TROT, the therapeutic horseback riding program at FENCE, will hold a training class for new volunteers on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 9 a.m., in advance of the beginning of fall classes in September.
The training is required for all those interested in assisting during lesson activities for TROT’s riders, and also serves as a refresher course for returning volunteers.
Potential volunteers should be at least 16 years old, in reasonably good health, able to walk and occasionally jog over uneven ground and able to hold one arm at or above shoulder level for up to 30 minutes. Experience around horses, while valuable, is not required.
The training will include a brief classroom introduction to therapeutic riding followed by instruction at TROT’s Rosemary’s Barn in basic horse care and skills in working with riders with physical or developmental difficulties. The training generally lasts between two and two-and-a-half hours.
TROT’s weekly classes are taught by instructors certified by the Professional Association for Therapeutic Riding (PATH), the new name adopted earlier this year by the former North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. TROT is recognized by PATH as one of its premier accredited teaching centers. Those interested in taking the training for this fall’s session should email therapeuticriding@fence.org, or call 828-859-9021.
– article submitted