Horse Riding for disadvantaged Youth
Riding and horse/human interaction is a powerful tool for many as they strive toward wholeness.
Do you enjoy working with children, horses and being outdoors?
Childrens and adolescents needs that horse riding with Aldeas de Paz meet, include emotional and behavioural issues, at risk youth, learning challenges, concentration issues as well as attention deficit and self esteem problems.
How riding horses helps children develop
The smooth motion of the horse can help to improve balance, overall gross motor function, as well as trunk, pelvic and hip motion. Horse riding is very helpful for children with developmental, concentration and learning challenges. Stevens (2007) discusses how horse interaction and riding are particularly helpful for children with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Horse riding may help children to improve their:
- Listening skills and the ability to follow multi-step directions
- Communication skills
- Social skills
- Self-esteem
- Left to right orientation and directionality (start at the front, move to the back, move left to right)
- Sequencing (step one, step two, step three, etc. in order)
- It also has shown to help children with autism, ADD and ADHD
We offer volunteer training sessions
We feel certain that you will enjoy, as much as we have, the opportunity to work with children in our riding program! This Program depends on the dedication of our volunteers. We offer volunteer training sessions to help you learn more about our students and horses. Little horse experience is needed. Learn to be a side walker or horse leader to allow students to enjoy a safe and educational riding lesson. Note: Young Volunteers must be at least 8 years old.
Possible Activities
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Also for volunteers with limited Spanish language skills:
- Maintenance and care of horses and of the paddock, arena, field shelter, the saddlery and equipment
- Assisting with riding classes, theory and practice
- Assist with the feeding, grooming and cleaning of the
horses and stables
- Maintaining photographic and written records of the
children's progress on a weekly basis
- Helping with the collection of grasses to feed the horses
- Ride horses regularly also ride on weekends
(lessons can be provided)
- Train horses (experience required)
Requirements
Anyone with an interest in working with horses and children can apply
Some experience is necessary, but training is provided by
our staff riding teacher.
Volunteers with experience are strongly encouraged to
apply. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn is a
must!
A typical volunteer/intern needs to be flexible, enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge, has a desire to take initiative and dedicates lot of care and passion to the position. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities.
Assisting with our Horse riding by-program is necessary:
While part of the group of children receives riding classes others are taught
English classes and are participating with recreational activities and sport
before they switch tasks.
Availability
Apply Now
Family Volunteering
