Volunteers are the back bone of this program. They provide horse care, stable management and rider assistance, in addition to organizing finances. Volunteers receive professional training in therapeutic riding techniques. This involves instruction in the proper methods of leading the horses and side-walking with the riders. They are also taught about the special needs of the program participants. Safety is of utmost importance and every effort is made to prevent riding accidents. In general, each rider is teamed with three volunteers. One leads the horse and the other two walk, one on either side. Thus, movements of both rider and horse are closely supervised and assistance is provided where necessary.

HERE�S HOW YOU CAN HELP

It takes more than 40 volunteers 20 hours each week to operate the Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Riding Centre on Mount Scio Road. It costs $45,000.00 a year to keep the Centre open. A grant of $4,000.00 from the City of St. John�s only partially covers the cost of equipment, facilities, maintenance and the care and feeding of the animals. So, in addition to working with the disabled, our volunteers spend a lot of time fundraising. Your donation will be used to keep this much needed facility operating. Rainbow Riders is incorporated as a non-profit organization and a registered charity. Tax receipts can be provided.