At CTRC, we rely on the generosity of volunteers in order to operate, and as a close-knit family, we are always looking for more long-term volunteers who are passionate about our centre to help on a consistent basis.

We are approved provider for community service with a number of educational institutions, as well as Centrelink, and many of these volunteers choose to stay with us past their mandatory community service period.

Volunteering not only helps us, but it can be highly rewarding for the volunteers. Our volunteers say they get a therapeutic experience from simply being in our slice of country. The involvement in helping a rider grow in competency, mentally and physically is an invaluable and enriching experience.

“I volunteer two days a week assisting Jo Blomquist with the “Ride Therapy” program. Watching the delight on the faces of the children who participate is heart-warming, and witnessing their increasing confidence and development skills is inspirational. The centre provides a warm and embracing atmosphere for all who attend, both riders and volunteers, and my volunteering has certainly enriched my life!”

– Jan Coffey – CTRC volunteer

Who can volunteer: Anyone over the age of 14 can join our team of volunteers, but we do require our over 18 year olds to complete a Police Clearance and gain a Working with Children Check. We encourage both disabled and able bodied volunteers to join us at the CTRC.

Do I need experience working with horses: Regardless of whether you’re the horse whisperer or terrified of anything bigger than a mouse, we have work for you. The riding centre needs constant maintenance and operational tasks, and we have a plethora of jobs working with and without the horses.
What jobs will I be doing: We are always on the lookout for people who can help with odd jobs, such as maintaining fences and reticulation, cleaning, sweeping and help feeding our horses. We also need volunteers who can work with horse leading, tacking up and grooming, and also volunteers to donate their time doing administration tasks for the centre.

For those volunteers who are nervous about coming down to the centre, we provide heaps of support and training to get you started. We offer free courses throughout the year to receive a level 0 teaching certificate, which will allow you to become a qualified instructor within our riding school.

How do I acquire a working with children check/police clearance: We can provide you with the necessary paper work for your WWCC, however, you can also get this from your local Post Office. We additionally submit and application for a police clearance which is a quick online application.

In many instances our Volunteers receive a huge amount of satisfaction from volunteering their time and seeing the rewards for their efforts and the impact that they have on our clients. They also enjoy being a valued part of our “family” and share in all the highs and lows of family life!

Each month we like to highlight and bring to your attention one of our family of volunteers. We have some that are with us long term, some short term but all make a valuable contribution to our centre.

“My  21 year old daughter has significant  anxiety, balance and  coordination issues, and as a result of this she has lacked confidence and  been socially isolated. One of our biggest issues is getting her to socialize out side family support. Since she has been at CTRC over the past two years She has developed her riding skills where she can ride at a trot on her own and is now preparing for her first event.  The biggest thrill we see however,  is in watching her grow in confidence, she has found herself as part of a wider community at the CTRC. She now volunteers as well as doing her lessons and is working on her first Pony Club Horsmastership Certitifcate. She has developed friendships there and mucks in with the other volunteers and workers in caring for the horses. She is proud of her riding ability and more confident in her outlook socially as a result.  The team at CTRC have created expectations of her and she has to constantly work to improve her communication and social skills outside the extended family environment. The environment there is both challenging and rewarding for Madeleine and it is this combination that has been so beneficial to her growth in social confidence.”

Leonie Keogh