Leader / Horse Handler Training - Thursday July 29, 2010

Email Shelley Lippold, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@mimnh.org, or call 357-7282 to register

Click here for additional information

Leading/Horse Handling: Volunteers with a desire to work directly with the horses are often well rewarded by a position as a Leader/Horse Handler. It is necessary for the volunteer to have previous horse handling experience. The desire to learn, to be patient and to commit to being safe is a requirement. A full session commitment is preferred (7-8 weeks).

Sidewalking: Volunteers with a desire to work directly with individuals with special needs are best placed as sidewalkers. There are some physical demands and requirements in this role for the safety of our clients. Most anyone can learn how to work with our riders if they come with an open heart and an accepting attitude. Our riders grow to depend on their sidewalkers week after week, oftentimes upset if their regular volunteers are missing. A full session commitment is preferred (7-8 weeks).

Fundraising: Our riding program nowhere near supports the high overhead costs that accompany a therapeutic riding program. Some ideas for individual fundraising include: promoting our program within the volunteer's workplace and collecting donations for Miracles in Motion; Assisting with event planning in various roles and capacities to help our program gain community recognition, exposure and financial support; Assisting the Board of Directors and Program Director with small scale fundraisers throughout the year; Volunteering your time to help a potential rider collect sponsorships toward their riding fees for one session...the possibilities are endless.

Board of Directors: Your talent, dedication and time are your best assets and we are seeking individuals in areas of finance, the legal arena, marketing, event planning, communications, advertising, strategic and development planning. We have a wonderful, supportive Board who is very committed to the program.

Donors: As with all non-profit therapeutic riding programs, donations are graciously accepted and so very needed to keep our program alive. At this time we are asking the community to support our program at a time of extreme challenge. To see a copy of our Business Plan and discuss our financial position, please do not hesitate to contact our Board President, Mark McIlrath at mmcilrath@mimnh.org.

Adopt-A-Horse: Your $1800 donation will cover all feed, veterinary and hoof care expenses for one horse for one full year. Our horses are the true "Miracle" workers and it is important they receive the support needed to remain healthy and strong.

Scholarship Fund Donors: Most often we receive calls from potential riders who so desperately wish to ride in our program but are unable due to costs. Our fees are very reasonably set at $37.50 per lesson, and a session of 8 lessons costs a rider $300. To help 1-6 riders, your contribution of $500 will be distributed only on a need-assessed basis. You will be rewarded by knowing you have assisted greatly in 1-6 individuals' ability to feel the joy and reap the many benefits associated with therapeutic riding.

Office Assistant: Whether you can come one hour or ten hours weekly, your time would be cherished helping in the office. If you are interested in helping with office related tasks, please notify the Program Director.

Barn Assistant: Learn to care for horses with our barn manager and remember to dress appropriately! Your time spent assisting with barn chores helps our Barn Manager complete other duties or projects that she needs to get done on a regular basis. Please notify either the Program Director or our Barn Manager two days in advance.

Internships: Various internships and service learning projects may be customized to individual needs. Contact our Program Director.

Schooling the Horses: Experienced and skilled horse people may qualify. Our horses require regular schooling by skilled riders and long liners weekly. To set up a Schooling Test appointment and to further discuss this opportunity, please speak with our Program Director.

Please click below for a Volunteer Application & Volunteer Availability form. Please fill out and mail back to Shelley Lippold, Volunteer Coordinator, at Miracles in Motion, 118 Wyman Road, Keene, NH 03431 or email Shelley at volunteer@mimnh.org

Volunteer Application

Volunteer Availability Form

Volunteers, please download and print the volunteer handbook for future reference

Volunteer Handbook