Join Our Team: Become a GAIT Volunteer!
GAIT’s volunteers are vital to running a safe and successful program for participants, as well as fostering the crucial bond between horse and rider for therapeutic benefit. GAIT would not be able to provide a high-quality program without the dedication of its volunteers, and we are always grateful to have more help.
If you enjoy being outdoors, working with animals, and helping those in need, GAIT may be just the place for you. Become part of a team with PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, other volunteers, and specially trained horses to assist participants during equine activities.
GAIT provides many rewarding opportunities for those interested in:
- Working with horses
- Being physically active
- Learning new skills and giving back to the community
Volunteer experience is also beneficial for expanding your social network, exploring career opportunities, and building references for work or college resumes.
Next Steps: Get Started
Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Diana Moldovan, at volunteer@gaittrc.org or call 570-409-1140 to discuss your interest in becoming a volunteer and to sign up for the next scheduled Volunteer Training.
Volunteer Orientation & Safety Training Schedule for 2026
Dates may be subject to change- confirm with Volunteer Coordinator
February 28, 2026
April 25, 2026
June 20, 2026
August 22, 2026
Oct 17, 2026
Download the Volunteer Application
Volunteer Opportunities & Tasks
GAIT offers diverse opportunities, supporting both our Therapeutic Riding lessons and the basic maintenance of our facility and operations. General volunteer opportunities include:
- Program & Lesson Support: Assisting during Therapeutic Riding classes and/or other off–horse activities
- Facility & Horse Care: Barn chores (volunteer “barn day”), arena set up/break down, preparing horses for sessions
- Maintenance & Grounds: Landscaping, gardening, and/or facility repairs
- Outreach & Events: Mailings/flyer distribution, fundraising, assisting during educational workshops, and setting up for other special events
Volunteer Progression & Task Descriptions (Levels 1–4)
GAIT uses a progressive training system to ensure safety and competency in all hands-on roles. No prior horse experience is necessary! Our friendly and knowledgeable team will provide all the training you need to feel comfortable and confident.
Level 1: Side Aides (starting role) – Ensure the safety of the riders and provide physical support or assistance when needed. Provide encouragement and motivation for the rider to stay focused and complete tasks.
- Requirements/Commitment: Must be able to walk for 30 minutes on arena sand (possibly a short jog if the horse is trotting). Expect to arrive 15–30 minutes prior to the start of class.
- Training: Orientation training covers basics of safety policies, volunteer roles, and hands-on training walking next to a horse and rider. All new volunteers start as Side Aides, regardless of previous experience.
Level 2: Horse Groomers – Responsible for getting the horses ready before class, keeping them relaxed, and alerting the Instructor to any injury or behavioral issues.
- Eligibility: Requires a minimum of 20 hours assisting as a Side Aide.
- Requirements/Commitment: Must be comfortable approaching most horses and expect to arrive 1 hour before class to be available to groom.
- Training: Covers grooming, safety around horses, basic equine behavior, and identifying basic health concerns. Additional training or supervision to develop skills may be needed prior to handling horses independently.
Level 3: Horse Leaders – Responsible for the care of the horse before, during, and after the lesson (warming up, fly spray, untacking). Guides the horse as directed by the Instructor and ensures the safety of both horse and rider. Must be alert and able to anticipate the horse’s behavior/movement at all times.
- Eligibility: Requires successfully grooming at least 3 horses independently prior to class and showing competent understanding of horse behavior.
- Requirements/Commitment: Must be able to walk for 30 minutes on arena sand (possibly a short jog) and expect to warm up the horse before class begins.
- Training: Covers basic safety while handling horses on a lead line, safely guiding the horse into the ramp, navigating the arena, etc. Additional training to gain competency may be needed prior to leading a horse during a class.
Level 4: Mounters– Assigned by an Instructor to assist with mounting and/or dismounting a rider under direct supervision.
- Eligibility: Must be proficient in aiding riders after many hours of volunteering and show an understanding of cognitive and physical disabilities in a therapeutic setting.
- Physical Requirements: Must have enough upper body strength to physically support the rider and have no back or other strength issues.
- Training: Training teaches how to safely guide the rider on the horse from the ramp and dismount to the ground (croup mount/dismount). Specialty mounting (crest mount) will be taught on an as-needed basis.
Volunteer Requirements & Application Process
To ensure the safety and quality of our programs, GAIT strictly adheres to all PATH Intl. and Pennsylvania state requirements for volunteers.
1. Age and Initial Commitment
- Minimum Age: Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older. No exceptions can be made due to insurance reasons and safety standards set by PATH Intl.
- Annual Forms: The Volunteer Application Forms must be completed, signed, and returned to the Volunteer Coordinator. These forms are valid for the current year only and must be updated annually.
- Annual Training: All new and returning volunteers are required to attend one Safety and Orientation Volunteer Training annually. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to register.
2. Background Checks (Required for Volunteers 18+)
Volunteers over the age of 18 are required by PA law to obtain the following background checks prior to assisting participants during programs. The volunteer is responsible for submitting these applications and paying the associated fees (waived or reduced).
- PA Child Abuse Clearance:
- Obtained via the Child Welfare Portal.
- Fee Waived for volunteers.
- PA State Criminal Background Check:
- Obtained via the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History.
- Fee Waived for volunteers.
- FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Clearance:
- Register online through IdentiGO to schedule an appointment.
- Reduced Fee ($23.25) for volunteers.
- Action Required: A service code is required to register. This code is provided on the Volunteer Application Form that must be completed and returned to GAIT. Payment will be required at the time of your fingerprinting appointment.