Horse Riding for disadvantaged Youth
Horses are intelligent animals that have the ability to learn fast with correct and consistent training
Do you enjoy working with children, horses and being outdoors?
Riding and horse/human interaction is a powerful tool for many as they strive toward wholeness. 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. Volunteering is a rewarding and educational experience. 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. Assist with the feeding, grooming and cleaning of the horses and stables. We have a team of volunteers that assist with these daily-maintainence activities each morning and afternoon.
Possible Activities
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Also for volunteers with limited Spanish language
- Daily maintenance and care of horses
- Assisting with riding classes, theory and practice
- Maintenance of the paddock, arena and field shelter
- Assist with the feeding, grooming and cleaning of the horses and stables
- Maintenance of the saddlery and equipment
- Maintaining photographic and written records of the children's progress on a weekly basis
- Helping with the collection of grasses to feed the horses
- Opportunity to ride on weekends (lessons can be provided if inexperienced)
- Train horses (experience required)
- Help and assist with our Horse riding by-program is recommended: while part of the children group receives riding classes others are taught English classes and are involved with recreational activities and sport before they switch tasks.
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 a lot of caring and passion to the position.
Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities.
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Availability
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