HorseSense has been dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals in the greater La Crosse area since 1989. Through our adaptive horseback riding and unmounted equine assisted learning programs, we have created a unique combination of sport, recreation, education, and most of all, fun. Our programs provide multiple benefits for individuals with physical, cognitive or psychological disabilities. Students will also gain confidence by mastering riding skills as well as general life skills.
At HorseSense our main volunteer role is that of a lesson volunteers. All volunteers start as a sidewalker and no horse experience is required! Volunteers are paired with a participant and remain paired with that individual for an entire session. Volunteers provide support for participants during the lesson and this support may include physical support, hand-over-hand, ensuring they stay focused on the current task, giving reminders, and more. All lessons are lead by one of our certified instructors that give all instructions. After 2 full sessions of volunteering a sidewalker may ask to begin horse leader training.
ALL Volunteer Requirements
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Assist with preparation before the lessons and barn clean-up following the lessons.
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Consistently commit to attending lessons on the same evening each week for an entire session.
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Side walkers or any volunteer on property must be 14 years of age or older, leaders must be 16 years of age or older.
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Attend a volunteer orientation each year.
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Be able to walk and jog in sand and uneven ground.
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Dress in appropriate and professional manner.
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Arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of each lesson.
Complete the required volunteer registration and background check form
