Our lessons are taught by trained instructors certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NAHRA). Our volunteers, with or without horse experience, are also trained under the guidelines of NAHRA. Our volunteers have the opportunity to work directly alongside our instructors in the riding ring as “side walkers” ensuring the safety and position of the rider, or as “lead walkers” controlling the movement and behavior of the program horse during the course of the lesson.

Our teen volunteers are an integral part of our Pony Power staff. All that is needed is a love for horses and the desire to help others. It is a perfect combination creating a rewarding and meaningful experience for all involved.

Our teen volunteers learn skills such as horse care, equipment up-keep and barn maintenance. Their presence in the ring allows them to learn effective communication skills, responsibility and working as a team player.

We are proud and grateful for all our volunteers, and we especially appreciate our teen volunteers because they bring an enormous amount of enthusiasm and energy to our program.

In addition to our total barn experience our organization also benefits with teens who are interested in sharing their computer skills and organizational abilities in our busy office. Their understanding of the ever changing technical climate is extremely helpful with our daily office duties.

The minimum age is 13 with a background in horse care and age 14 for all others. We are located at Three Sisters Farm in Mahwah 6 days a week and one afternoon at the Bergen Equestrian Center in Leonia. All those interested in being a Pony Power Volunteer should call 201-934-1001 and ask for Lynda Skinner or e-mail Lynda@ponypowernj.org.

Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls, they give us hope!

You too can change lives. Teen volunteers have so much to offer and Pony Power Therapies provides a wonderful setting to both learn life skills and give something of yourself to benefit another person.