Equestrian program seeks volunteers

This is an Equine Assisted Actives and Therapies (EAAT) program that is designed to improve the physical, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of the lives of children and adults with special needs and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The staff and volunteers are chosen for their compassionate hearts and desire to serve people with all abilities and backgrounds. They undergo training to provide a safe, welcoming and helpful experience for all the participants.

No previous horse experience is required, only a passion to “Empower people with special needs through the horse.” Volunteers will be taught everything that they need to know.

All volunteers interested in being a sidewalker, work with riders during the class, are required to attend one of these two training dates:

Thursday, May 3, at 4:15 p.m., meet and paperwork; 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., training

Sunday, May 6, at 12:45 p.m., meet and paperwork; 1 to 5, training

For volunteers interested in leading a horse or would like to work with the horses, there is also a required horse leader training on Thursday May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Training takes place at Kopping Farm, 12300 115th St., in Lemont. All visits are by appointment only as this is a private working farm. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.

For more information and reservations, email hretvolunteer@gmail.com or hretrider@gmail.com.