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Volunteer Training
LeCheval Stable has a long standing commitment to providing quality volunteers. Many of our volunteers have started as young as age 14 and some are now professionals in areas of Psychology, Social Work, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Special Education and Veterinary Medicine. Volunteers in high school can earn service-learning hours, signed by director. Initial Volunteer Training requires signing of waivers and background checks. Advanced Training and mentor support is ongoing for volunteers. LeCheval Stable participates with Howard Community College Learning Links Program in which students volunteer each semester for at least 12 hours for certain credit-based coursework. LeCheval Stable has provided work experience training for Transitioning Youth through the Pre Employment Training Program (Pre-ETS) for Division of Rehabilitative Services (DORS). The stable also provides weekly opportunities for interested youth to receive job sampling and customized training in horse care and barn management. Mentoring is provided for individual members of PATH International for Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI).
MAIN VOLUNTEER
Horse leader/handler's primary role is to the horse. They may help prepare the horse for class, maintain safety spacing, and support the horse follow the directions of the rider during class. Sidewalkers assist the rider (before, during and after riding), help the rider guide their horse during the lesson, and assist the rider in following the directions of the instructor as necessary. The amount of assistance is dependent on each rider’s abilities. The Tacking, Grooming and Barn Maintenance volunteers stationed in the barn preparing horses for lessons, leading horses from and to the pastures, feeding, grooming and tacking, keeping the barn area clean. (Volunteers must meet age requirements for individual jobs in this area) A Lead Volunteer will assist instructor with tack changes, girth and stirrup adjustment. Trained volunteers only will assist with mounting and dismounting. Volunteers must be at least age 14. Volunteers will receive handbook, code of ethics, and learn to work collaboratively with the team. Scout programs, including Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts, have organized projects to include: Benches in the garden, accessible walkway to arena, ADA mounting block, storage shed and compost bins. We could not maintain the quality of our program without our volunteers! Most are horse lovers or ride horses but this is not required to volunteer. Please access the form below or at the top of the page to explore how to become a volunteer.
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Shannon Otto, Educator and Author
Shannon is a retired educator who has volunteered at LeCheval Stable for more than six years. She supports morning feeding, grooming on a weekly basis. When she is not volunteering, she likes to spend her time at the beach, spoiling her dogs, and demonstrating her creativity through writing, art projects and cooking. Shannon has written many stories around a character, Lt. Klaus, over the years. She has successfully published her first book, which can be purchased on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, as well as through Shannon. Check out Lt. Klaus, and you will enjoy his many adventures!
Claudia Groh, educator, recipient Region 2 Volunteer of the Year 2022
Claudia has been volunteering as a horse leader at LeCheval for over six years. She worked as an early childhood educator in HCPSS for 30 years. Following her retirement, she reignited her passion for horses and riding. As a child into her 20’s she leased horses and competed in dressage and show jumping. At age 60, she is back in the saddle! She notes LeCheval Stable is a “happy, peaceful place which provides a tremendous service to the community. The small herd of horses is the sweetest ever!” We celebrate all horse team members and note Claudia was selected as Region 2 Volunteer of the Year 2022, by PATH (Professional Association Therapeutic Horsemanship) International.
Maddie supports equine assisted learning
Celebrating new miniature stable built by Ed Pecukonis
Claudia Groh
Horse Team
Marya, founder and director
VOLUNTEERS
LeCheval Stable has a great cadre of volunteers who are committed to supporting participants in equine assisted learning and therapy as leaders, side walkers, mentors and peers. These amazing volunteers provide a reciprocal relationship as seen in their commitment to community learning services. Ranging from middle to high school to college careers, military service veterans, mentors, they share their talents and support the sustainability to the mission of this non-profit organizaiton.
LeCheval Stable is an equestrian training site Volunteer training required to work with athletes and participate in Special Olympics state games. Contact somdhc.org for more info.
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