Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

Marlene Karman

53 Woodview Lane

Lemont, IL 60439

(630) 335-4892

holisticriding19@gmail.com

Organization Mission:

HRET is passionately committed to empowering the lives of individuals with varied physical, emotional, cognitive and social abilities through the Spirit of the Horse. We provide Equine Assisted Services (EAS) to the varied ability and veteran communities. Our facility is on a ten-acre farm where we provide therapeutic horseback riding, a farm/agriculture program, field trips, camps, a sensory trail and an ADA-compliant garden.

Description of Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteers with Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy (HRET) will primarily be helping during our therapeutic riding classes, in the role of a Sidewalker. The duties include helping the rider groom the horse and providing support to the rider while mounted/riding. We provide training to teach the volunteer everything involved with the Sidewalker role. Sidewalkers also may assist our school groups and campers with farm/agriculture programming. Volunteers who show an interest and aptitude may gain additional training from HRET to become a herd care/barn work helper, or a horse leader. Additionally, volunteers can help with fundraising/event planning, grant writing, social media/marketing, and various administrative tasks.

Minimum Age Requirement:

Skills or Experience Necessary:

We are looking for volunteers who have a heart for children and adults with varied abilities, as well as veterans. Volunteers must have a positive attitude, patience, flexibility, a willingness to learn and to commit to a regular volunteer schedule for at least 12 weeks. We are seeking long-term relationships with our volunteers, as our riders count on them and become bonded with them (and so do our horses!)