Because our therapy and psychoeducational programs rely on the well-being of our horses, and because our herd is made up mostly of rescued and retired horses (some with special needs) we require that all of our volunteers complete a 6-week training course. The cost of the course is $65 per person.

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What the Volunteer Course covers:

• The Bella Terra Stables' mission and values and how our volunteers fit into that.

• The specialized care of our retired and rescued horses.

• Feeding and meal preparation.

• Horse handling and moving.

• Safety for humans and horses on the ground.

• Basic horse health knowledge.

• Herd dynamics and what can be learned from it.

• Basic understanding of horse psychology.

• Real-time experience with equine-assisted learning.

• Crisis handling.

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The course is open to children, however, a parent or legal guardian must take the course with them and accompany them any time they are on the property.​

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All volunteers must have the following clearances to volunteer at Bella Terra Stables: 

• PA State Police Background Check

• Child Abuse Background Check

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If you want to volunteer as a mentor in our THRIVE program, you will also need the following clearance:

• FBI Fingerprinting  OR  Signed Affirmation of PA Residency for 10 years

 

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