Equine Activities Program

We offer groundwork and riding lessons to individuals with special needs with the purpose of building life skills that will make a difference in their daily lives. Lessons are conducted by our highly trained instructors, certified by PATH Intl. and assisted by our team of dedicated volunteers.

There are two primary positions needed for assistance in lessons, sidewalkers and horse leaders.

Volunteer Requirements

General Volunteer Requirements

  • Ability to pay attention and follow directions

  • Positive friendly demeanor

  • Complete disability etiquette training

  • Complete all forms and job specific training below

  • Physical ability to walk and jog periodically for a minimum of a one hour lesson

Sidewalker Requirements-the sidewalker primarily assists the rider in the lesson

  • Must be 14 or older

  • Ability to lift 50 lb briefly (in case of emergency dismount)

Horse Leader Requirements-the Horse Leader is responsible for the horse during the lesson

  • Must be 16 or older

  • Complete 4 week HorsemanshipTraining

  • Complete 5 week Horse Leader Training

How to Become a Volunteer in our Equine Assisted Activities Program


  • Click here to complete a volunteer application.

  • You must complete a background check if you are 16 or older. You can also send us a copy to info@blueskyacres.org if you have completed one within the last six months. The link to complete a check is below and costs $10, just enter the package code: BT96bg in the top right-hand corner and follow the instructions.

    FILL OUT YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK HERE

  • We are requiring mandated reporter training for all of our volunteers 16 and older. This training is also required by volunteers in our local school system and is free to participate in. The training will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.

    1. Visit Pro Solutions Training.

    2. On the Mandated Reporters pop up menu, click Add to Cart.

    3. On the top right of the page, click on the cart icon (There should be a one beside it).

    4. Click the blue “Purchase Now” tab.

    5. Type in personal information to Create Account.

    6. Click on blue Complete Order tab.

    7. Click on Continue to start the course.

    Once you have completed the course and received your certificate via email, please send that certificate to info@blueskyacres.org.

  • We are just getting our program started and are building up a list of people who might be interested in volunteering with us in the future! If you are interested in getting on a waiting list or in helping us in other ways, please contact us at info@blueskyacres.org.

  • Complete training specific to sidewalker and horse leader positions.

  • Throughout the year we will offer Disability Etiquette and First Aid, CPR and AED classes. We strongly recommend that all volunteers attend these classes.