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About Helping Horse

Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program has been providing horseback riding lessons to children with disabilities for over 20 years. Last year we provided over 1,000 hours of riding instruction! We expect to serve 40 riders this season. Therapeutic horseback riding has proven physical, mental and psychological benefits for individuals with disabilities. The movement of a horse actually simulates the movement of normal human walking, and the ability to control a powerful horse is an enormous confidence builder. Some of our riders who have been non-verbal for years have spoken their first words on horseback.

Any support you can offer Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program is greatly appreciated and will positively impact the lives of our riders and horses. We are a registered 501(c) organization and donations are tax deductible.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Volunteer at Helping Horse

Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program is a 100% volunteer organization. There are currently no paid positions, which means that volunteers are the backbone of our program. Without them our riders simply could not ride! Through the efforts of our volunteers, Helping Horse is able to provide a wonderful therapy alternative to the special needs population of Wake County and surrounding areas.

Volunteer Positions & Descriptions

Side Walker: A Side Walker is a volunteer that is stationed beside the rider for the duration of the lesson. This volunteer's responsibility is to the rider. This role offers emotional and sometimes physical support. Certain riders will need direct support to ensure the success of the riding activities. A Side Walker may need to assist in acting out instructions to the rider. This role requires the volunteer to be alert and aware at all times to the needs of both rider and instructor.
Horse Leader: A Horse Leader is a volunteer who guides the horse for the duration of the lesson. This volunteer's responsibility is to the horse. This role requires the volunteer to be aware of the surroundings in the ring, the horse's mood, gait and pace. Certain riders will need assistance in controlling their horses while others are learning how to guide their horses with light support and slight intervention from the Horse Leader.
Instructor: An Instructor is a volunteer who is specifically trained to meet the demands of our program. They go through rigorous training to prepare lesson materials for each rider. The instructor is charged with the management of all activities during a lesson including giving commands to riders and horse leaders. Instructors ensure that the horses are ready for lessons and are safely tacked.

Lesson Schedule