Each week, HTR is supported by the dedication of more than 150 volunteers. Their generosity of time, talent, and energy makes our mission possible—without them, HTR simply would not exist. Our volunteers include students, professionals, stay-at-home parents, and retirees who come together with a shared purpose: improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Scheduling;
During the school year, most adaptive riding lessons are held Monday through Thursday from 4:30–7:30 PM. A limited number of daytime lessons take place during the week, typically between 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. Hippotherapy sessions are offered on select weekdays between 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
During the summer, HTR offers summer camps, mini-camps, and Summer Intensives. Camps are scheduled every other week throughout the summer, with volunteers typically needed on weekdays between 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Please note: HTR is NOT open on weekends.
*Students, please read the FAQ's
Sidewalkers offer assistance and/or stability to our riders by walking beside the horse during lessons. They also observe and interact with the rider and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the instructor. Sidewalkers are paramount in keeping riders safe and engaged in the lesson! All new volunteers must complete sidewalker training prior to volunteering at HTR
A leader assists a rider in controlling and maneuvering their horse throughout the lesson. The leader is always focused on the horse to ensure the safety of the rider. In addition, leaders also groom and tack their assigned horse before the start of the lesson. All volunteers who are interested in becoming a horse leader must first sidewalk in classes for a minimum of 8 weeks before they are eligible for leader training.
A barn crew volunteer helps our staff keep the facilities clean and running smoothly. Main duties include cleaning stalls, emptying and filling water buckets, sweeping, cleaning tack etc. Volunteers interested in doing Barn Crew shifts need to attend a specialized training after a minimum of 8 weeks of leading in classes.
Barn Assistants help prepare the horses and equipment for lessons. In addition to working with the horses, barn assistants also help and direct leaders in the grooming and tacking process as needed. Volunteers who are interested in becoming a barn assistant must first lead in classes for a minimum of 16 weeks before they are eligible for barn assistant training.
Facility maintenance volunteers help keep our facility and property well maintained, safe and looking its best. Main tasks could include mowing, weed whacking, gardening, tree limb removal, painting etc. No training is needed for this role.
HTR offers volunteer opportunities to groups! Projects are chosen based upon the groups preferences and skills. Groups range in age and background. No training is needed for group volunteering!
Please reach us at info@HTRkc.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes! (Please check with your school first.) If you are a student in need of service hours HTR is a great place to volunteer! Please make sure you include that you are interested in service hours and the date that you need them completed in your volunteer application. That way the volunteer coordinator can help if needed with scheduling.
It is recommended that you attend a training several months prior to the due date for your service hours. For example: If you are planning to complete service hours over the summer it is recommended that you attend a training at sometime between January - April. We host trainings at least one time per month.
No, the training is good for one year!
No, we only ask that if you have signed up for a class that you honor that commitment. Many volunteers choose to come weekly, while others volunteer when their time allows.
a PATH Intl Premier Accredited Center
Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
19655 Antioch Road, Overland Park, Ks 66013
913-897-3939 Fax 913-730-5437 INFO@HTRKC.ORG
A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
Tax ID 43-1115070