everyone who visits LTRA.

We also offer project-based volunteer opportunities for groups who would like to spend time contributing to our organization together. These opportunities are a great way for businesses, community groups, school teams, or clubs to give back while working collaboratively on meaningful projects that support our programs and facilities.

Project-based volunteers typically assist with larger tasks or improvement projects that help maintain and enhance our property. These projects may include things like painting, organizing spaces, landscaping, or other facility improvement initiatives. Individual initiatives will be posted below when we are looking for a specific group or skill-set. However, if you have a creative idea we are more than happy to hear from you and see what would be possible!

For example, Cornerstone Funeral Home Ltd. and Lethbridge Hearing Centre spent a day volunteering with us as part of their 30 Days of Giving Campaign, helping to paint and refresh our barn pass-through space.

We are always grateful for groups who are willing to donate their time and energy to help us improve our facility and support the work we do for our riders and community.