Needs From: SERVE365

No experience needed! Side walkers are the ones who normally get the most hands-on duties in therapeutic riding. They are directly responsible for the rider. As such, they have the capability to either enhance or detract from the lesson. It’s important to maintain a position by the rider’s knee. Being too far forward or back will make it very difficult to assist with instructions or provide security if the horse should trip or shy. There are two ways to hold onto the rider without interfering. The most commonly used is the “arm-over-the thigh” hold. The sidewalker grips the front of the saddle (flap or pommel depending on the horse’s size) and the hand closest to the rider. Then the fleshy part of the forearm rests gently on the rider’s thigh. Be careful that the elbow doesn’t accidentally dig into the rider’s leg. Sometimes, pressure on the thigh can increase and/or cause muscle spasticity, especially with the Cerebral Palsy population. In this case, the “therapeutic hold” may be used. Here, the leg is held at the joints, usually the knee and/or ankle. Check with the instructor/therapist for the best way to assist.

No experience needed! You do not need any prior experience working with horses or with individuals with disabilities to volunteer with us. We provide training and support to help you feel confident in your role. As lesson help, volunteers may serve as a Leader or Side Walker. The Leader is primarily responsible for the horse’s safety and control—guiding the horse during the lesson and ensuring proper tack and handling. The Side Walker focuses on the rider’s safety and engagement, offering physical support when needed (such as thigh or ankle holds), providing encouragement, and reinforcing instructor cues when asked. Your time, care, and willingness to learn make a meaningful difference—thank you for being part of our team!

Leading horses during sessions. This includes walking the horse with a lead rope.