Volunteer FAQ’s
With so many opportunities to become a volunteer at CTRC we understand that you may have a lot of questions as you explore the possibilities of volunteering at CTRC. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get.
Q. Who Can Volunteer?
At the heart and soul of CTRC’s programs are our volunteers. Anyone aged 14 with prior horse experience or 16 years old+ can apply for volunteering opportunities at CTRC. Our volunteers run the gamut from retirees to students, but they are all at CTRC to make a difference. Whatever your experience with horses or persons with disabilities we encourage you to join the CTRC team. Our skilled instructors and staff will train you on everything you need to know.
CTRC cannot accept applicants into our volunteer programs who have been arrested for, or convicted of, crimes against persons and/or animals, is on the sex offender registry, or has an outstanding warrant or an active case.
Q. What Do Volunteers Do?
Volunteering at CTRC is so much more than donating one’s time and service – it requires a willingness to be an active part of a larger community. Volunteers lead horses and support riders in lessons, care for and condition our horses, maintain our facility, help with numerous administrative tasks, and assist with special events and fundraisers and much more…
Q. Is a background screening required to volunteer?
If you are 18 years of age or older a completed background screening via the Verified Volunteer Screening process is required with the exception of Group Volunteers (projected based) and Court Mandated volunteers.
Q. What should I wear when volunteering?
- Shoes: Hard-soled shoes are preferred (hiking shoes or boots) but sneakers are okay. (You may end up with a pile of sand in your shoes if you wear sneakers.) Hard toed shoes are preferred. Shoes must be tied securely. Open-toed shoes, sandals, and slip-on shoes are not permitted.
- Weather: Dress appropriate for the weather; dressing in layers is often a good choice. Though we have an indoor arena, you will be going outside to get horses for class.
- Appropriate Clothing: No spaghetti strap tops/shelf bras. Proper undergarments must be worn and tank tops must have thick straps and cannot be too low in the front. Shirts must cover your stomach. No clothing with beer/alcohol/drug/political references or foul language. Shorts must be at mid-thigh or longer. No skirts; skirts are not considered appropriate/safe attire.
Q. How Do I Get Started Volunteering?
Just follow the steps below and you’ll be on your way!
Create a sign in for MyImpact here.
If you are 18 years or age or older you MUST complete a background screening via the Verified Volunteer Screening process before you can begin volunteering.
Multiple on-site New Volunteer Trainings and Horse Handling Clinics are held throughout the year for those interested in lesson volunteering. You can prepare for in person training by watching the video from Maryland Therapeutic Riding. The link to do so is here: Maryland Therapeutic Riding Sidewalker Training Video
COVID 19 Update: All volunteers are required to wear masks while indoors or in close proximity to participants.
When Is CTRC open?
CTRC holds classes 5 days a week (Tuesday– Saturday). Our hours of operation vary from session to session depending on the needs of our participants but staff is on site Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday 8:30am – 3:30pm during sessions. Mucking and barn help is needed on Mondays as well.
Q. If I want to visit CTRC do I need to make an appointment?
YES!. We do prefer that a site-visit is scheduled. Scheduling a site-visit allow us to arrange one of our staff members to be available to escort you safely around the property and answer all your questions. We do require all visitors to check in at the main office so if you are just stopping by please check in with us.