Courage Reins

Courage Reins Volunteer Application

Thank you for your desire to volunteer with Courage Reins! Please fill out our application. If you have questions or concerns please reach out to the Volunteer Manager Emalee Higginson, her email is Emalee@couragereins.org.

Basic Info

First, let's get your basic info. We use Wranglr for helping to schedule our volunteers. Please enter your name, email and mobile number. This info will be used to communicate openings, your schedule and important info from Courage Reins. Make sure you have access to both the email account and the mobile for texts.

Photo & Publicity Release

PHOTO RELEASE • I hereby grant Courage Reins the right and permission to publish & display all photographs, slides and visually recorded images in which I appear in whole or part. • I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect and/or approve the finished product or editorial layout that may be used in connection therein. • The photography will only be used by Courage Reins for the sole purpose of promoting the mission of the center for those with disabilities and/or special needs.

Additional Info

Why do we need this info? Some volunteering roles and duties might require you to work with larger horses, carry heavier things, etc. We also work with Participants that have many different needs and the below information helps us make more informed decisions for our Participants and Volunteers. Please fill out whatever info you are comfortable sharing with us.

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Info

If you are a minor or an adult with legal guardians/caregivers, or are filling out this application on behalf of someone else, please include Parent or Guardian/Caregiver info below.

Contact Info


Emergency Contact

Experience and Health Info

Volunteering

“Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals with physical, mental, or emotional challenges through Equine-Assisted Therapy. “ Types of Programs we provide at Courage Reins: Therapeutic Riding, Natural Horsemanship & Mental and Behavioral Therapy. Volunteer Opportunities: Barn Helper, Catch and Release, Groom & Tack, Side-Walker, and Lead-Walker. Other Volunteer Opportunities: We also at times have need for volunteers who have the following skills: photographer, social media outreach, teaching groups, admin assistance, marketing, community outreach. Training is required for all positions except for Barn Helper. Trainings are held at various times throughout the month and can be signed up for online on Wranglr. We ask that you do at least one barn helper shift before starting training. Note: We have volunteers sign up online for shifts they want to work. This means that although many do, volunteers are not committed to coming at a set day/time each week.























Important Information and Acceptances

General Liability Release

LIABILITY RELEASE I acknowledge the risks and potential hazards of working with and around horses and do assume responsibility of all such risks. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I hereby, intending to be legally bound for myself, my heir and assign, executors or administrators, waive and release forever all claims for damages against COURAGE REINS, INC., its Board of Trustees, Instructors, Therapists, Aides, Volunteers, Employees and/or Owners of Horses in use at the facility for any and all injuries and/or losses I may sustain while participating as a COURAGE REINS volunteer

Confidentiality

POLICY OF CONFIDENTIALITY Any information in regards to the participants/clients at Courage Reins must be held in strict confidentiality. Information cannot be passed via social media, word of mouth, or any mode of communication that would directly link a participant/client to his or her personal identity or information. It is imperative that we respect each individual that participates at Courage Reins. Confidentiality is considered one of the highest responsibilities of our facility. As a part of the Courage Reins family we each uphold the responsibility to assist in creating an environment of trust and integrity. If we do not adhere to these standards it diminishes the quality of our program, and could result in legal ramifications for our facility. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in dismissal from the Volunteer Program.
Courage Reins Rules: 1. You must check in when you are on the property and all volunteers must have a signed waiver before doing any volunteer work. 2. Stay Alert and aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents. 3. Treat all equipment and the facility with respect. 4. Never do anything you are not comfortable with or trained for. Speak up if you are worried or have concerns. Horse Safety: 1. Do not feed horses without the permission of staff. When you feed a horse, use a feeding bucket. 2. Avoid petting or playing with a horse's mouth, face, and ears. 3. Never stand directly in front of or behind a horse. 4. Pay attention to the horse's ears in order to read their body language. 5. Respect boundaries and ask the horses to do the same. Checking in For a Shift: 1. Sign-in on the computer in the lobby. Password is 123. 2. Get your name tag. 3. Fill out the whiteboard in the breezeway. 4. Check in with the barn manager and let them know what you are signed up to do. 5. Make sure you sign out on the computer before you leave. Volunteer Roles: After coming to orientation, you can sign up to be a barn helper. We encourage you to attend at least one of these shifts before going on to get certified in other areas. This shift includes things such as barn chores, feeding the horses and helping us with big projects. To ensure safety for our horses, clients, volunteers, and staff we require additional training for our other volunteer opportunities. (Training is held on a rotating basis at varied times and can be signed up for online just like you sign up for shifts.) Catch & Release: We rely on volunteers to help us bring horses in and out before and after classes. You will learn how to safely halter a horse and bring them in to prepare for classes. Side-Walking: Side-walkers physically help support a client while they are on the horse.They also help our client participate in the class activities and support learning goals. Groom & Tack: Volunteers help us groom horses and saddle them up for classes. Lead-Walking: Lead-walkers participate in our classes by leading a horse while a client rides. *Must have CR Training first and be 16+ years old.