For any absences, please leave a message at 613-821-7877

Therapeutic Riding
Association of Ottawa-Carleton

Thank you for your interest in joining us as a volunteer!

“At TROtt, I came to give my time but I received lessons in courage, resilience, and a quiet power of connection.”

-Sue D, TROtt volunteer.

Join the TROtt Team

We ask:

  • Volunteers to be at least 14 years old.
  • Volunteers to commit two-hour shifts once a week.
  • Volunteers to be responsible for their own transportation.
  • Police record check (for individuals for 18+)
  • Required forms (see requirements below)

The role is active and hands-on, helping prepare horses and walking or jogging alongside riders. A moderate level of fitness is required, including short jogs beside a trotting horse.

Volunteering at TROtt

As a volunteer, we cannot stress enough how important you are as part of our Therapeutic Riding Team and how each of you individually contributes to the success of the program. Because of your help in preparing horses, leading, and side walking, we are able to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. It has been our experience, that by giving their time and energy, the quality of life of a volunteer is also enhanced through the opportunity to improve life skills and build relationships.

How to Get Started

Step 1. Contact Volunteer coordinator
Step 2. Fill out forms
Step 3. Attend a volunteer orientation
Step 4. Select Volunteer positions

Forms

The following paperwork is to be completed at or before the Orientation: 

(1)  Volunteer Intake Form. Please complete before the training. 
(2) Reference and Waiver Form. This form needs one reference.
(3) Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). There is no charge for police check for volunteer positions. Volunteers under the age of 18 do not need a Vulnerable Sector Check. (See below for Police check instructions)

What are the Volunteer Positions

Side Walking

What is SW?Side Walkers are responsible for the safety and engagement of the riders.

– Walks beside rider, always within arm’s reach of the rider.
– There for rider safety
– Assist in keeping a balanced and secure position for the rider
– Hands-on support and/or verbal support and encouragement
– Assist rider with instructions and playing games: New Volunteers

Horse Handling

What is HH?Horse Handlers are responsible for the horse’s tack, behaviour during class, and movement throughout the class.

– Leads horses staying beside there neck as they navigate around the arena
– Responsible for the tacking and
grooming of the horse
– Assist in keeping the horse still during mounting
and dismounting
– Communicates with SWers to make sure
everyone knows when and where to walk: New Volunteers

Barn Chores

Mainly mucking paddocks from Spring to Fall

Summer Volunteer

Camps and events!

Good To Know as a TROtt Volunteer

Dress

What to Wear– Wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes
Long hair should be tied back and do not wear dangling jewelry or necklaces.
-Fasten jackets or other loose clothing.
– Long, non-swishing pants must be worn.
– No shorts or tank tops
– Wear gloves to keep warm in the cold months.
– Side walkers, hands out of pockets at all times, please!
– Please do not wear fanny packs
-Please DO NOT bring phone into the arena. If you must bring your phone to class – please turn off notifications (including amber alert) and ringer.
-Gum chewing or hard candy, can be a choking hazard.: New Volunteers

Emergency

Protocols– Fire
Horses → Centre line
Riders who can walk → dismount and walk to sand ring
Riders unable to walk → dismount in sand ring
📞 Calling Emergency Services
Report back to instructor: New Volunteers

Continuing
Education

Events/
News

Photos

Group of Children from a summer camp cheering, with two miniature horses
First Place Youth Rider with Horse and Helper
Fatima is wearing a black Hijab and is petting a cat named Chocolate. She's looking down smiling at Chocolate white Chocolate is looking at something in the distance.
Doug Thompson on TROtt Mechanical Horse at Metcalfe Fair

How to get a Police Record Check

Details

(1) Download letter of request and fill out: Letter of Request
(2) Apply Online: Online Application
(3) Once received, please send a copy of receipt or confirmation email from Ottawa Police as proof of form submission to volcoord@ottawatherapeuticriding.ca


Apply in person:
(1) Print, fill out, and bring the letter of request: Letter of Request
(2) Go to in person location at 2670 Queensview Drive (long wait times reported)
(3) Bring or email forward the original VSC to volunteer coordinator at TROtt (volcoord@ottawatherapeuticriding.ca). Do not print out the PDF as it is no longer a legal document once it is printed.


For those living outside Ottawa the link for how to apply for a Police Vulnerable Sector Check with the OPP is found at this link. OPP VSC: New Volunteers
Police Record Check Link