Rainbow Riders is looking for more volunteers to take the reins as the organization faces an increase in demand for programs.

Rainbow Riders is a therapeutic riding program on Mount Scio Road in St. John’s that has helped Newfoundland and Labrador children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities for almost 30 years.

Executive Director, Kelly Sandoval says when they opened their doors following COVID-19 shutdowns, the demand for their Therapeutic Riding program went way up.

That requires quite a few more volunteers to act as side-walkers and leaders for their horses. In addition, Sandoval says once students went back to school in September, that left them with more holes to fill in their barn.

She says they have two things going on at Rainbow Riders: the riding and program, and the care of the horses. Sandoval says that creates more demand for volunteers as there is so much work to be done.

They’re always looking for volunteers and are flexible when it comes to scheduling.

Sandoval says horse experience is not necessary, although it is handy so you can work around the horses, but if not, you can help muck stalls, which Sandoval says is quite therapeutic as well. She calls it a rewarding experience.

If you want to get involved, check out their website at rainbowridersnl.com, their Facebook page, call at 738-1055 or email them at rainbowridersnl.gmail.com.