Learn how to be a Kids & Horses volunteer

Staff Reports

Kids & Horses holds volunteer training to teach interested community members to become side-walkers. Volunteer training was held July 10 at the Kids & Horses ranch at 2869 Esaw Street, off of Stephanie Way in Minden. Kids & Horses is the only premier NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) riding center in northern Nevada and volunteers must go through a special training and watch two lessons at the ranch before they can volunteer.

"There have been miracles I have personally seen happen at this ranch. We make a difference in people's lives," said Kids & Horses board chair Lorri Waldman to the volunteers at the training.

Dozens of people came to the Kids & Horses Ranch to learn how to assist during lessons. Potential volunteers watched a NARHA accredited video explaining what equine therapy is and why a side-walker is so important to lessons. They also had hands-on training where they were able to practice what they had learned from the video with simulated lessons. Lunch was provided.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Kids & Horses at (775) 771-5512 or kidsnhorses@msn.com

Kids & Horses trains all volunteers for a half-day at the ranch to the NARHA regulations so they can learn to be a side-walker or eventually a horse handler. Kids & Horses lessons are only a half-hour long, Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. Volunteers can give as little or as much time as they want as long as they commit to a consistent schedule. Volunteers are essential to the success of the Kids & Horses program, without them, lessons are in jeopardy of being canceled.

Kids & Horses is also accepting donations and seeking sponsors for their Western barbecue, silent/live auction and Sierra Star Search fundraiser on Sept. 11 at the Crystal Bay Club. Information, (775) 771-5512 or aromanhill@gmail.com

Buy tickets at www.kidsandhorses.org

About Kids and Horses:

Kids and Horses is a 501c3 that was founded in April 1999 by Sam Waldman. This educational program offers horsemanship as a means of therapy used to improve strength, coordination and self esteem. 

Kids & Horses is a bridge leading to a life of freedom and self-fulfillment for children and adults with physical and/or emotional disabilities. This program offers horsemanship as a means of therapy that improves strength, balance, coordination and self-esteem. More than a riding program, Kids & Horses is a philosophy that is based on the concept that every human being, regardless of their disabilities, can benefit from an equine relationship. Kids & Horses is a North American Riding for the Handicap Association premier accredited center.

Kids & Horses has benefited those who are faced with blindness, paralysis, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, emotional issues, amputation, and other impairments.

Follow Kids & Horses on Facebook, or online at www.kidsandhorses.org