Volunteer Orientation & Trainings

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This is the first training for all volunteers. This one hour orientation will explain what BINA Farm Center is all about, programs we offer and the different volunteer opportunities available.
Dates: TBD
Time:
Prerequisites: You must have completed your volunteer portal application and paperwork to register for a volunteer orientation.
In this training you will learn how to be a Sidewalker in Adaptive Riding (previously named Therapeutic Riding)
Dates: TBD
Time:
Prerequisites: You must have attended and successfully completed our Volunteer Orientation to attend this training.
In this training you will learn how to be a Groom in riding lessons.
Dates: Tuesday March 19th
Time: 5 - 6 PM
Prerequisites: You must have attended our Volunteer Orientation & Training 1 to attend this training. If you have extensive horse handling experience you may be considered for Training 2 without needing Training 1.
In this training you will learn how to be a Leader in riding lessons.

Dates: Sunday March 24th
Time: 2 - 3 PM
Prerequisites: You must have attended our Volunteer Orientation, and Training 2 to attend this training.If you have extensive horse handling experience you may be considered for Training 3 without needing Training 1.
This specialized training is meant to equip volunteers to sign up for shifts supporting Occupational or Physical Therapy Using Hippotherapy.
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Prerequisites: You must have attended our Volunteer Orientation, Training 1 , Training 2 and Training 3 to attend this specialized training.
This training will cover the following topics at our Lexington location: Mucking stalls, full process of checking, filling and clearing waters with hose and pump, meal preparations by filling hay nets, review of barn chore resources and task lists, how to interact with the horses while completing chores safely and effectively, and more!
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Prerequisites: You must have attended our Volunteer Orientation to attend this training.
This training will cover the below topics at our Lexington location: Feeding grain and hay, Picking occupied paddocks, Turn-in and Turn-out procedures, blanketing and extra gear among others!
Dates: TBD
Time:
Prerequisites: You must have attended our Volunteer Orientation and Barn Chore Training 1 to attend this training.
This training will cover the skills you need to volunteer at our Dana Hall location in Wellesley. Horse experience is recommended, but not mandatory.
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Prerequisites: Previous horse experience is highly recommended. Volunteers who have attending all Lexington location trainings can be considered for volunteer shifts at DHS.

“I started volunteering to be with the horses, then I realized how special it was to be with the kids. You see how they light up when you are around. So, I guess I started because of the horses, but now I stay for the kids”

~ Nino A. volunteer

"Although I am still learning where things are and what to do, I know I can count on the people around me to answer questions, to teach me by doing. What made this possible was some feeling of BELONGING. You made me feel like I belonged to a bigger thing--relatively quickly. That's wonderful. By the time I sat on a horse for the first time... I realized being on a horse was amazing. But it wasn't the destination. It was, as they say, part of the journey..."

~ Volunteer and Recreational Rider, Carolyn