volunteer toolkit
Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding simply wouldn’t exist without our volunteers. They are essential to every lesson, every program, and every participant we serve.
No horse experience is required and all training is provided. There is no required time commitment — you can volunteer as much or as little as you’d like. Whether it’s one hour a month or one hour a day, we would love to welcome you to the JHTR family.
ways you can help
By volunteering with Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding, you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to empowering individuals through equine-assisted services. Volunteering here is rewarding, impactful, and deeply meaningful—offering the chance to connect with both our horses and participants while making a tangible difference in their lives.
sidewalker
Sidewalkers walk alongside the rider throughout the lesson, offering encouragement and helping the participant maintain balance and stability in the saddle. This role is vital in ensuring that each rider feels supported, confident, and safe while they connect with their horse and work toward their goals.
horse leader
Horse Leaders are responsible for managing the horse throughout the lesson. Their primary focus is always on the horse—maintaining a steady pace, reinforcing cues given by the rider (such as “walk on,” “whoa,” and steering), and ensuring the horse remains calm and responsive. Before each session, horse leaders warm up their assigned horse to help it prepare for the lesson ahead.
volunteer
training
All volunteers receive annual, comprehensive training through short, engaging videos. You’ll learn everything you need to feel confident in your role.
Our instructional videos cover lesson procedures, safety, and participant interaction in order to ensure a safe, positive experience for everyone. Additional in-person training is available upon request.
additional
opportunities
Not all volunteer roles involve horses! Volunteers also help with special events, fundraising, property maintenance, administrative projects, and more. Whether you can commit weekly or just a few times per year, there’s a place for you at JHTR.
ready to grab life by the reins?
Volunteering at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference in our community—fostering confidence, independence, and joy for individuals of all ages and abilities. Joining our volunteer team is easy and just a few steps away!
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Learn the Ropes
You’ll receive access to short training videos covering lesson flow, safety, and volunteer roles like Horse Leader and Sidewalker.
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Choose Your Schedule
We’ll set you up in VicNet, our online scheduling platform, where you can view lessons and sign up for shifts that fit your schedule—no minimum commitment required.
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Join Your First Lesson
Meet your instructor, horse, and rider team, then step into the arena for your first experience. Many volunteers say "one hour at JHTR can change your whole week."
Volunteering here brought enrichment to my life that I never imagined. I started to volunteer primarily because I love horses. But the staff put my mind at ease about how to interact with the participants…..and to know I made a difference in some small way to someone’s quality of life has been so rewarding.
Rhonda Ashton
9-Year Volunteer
Give the gift of confidence, connection, and joy
Your generosity helps riders of all abilities discover their potential.
