Volunteer with SARI

Make an impact on the lives of our riders, gain valuable experience working with horses and individuals with special needs, and become a part of our compassionate and dedicated community.

A group of three adults all wearing "I Love SARI" tshirts standing with a white horse.

What You Need to Know

  • Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
  • Due to the nature of our work with vulnerable individuals, all prospective volunteers must undergo and successfully complete a criminal background check before volunteering.
  • SARI Therapeutic Riding offers a comprehensive orientation to all new volunteers. This includes:
    • Safety Procedures: Detailed instructions on maintaining a safe environment for both riders and horses.
    • Training: Information on how to effectively support therapeutic riding sessions and interact with the horses.

How to Apply

To get started, email volunteer@sari.ca to request and submit your volunteer application.

After your application is reviewed, you will receive further instructions on the next steps, including scheduling your orientation and training sessions.

Ways to Volunteer

Our lesson volunteers play a crucial role in supporting riders during their lessons, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

Volunteers assist in various roles:

  • Volunteer Instructors guide and teach riders, helping them develop their skills and confidence while working closely with our professional staff to provide a structured and supportive learning environment.
  • Leaders are responsible for handling and guiding the horses during lessons, ensuring the safety and comfort of both the rider and the horse. They play a key role in maintaining a calm and controlled atmosphere, allowing riders to focus on their learning.
  • Sidewalkers walk alongside the rider, offering physical and emotional support throughout the lesson. They help with balance and stability, provide encouragement, and ensure the rider feels secure and confident.

Our maintenance volunteers help keep SARI’s facility clean, fresh, and safe for our riders and all visitors. Volunteers in this role help maintain our land and property through various tasks, ensuring a welcoming and well-kept environment.

Our committee volunteers help organize and execute SARI’s key events, including the Golf Tournament, Bowling for Ponies, Artisan Auction, and our Fundraising Committee. Volunteers in these roles help ensure the success of these important events through planning, coordination, and hands-on support.

A woman with short grey hair wearing a SARI sweater smiles while holding the bridle of the horse standing next to her
Two women sitting on foldable lawn chairs

Ready to get involved?

Join us and help create memorable and transformative experiences for our riders.