At the NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center, we have a group of dedicated volunteers who help with the readying the horses, tack, equipment, and work in the arena assisting the riders with lessons. Volunteers also enjoy helping with the planning and implementing of events and fundraisers such as our Hoofbeats Are Heartbeats Student Horse Show, the "Riders’ Cup" Benefit Golf Tournament, and the Denim to Diamonds Dinner/Auction. Volunteers make up our Board of Directors who oversee the operation, fundraising, management, and direction of the Center.

There are many volunteer opportunities available, and training is provided for the positions. Some include:

Horse Handler/Caregiver:

Grooming, bringing horses in and turning out, blanketing, stall maintenance, watering, sweeping and tack cleaning.

Barn Assistant:

Keeping inventory on hay, deworming, vaccinations, and shoeing schedules of lesson horses.

Lesson Assistant:

Leader - works with the therapy horse during a lesson to ensure appropriate, safe, equine behavior.

Sidewalker - works with the client directly during the lesson to provide emotional and physical support, and ensure client safety.

Facility Maintenance and Improvements:

Mend fences, clean paddock and turnout areas, building projects and repairs...

We are extremely proud of our riding program: its riders, horses, facilities, staff, and volunteers. We hope that all volunteers, parents, caregivers, and riders will become involved by helping with fundraising and promoting the program.

Download the Volunteer Training info [pdf]

For more information on volunteering contact the NWTRC

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1884 Kelly Road • Bellingham, WA 98226 • 360-966-2124

Thanks to Elenbaas Company for grain sponsorship for all the NWRTC horses!

"We at the Elenbaas Company consider it a privilege to help support the work that the NWTRC does with our community’s kids."