Riding Program Seeks Volunteers

The Fran Joswick Therapeutic Riding Center is seeking volunteers to help provide horseback riding therapy to about 500 people with disabilities ranging from paraplegia to sight loss.

“We use about 100 volunteers a week,” said Tracey Stotz, executive director. “They help our students build self-esteem, muscle strength, coordination, even social skills. They are really a vital part of the program.”

Duties include teaching riding lessons, grooming horses, spotting and leading student riders on horseback.

No equestrian experience is required.

“The only thing we ask is that volunteers have an interest in working around horses,” Stotz said, adding that the center trains inexperienced volunteers. “It’s a physical job, but it’s so rewarding.”

Information: (714) 240-8841.