GallopNYC Orientation - Step 1

Volunteering with GallopNYC

GallopNYC is a non-profit organization based in New York City that offers both horseback riding and therapeutic horsemanship programs to New Yorkers, particularly people with disabilities, military veterans, and seniors. We operate our riding program at three locations, all within NYC. Schedules at each location vary seasonally and can be accessed via our website, http://gallop.nyc/volcalendar.  

Therapeutic horsemanship teaches the skills of horseback riding and horse knowledge to build developmental, emotional, social, and physical skills for each individual rider. Under the direction of a PATH International certified instructor,  with the support of trained volunteers, each participant progressively acquires horsemanship skills and measurable improvements in life skills. Through weekly sessions, we help participants walk, talk, learn and have FUN! We also offer hippotherapy services. Therapeutic horsemanship is more than just riding a horse – it means building a bond with a horse, learning to care for a horse, understanding how horses perceive the world and respond to people, and ultimately being a leader to a horse.

GallopNYC depends on our volunteers to be successful. Without the skill, energy, and commitment of our volunteers we could not run our programs and effectively take care of our horses. We do our best to make the volunteer experience easy, convenient, engaging, fun, rewarding, impactful, and supportive and foster a sense of community, accountability, cooperation and purpose. GallopNYC encourages volunteers to learn more about what we do, to grow in their roles, and to take on leadership positions. We are proud to offer regular opportunities for horse education to our volunteers.

We love repeat volunteers! The students begin to recognize our participants and horses and the consistency is good for them. If you are able, we would love for you to sign up for a recurring shift, once per week at the same time and location.

Volunteer On-site Procedures and Behavior and general to-do's
- Please plan to arrive to site on time
- Check in with the Site Supervisor for the day and sign in
- We'll train you when you arrive so roll up your sleeves and await instructions from the instructor/site leader
- Please put cell phones away while volunteering - especially anytime you are handling a horse and /or are in the arena. If you need to use your phone please ask the manager if there's a good time for you to step away. 
-Taking photographs- please ask the manager for permission if you want to take photographs or video. Note that we do not allow volunteers to take photos or video of our participants. 
-Volunteers are only allowed in the barn with staff supervision

What to wear/bring:
1) Dress for the weather and bring layers in case it suddenly gets hot or cold.
2) Wear sturdy shoes or boots that are closed toed. NO CROCS OR SANDALS AND NO STEEL TOED BOOTS 
3) pants/leggings are recommended for protection
4)  bring water and snacks- especially if you're volunteering during the warm weather months!
5) bring sunscreen and bug spray

As a volunteer, you will be given enough background information so that you may be sensitive to the riders’ needs. Occasionally, more detailed information might be given to you or you may become aware of it indirectly or even inadvertently.

Rider confidentiality: 

All of the circumstances of a rider’s life, condition, disability, actions, or behavior are considered confidential. Under NO circumstances are you to divulge this information to anyone other than GallopNYC personnel, and then only as necessary to aid the rider.  

 
Dismissal Policy:

We do our best to find rewarding work that matches the skill level and abilities of all of our dedicated volunteers. There are occasions when the needs and skills of a volunteer cannot be matched with our work.  In order to maintain safety and excellence in our programs, we reserve the right to dismiss a volunteer if we determine that the volunteer cannot safely and effectively perform the duties assigned to them. In addition, failing to disclose a health or fitness issue, conviction of a felony or misdemeanor,  violating the GallopNYC Confidentiality Policy,  presenting for duty intoxicated or chemically impaired, involvement in illegal activities, failure to adhere to any of GallopNYC’s Policies or Procedures, or any inappropriate behavior are grounds for immediate dismissal.

Cancelation Policy

We rely heavily on our volunteers and it's because of you our participants can ride and our horses are cared for and comfortable! We know that emergencies can happen but in general if you need to make changes to your volunteer shifts we ask that you text us at (646) 762-7999 within 48 hours of the start time. That way your message is seen in a timely manner by someone on site and we can try to find a replacement volunteer. Without time to fill your spot a participant may show up and not receive enough support to have their lesson that week. If you're lost, running late, or need to cancel at the last minute due to an emergency please text us at (646) 762-7999. This number is the best way to reach us so here it is again: (646)-762-7999!