Volunteer Information
Freedom Ride knows that you will enjoy becoming a part of our volunteer team. We offer an insight into the magical relationship between our special riders and wonderful horses. Volunteers are the foundation of Freedom Ride. They have devoted countless hours assisting our students, caring for our horses, helping at fundraising events, distributing pamphlets and flyers, and even cleaning out the stalls! Ever patient and giving, this incredible team is always there to lend support, motivation and encouragement with words and smiles!
Our volunteers are the foundation of Freedom Ride. They have
devoted countless hours assisting our students, caring for our
horses, helping at fundraising events, distributing pamphlets
and flyers, and even mucking out the stalls! Ever patient and
giving, this incredible team is always there to lend support,
motivation, and encouragement with words and smiles!
Freedom Ride offers 2 different opportunities to volunteer with our program.
Each opportunity has its own training, policies and procedures.
Below is a quick description of the 2 programs that Freedom Ride has to offer:
- TEAM VOLUNTEERS: must be at least 14yrs of age and attend a Volunteer Orientation and Training session. They are able to work the classes with our clients and should be physically fit enough to walk and jog for approximately 30 minutes at a time. We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 1 time frame (times vary) per week for a therapeutic riding session.
- JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS: are 10-13 years old and have completed a Junior Volunteer Orientation and Training session - which differs from the TEAM Volunteers. They assist with the daily barn and horse care activities including - cleaning stalls, setting feed and hay, grooming, and pulling tack for the classes. With supervision they can handle the horses to and from the fields and in the barn area. Junior volunteers are restricted to working in the barn and cannot assist with the classes.
Your contribution to our program is invaluable. Our riders may need up to three volunteers in order for them to ride. With safety as our priority we need to ensure that participants within our program get the necessary training, knowledge and experience necessary to ensure a safe environment.
How do I become a Freedom Ride Volunteer?
If you are interested in becoming a Freedom Ride TEAM Volunteer, the first step is to download and complete the volunteer registration
forms (located below) and send them in with the $20 registration fee. This fee covers your volunteer t-shirt, administrative and insurance costs, and is NONREFUNDABLE. All volunteers are required to provide 2 personal references (as noted within the application) and a Letter of Recommendation from each reference.
The next step is to attend one of our Volunteer Orientation and Training sessions. (Remember that in order to attend this training you must be at least 14 years of age.) There you will learn about the different volunteer opportunities, participate in hands-on training which will cover the basics of horse care, side walking, grooming, tacking, some tips on proper handling techniques, and get a quick tour of the facility. The orientation can last between 2-3hrs depending on the number of participants.
We ask that your forms be sent in prior to orientation, however this does not mean you cannot attend orientation if you have not turned in your forms! Upon receipt of your registration packet you will be automatically enrolled into the upcoming orientation unless you stated otherwise. An email will be sent to you confirming that your forms have been received, and another email will be sent out approximately a week prior to the orientation date as a reminder.
Our policy is to screen all impending applicants, which includes running a background check on all potential volunteers through the FDLE Database and the FL Department of Corrections Database.
Call (407) 293-0411 ext 2 or e-mail the Freedom Ride Volunteer Coordinator to RSVP.
Upcoming Volunteer Orientation and Training
Saturday, February 9th @ 2pm
Saturday, March 8th @ 2pm
Friday, March 28th @ 4pm (Spaces will be limited)
Saturday, April 12th @ 2pm
How do I become a Freedom Ride Junior Volunteer
( Ages 10-13)?
If you are interested in becoming a Freedom Ride Junior Volunteer the first step is to download and complete the volunteer registration
forms (located below) and send them in with the $20 registration fee. This fee covers your volunteer t-shirt, administrative and insurance costs, and is NONREFUNDABLE. All volunteers are required to provide 2 personal references (as noted within the application) and a Letter of Recommendation from each reference. Personal references cannot be a parent or legal guardian.
The next step is to register for and attend a "Junior Volunteer Orientation and Training Session". A parent/guardian is required to attend the orientation with their child - this helps Freedom Ride guarantee correct information is being passed from junior volunteer to parent. There you will receive information on volunteer opportunities - including available times that you may volunteer, hands on training in horse care, grooming, and handling the horses. Junior Volunteer Orientations generally run for approximately 1hr and are limited to a maximum of 6 interested junior volunteers per orientation. This limitation helps ensure that each Junior Volunteer receives proper training.
We ask that your forms be sent in prior to orientation. Upon receipt of your registration packet an email will be sent to you confirming that your forms have been received. Remember that Junior Volunteer Orientations are limited to 6 individuals - you will be contacted regarding space available in the upcoming orientations so that you may register.
Call (407) 293-0411 ext 2 or e-mail the Freedom Ride Volunteer Coordinator to RSVP.
Upcoming Junior Volunteer Orientation and Trainings:
Saturday, February 2nd @ 2pm
Saturday, March 1st @ 2pm
Saturday, April 5th @ 2pm
Volunteer
Registration Packet
Volunteer Manual
Junior Volunteer Manual
Letter
of Recommendation Template Form
Freedom Ride
1905 Lee Road
Orlando, FL 32810
Map to Freedom Ride
Phone: (407) 293-0411
Fax: (407) 293-6280
info@freedomride.com
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