Equine therapy at NFSSE's Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center helps children ages 6+ and adults with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD) reach their full potential by improving confidence, flexibility, balance, posture, and muscle strength, as well as psychological, cognitive, behavioral, social, and communication skills.

Every lesson is led by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, with volunteers playing a crucial role by serving as lead walkers to the horses and side walkers, helping to keep students stable in the saddle. Assisting staff with some general animal care may be included in the volunteer session as well. No prior experience needed; the NFSSE barn team will get you oriented and teach you your role on your first day.

Our Dorothy and Lee Thomas Equestrian Barn is home to 5 large horses, while the Delores Barr Weaver Miniature Horse Barn stalls up to four mini horses. Riding lessons and equestrian activities are hosted in the outdoor covered arena or spacious pasture under an array of grand oak trees. Students, staff, volunteers, and guests alike enjoy the peaceful environment with a walking trail, free-range chickens, bunnies, pigs, a barn cat, and even a turkey!

--

We ride 5 days a week! Mon, Wed, Thurs 1 – 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm, Sun 1 – 4pm. *Additional time is added to the volunteer shifts to assist with getting horses and the barn ready for riders and closing down. This typically takes less than 30 minutes before/after. We request volunteers to serve the entire shift, but if needed to leave early or come in late, please write that in the notes section when signing up so we know when to expect you.

Know Before You Go:

Volunteers must be 14+ to serve independently without an adult accompanying. We accept volunteers a few years younger with an adult chaperone accompanied based on maturity & experience.

A liability waiver is required at the Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center; found in the submission box of your shift registration: "I have read and agree to the volunteer waiver". Please download and be sure to bring a completed copy with you on your first day, or email it to Eden Resnik, Volunteer Coordinator, at EResnik@northfloridaschool.org. Printed copies may be found at the barn for first-day completion if necessary.

Required Attire:

- Closed-toe shoes

- School-appropriate attire: no spaghetti straps. If shorts are worn, they should be at least finger-tip length. (Please be mindful that our students may be easily distracted by low-cut shirts and short shorts). No explicit language or graphics on clothing.

-Water

*Rain Policy: We ride RAIN OR SHINE. If it thunders/lightnings, riders will move into the barn for other horse activities. We still need volunteers to show up!*

On weekends, arrive at the barn; the front doors will be open. If you volunteer on a weekday, enter the Lower School Front Office (larger building, closest to the barn) to sign in and be released to the barn area.

The Equestrian Center requires volunteers to sign in.

--

We thank you in advance for your time and service!

For more information or questions about volunteering, please contact Eden Resnik, Volunteer Coordinator & Marketing Manager at EResnik@northfloridaschool.org.

For more information about the Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center, please contact Faye Clever, at FClever@northfloridaschool.org.