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. Special needs that horse riding with Aldeas de Paz meet, include emotional and behavioral issues, at risk youth, learning disabilities and vision, speech and hearing impairments as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 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. Therapeutic riding is very helpful for children with developmental disabilities and learning disabilities. Stevens (2007) discusses how horse interaction and riding are particularly helpful for children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This type of therapeutic setting 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 socialize children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder

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.

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