We were surprised, humbled and honored to learn that Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center has been selected to receive an Volunteer Program Champion Award in the “Nonprofit” category at Volunteer NH’s 2017 Spirit of NH Awards Ceremony! We love what we do but we couldn't do it without all the donors and volunteers who help and support us. Thank you!
Volunteer TrainingOur Volunteer Training is back!
Call 603-746-5681 to reserve your spot! Volunteer of the Month -- August 2020
|
How to become a Volunteer
1) Contact us by phone 603-746-5681, email (info@bitsetc.org) or by this website. Let us know how you would like to help!
2) Download our Volunteer Application form. Complete the form and send it to us. 3) Contact us so we can schedule you for a Volunteer Training session. We can train you for working with the horses or barn chores - whichever you prefer. 4) Other questions? Call us! Currently Looking For:
We have supervision for students in need of community service hours. No previous horse experience necessary... training supplied; documented volunteer hours, and a welcome campus at which to serve. We have something for anyone who wants to help us in our mission of getting them all "back in the saddle" and onto life's happy trails. Come be here when it happens! Volunteer Opportunities
There are numerous volunteer opportunities here at BITS. Horse leading and sidewalking for classes, barn chores, cleaning the grounds, gardening, and more. There's plenty to do on the farm - even if you're not inclined to work with the horses.
Volunteers age 14 and up help provide safe and effective therapy sessions for our clients. No previous horse experience necessary, training provided. Leaders, side-walkers, and spotters may be required during astride lessons. Minimum of 2 hour commitment once a week, for our four week sessions. Come help us get them "back in the saddle" and on life's happy trails! BITS JourneyI have loved horses my whole life. My earliest memories are riding my friends pony in their field. I also remember meeting a Boston Mounted Police Officer. He was gracious enough to let an awed little girl sit on his police horse. I took riding lessons through my high school years. Riding was set aside as I moved through college, marriage and children. When the kids were old enough I began looking around for somewhere I could volunteer with animals. By accident I ran into a woman who told me her child was participating in a riding therapy course. The idea of volunteering for one of those facilities took hold and I began to research locations fairly near to me that offered riding therapy. There was BITS just waiting for me. I contacted the owner, Pauline. She was very nice and invited me to come and see the place. I got a guided tour, met several of the staff and agreed to take the volunteer course they offered. The course was informative and when I finished I was invited to come and join the team. I have been at BITS for about 6 years. At first I simply was the person who led the horse for the individual riders. As time went on the staff learned I was a rider and I began to exercise the horses as needed. Then I progressed to working the horses prior to lessons. The horses are wonderful. Kind, loving and hard working. Just like the staff. I have helped many different clients with many different needs. I am constantly amazed at the impact these horses make on all who meet them. I am rather a “whatever needs to be done” person now. I am thrilled that the instructors ask for and use my opinions. My one disappointment is that I can only be there a few hours a week. BITS provides a wealth of assistance to any and all who need it. I am honored to be a part of this organization.
Thank you, Meredith (Meri) Hirtle Another Happy BITS VolunteerWhat a great opportunity for a newly retired school teacher and horse enthusiastic to combine these two skills to come to BITS and to have a great time with young children and horses! If only I had thought of this 40 years ago this would have been my profession. Anyhow, I love coming to BITS and working with the children and now that I'm retired as a middle school teacher I have really missed working with children. I've also had to learn some new skills...like how do those bitless bridles go on! Still working on my mastery of that. I love working with the horses and getting to develop relationships with them and all the absolutely amazing people at BITS. It is a gift to be able to volunteer at BITS! Thank you, Melissa, for reaching out to me to see if I would be interested! WAHOO! Yes I love coming to BITS!
Edie Perkins |
