Pacific Riding For Developing Abilities (PRDA) strives to enhance the quality of life for individuals with a wide range of challenges through equestrian activity and the involvement of community. PRDA provides therapeutic horseback riding to those with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. They give the chance for youth and adults with varying disabilities to have fun, create lasting friendships, and receive therapy.
Volunteers opportunities include:
- Leader
- Sidewalker
Volunteering at PRDA
- There are two main types of volunteer groups: in lessons and out of lessons. In lesson volunteers work directly with the horses and riders (with instructors) to provide fun and therapy. A minimum of 1-2 hours of time is asked to volunteer.
- A 3 hour lesson will be provided prior to volunteering, including learning how to groom, tackle, lead, side walk, mount, and dismount.
- Non-lesson volunteer opportunities include yard work, special events, facilities maintenance, and more.
Opportunities
LEADER
- You’ll have the responsibility of the horse, prepping the horse, leading the horse during lesson, untacking the horse after, and listening to the instructor.
- Qualifications include horse experience, listen and understand instructors in English, adequate vision, able to lift 20 pounds, able to change and be flexible, and at least 16 years old.
- For commitment, a minimum of 1 day a week for the length of a session is asked (1-2 hours per day per lesson).
SIDEWALKER
- You’ll have the responsibility of physically supporting the rider during riding, mounting, and dismounting, as well as prepping the horses, walk next to the rider, etc.
- Qualifications include being able to walk for an hour at a time, ability to hold your arm raised and out to the side for an hour, hear and understand instructors in English, adequate vision, able to change and be flexible, comfortable working with individuals with a disability, and at least 16 years old.
- For commitment, a minimum of 1 day a week for the length of a session is asked (1-2 hours per day per lesson).
Why Volunteer?
- The feeling of satisfaction by helping the community
- Learn about the care of horses
- The opportunity for personal growth and friendship development
- Gain community service hours for school, church, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, etc.