Thank you for your interest in joining us as a volunteer!
“Coming to TROtt every week has changed me in ways I couldn’t have guessed. I know now that meeting people with different abilities and seeing what they can teach me is one of the best things in life.”
-Sarah Thompson, TROtt volunteer since 2023
To be a TROtt Volunteer, we require:
- Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
- Volunteers commit two-hour shifts once a week.
- Volunteers need their own transportation.
- Fill out paperwork (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.
About TROtt Volunteering
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
All new volunteers are asked to join an orientation and then one of our volunteer training sessions. The orientation outlines all of the opportunities at TROtt and how to get involved.
We have 3 main streams:
(1) Side Walking in lessons
(2) Horse Handling in Lessons
(3) Paddock maintenance and barn chores
Requirements
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.
How to get a Police Record Check
Apply Online:
(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
Book Orientation and Upload Files Here
“Being a volunteer at TROtt has opened door to new friendships with other volunteers and the riders. I get to see equine therapy really work and it inspires me everyday. I really look forward every week to see my rider!”
– Deborah Zelinksi, TROtt Volunteer since 1997
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