Flying Free Volunteering FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)

WHAT IS FLYING FREE?
WHERE IS FLYING FREE LOCATED?
WHAT DOES A VOLUNTEER DO?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A VOLUNTEER?
WHAT KIND OF COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?
WHAT ARE THE DAYS AND TIMES AVAILABLE TO VOLUNTEER?
WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENT LIKE AT FLYING FREE?
WHEN ARE THE NEXT ORIENTATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS?
WHAT HAPPENS AT ORIENTATION AND TRAINING?
DOES A VOLUNTEER GET TO RIDE THE HORSES?
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM NOT SURE THIS IS FOR ME?

WHAT IS FLYING FREE?

Flying Free, is a therapeutic horsemanship program for people with disabilities. We serve approximately 120 clients per month ranging in age from 3 yrs. to adults. Flying Free is a member center affiliated with NARHA, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

WHERE IS FLYING FREE  LOCATED?

WHAT DOES A VOLUNTEER DO?

Volunteers can:

1. Be a SIDEWALKER - walk beside the clients as they ride to assist with balance and to reinforce the instructor’s directions. No horse experience needed.

2. Be a LEADER - lead the horse in the class, possibly groom and tack up the horse. Prior horse experience is necessary. Volunteers will work with the horses from the ground, not be asked to ride.

3. Volunteer outside the arena - stable work, grounds care, building projects, fundraising, publicity, office help, special events, etc.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

Arena volunteers (Leaders and Sidewalkers) must be at least 14 yrs. old and physically able to walk for 30 minutes, jog for short distances and support a modest weight. Attendance at an Orientation and Training session is also required. Horse Leaders must pass a tryout. 14 -17 yr. olds must have a parent/guardian sign the release.

Non-arena volunteers must be at least 12 yrs. old.  Attendance at an Orientation and Training session is required.  The sidewalker and leader training is not required.  Must have parent signed release if under 18.

WHAT KIND OF COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?

You can volunteer for as little as 1 hour per week or as much as you want. Flying Free is open all year long.   We ask that arena volunteers commit to at least 1 hour/week for the entire semester(12 weeks). This is important because you will be part of a team, usually working with the same client each week. You will develop a rapport with the clients you work with and can help them to build on their accomplishments from week to week. If you cannot make this kind of commitment, you can be put on the substitute list, where regular volunteers will call you when they need to be absent.

WHAT ARE THE DAYS AND TIMES AVAILABLE TO VOLUNTEER?

NOTE: Volunteers are needed 30 minutes prior to the start and after completion of classes. Take this into consideration when committing to your time availability. Our organization is still small and it will take some time to build our volunteer base.  You may be the only volunteer here at certain times and days.  Staff will always be here.  Your times need to be scheduled to assure there are no timing conflicts.

9:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday ( this is non-arena work, no sessions on Monday)
8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm, Friday
8:00 am - 6 pm, Saturday

 

WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENT LIKE AT FLYING FREE?

The atmosphere at Flying Free is family oriented fun. The students will constantly amaze you. Classes take place in the covered arena.  Work around horses is never a “clean” job, so be prepared to get dirty and sometimes go home smelling like a horse!

WHEN CAN I START?

You may start at any time.  If you would like to start before the next orientation and training session, we can arrange a special training session for you.  You will still need to go through the training when it is held.  You can meet other volunteers at that time and sharpen your skills.

WHEN ARE THE NEXT ORIENTATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS?

Orientation: 6:30-8:30 pm on the following dates.

Saturday October 29, 2005

Hands-On Training: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm on the following dates.
(Leader tryouts and training: 2-3:00, others come at 3:00)

Sunday October 30, 2005

Other training dates may be available on an as needed basis. You will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator if we are in need of volunteers prior to the next training sessions on a day you are available.

  WHAT HAPPENS AT ORIENTATION AND TRAINING?

Orientation is a 2-hour session on a Saturday evening where you will receive and review a handbook, fill out paperwork and begin your training. Hands-On Training is a 3 hour session on the following Sunday where you will practice the responsibilities of sidewalkers and horse leaders and orient to the facility.

Those who wish to be Leaders should sign up at Orientation for a tryout which will be conducted Sunday afternoon from 2:00-2:30. Those who pass the tryout will have a Leader Training session from 2:30-3:15. Sidewalker trainees should arrive by 3:00 pm on Sunday. Wear sturdy, comfortable closed toe and heel shoes. Boots or sneakers are fine. Absolutely no sandals!

DOES A VOLUNTEER GET TO RIDE THE HORSES?

Generally the volunteers do not ride the therapy horses.  If a volunteer would like to become an exercise rider, there is a series of test they must pass to be considered.  The tests are both written, oral and on horseback.  Extensive horse experience is required.  It is important to remember that if every volunteer rides then the horses would not be able to teach their sessions to the therapy students. 
 

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM NOT SURE THIS IS FOR ME?

We invite you to come out to observe during the class times listed above. Please call and make an appointment so someone will be available to assist you.