ROXBURY, Conn.—Little Britches, a local nonprofit that provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities to individuals, mostly children with disabilities, will hold a volunteer training session Wednesday, April 9, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at 30 Tophet Rd.
Little Britches’ spring session will begin April 28. The nonprofit serves individuals with a variety of disabilities, including but not limited to, attention deficit disorders, autism, cerebral
palsy, Down syndrome and anxiety disorders. Most riders require the assistance of a horse leader and two side-walkers.
Volunteers are critical to the success of this program and Little Britches relies heavily on support from the community. Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, including retirees and high school students. Several of the student volunteers come from area agriscience programs such as Nonnewaug High School, Shepaug High School and Regional School District 20.
Horse experience is not required, but volunteers should be able to walk for up to three hours on uneven ground. The training session will provide all the necessary information and give participants the opportunity to ask questions before committing to volunteering.
Because of a partnership with Shepaug Valley High School’s Agriscience Academy in Washington, 37 riders were able to participate in a six-week early spring session at the indoor facility. It will conclude in mid-April.
On April 28, Little Britches returns to its home base at Tophet Road Farm in Roxbury for the spring session. The session will run for eight weeks. Between 80 and 85 riders are expected to participate.
For more information about the program or volunteer opportunities, call 860-874-9352 or contact littlebritchesct@gmail.com.
