Job Title

Organizational Description: Prairie Strides has been operating since 1977, running an adaptive horseback riding program for kids aged 5 to 15 with disabilities. As a volunteerpowered organization, we rely on your generosity and energy to keep the program running. Each child is supported by 3 volunteers to ensure they receive the proper support needed to enjoy the equestrian sport. Volunteer Opportunity Details Volunteer Opportunity ID: 5203 Description of Duties Leader: Should have horse experience. Leaders have direct contact with the horses and are responsible for grooming, tacking up,, and controlling the horse to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for the rider. Leaders are required to arrive at least 25 minutes before class and walk in the sand for one hour with short bursts of jogging. Sidewalker: Direct contact with riders. Sidewalkers provide physical support and encouragement to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and positive experience. You must be able to keep an arm at shoulder height for a period of time during class without discomfort. Walking in the sand for 1 hour with short bursts of jogging. Skills Required Leaders: Must have horse experience, be competent in controlling and leading the horse, and arrive early to groom and tack up the horse before the rider. Sidewalkers: Walk beside the horse and rider, assist the child in supporting them on the horse, and facilitate exercises and games during the ride time. Both volunteers must be able to walk and do a little jogging in the sand for 60 minutes. Skills Gained / Related Careers Working in a team environment with children who have a variety of abilities and other volunteers, leaving each class knowing you have helped make a difference in a child's life, and witnessing children reach new milestones and enjoy opportunities not all children receive. Time Commitment Evening: 12week commitment in Spring 2026 for 1 hour (Leaders 1.5 hours) on Mondays and/or Wednesdays evenings. Class times range from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Training and Orientation Training is held 12 weeks prior to the session start. All volunteers must attend an orientation and inperson training night before the program begins. Spring 2026 Session Dates Volunteer Orientation: Monday, March 23, 2026 (Zoom) Leader/Sidewalker Training: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Dry Run Nights: Monday, April 6, 2026 and Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Monday night classes: April 13 June 22, 2026 Wednesday night classes: April 15 June 24, 2026 No classes on Monday, May 18, 2026 and Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Location Program runs outside the city at West Wind Stables, just west of Winnipeg in Oak Bluff, Manitoba. Background Checks Child abuse registry check: required. Criminal record check: not required. Supervisor reimbursement: provided. Eligibility Fulfilling volunteer hours for school credit Bilingual (French and English) preferred Benefits Letter of reference provided by the organization Training and orientation included Organizational Statement Volunteer Manitoba acknowledges the indigenous peoples of the territory and commits to partnership and reconciliation. #J-18808-Ljbffr