Two-Legged Volunteers
G.A.I.T. relies on dedicated volunteers to keep the program running and we are always in need of more help.

No horse experience is needed. We teach you everything you need to know. The one requirement we have is that you are 12 years old or older.

Volunteer Jobs Include:

1. Working with riders who have special needs.
2. Caring for our 10 horses.
3. Barn chores.
4. Fundraising Activities.

Click here for the volunteer schedule. If you are interested in volunteering for G.A.I.T. call Connie McComb, our Volunteer Coordinator at 570-409-1140.

Four-Legged Volunteers
We at G.A.I.T. take very good care of our horses. All our horses get regular checkups by the local veterinarian, horse dentist and farrier. We give them the best food and hay that money can buy. They are exercised regularly and get plenty of rest. Our horses work hard for our riders and our riders love them every bit as much as we do!

Our horses are trained for specific and particular purposes and remain with us for the remainder of their lives. Most of our horses are at least 20 years old. They are not easy to replace.

Horses should be sturdy enough to hold riders up to 180 pounds. They should be fit enough for one-hour intervals of walk-trot exercises up to twice a day. They should accept maneuvers such as, round the world, lying down (forward and back), up on knees and even standing in the vaulting surcingle.

The following are the guidelines and screening processes required for a horse to become a G.A.I.T. Therapeutic Riding Horse:

Behavior

1. Stands quietly for mounting/dismounting, grooming, tacking, all exercises at the halt.
2. Accepts being led by experienced or inexperienced leaders.
3. Accepts two sidewalkers at the walk and trot.
4. Accepts people moving in at odd angles to assist a rider or sidewalker.
5. Is tolerant of noises and commotion outside the arena, inside the barn and in general.
6. Behaves appropriately with other horses, particularly while being ridden.
7. Responds to riders aides.

Temperament

1. Does not normally bite, kick, buck or rear.
2. Ideally drops head to be petted by small riders or wheelchair-bound people.
3. Ideally is alert and attentive to rider, turning to look after the dismount or responsive in the stall when its name is called.

Height and Size

1. Preferably 13.2 to 15.2 hands - anything larger may be too high for our sidewalkers.

Movement Quality

1. A variety of horses with a variety of gaits is ideal. Short-strided, choppy-gaited or long-strided smooth gaited horses are acceptable as long as they are even gaited.