Become a Riding Member!!!

Cowgirl Spirit's riding members provide our rescues with the training and skills they need to excel in the sport of equestrian drill. Becoming a riding member is a great way to help showcase the athletic potential of Cowgirl Spirit's rescues as well as enhance your own riding skills.

Riding members participate in weekly drill practices and other training sessions to improve rider equitation and promote the comprehensive training of each rescue. Please read through the following rider requirements and frequently asked questions then fill out a volunteer application to get involved.

Riding Member Requirements

Job Description: Work as part of the riding team to train and perform with Cowgirl Spirit rescues
Location: Kent, WA
Minimum Time Commitment (through August, 2007):
  • Attend 100% of weekly practices currently scheduled Sundays from 1-4PM
  • Complete 4 hours per week of training with assigned rescue outside of weekly practices
  • Participate in 100% of Performances and Riding Events
  • Assist in fundraising for performance related expenses (tack, uniforms, etc)
  • Participate in planning and preparation for each performance
Desired Qualifications:

Fill out a Volunteer Application now!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to ride Western to become a Riding Member?
Do you have to be 18 to become a Riding Member?
Can a beginner rider become a Riding Member?
Can I help train without becoming a Riding Member?
When can volunteers who are not Riding Members ride?


Do you have to ride Western to become a Riding Member? I have only ever ridden English.
Your riding background does not matter as long as you are willing to learn a new type of riding. From October through January, practices will focus on rider equitation and basic training of the rescues and riders, making each horse and rider pair a stronger team and developing a set of cues to help each rescue reach a higher standard of training.

My teenager would love to join your team. Do you have to be 18 to become a riding member
Riding Member positions will be assigned based on level of riding / training skill as well as the ability to meet all minimum time commitments. Volunteers 13 and up are welcome to try out for the riding team, although we have found that commitment of a youth member is generally requires involvement of the whole and cannot be met without supportive adult supervision.
Youth are always welcome to come out and volunteer however, and we are always seeking adult volunteers to help incorporate more youth into our program. If you are a parent looking to become involved and help us increase opportunities for youth participation, please email volunteer@cowgirlspirit.org

I've only been riding for a year, but am really committed to improving my riding. Can I become a riding member?
Our goal is to have a large group of volunteers with the ability to fill Riding Member positions as our team grows. While there are currently only four positions available as we prepare to perform a quad, all volunteers are welcome to try out for these spots, which will be assigned based on level of riding / training skills as well as the ability to meet all minimum time commitments.
Even if you are not a current Riding Member, all volunteers are encouraged to attend team practices and training sessions. These are excellent opportunities for volunteers wishing to improve their own riding skills to learn both by watching the training sessions as well as gaining time in the saddle during warmups and cooldowns.

I want to help work with and train the rescues, but I can't meet all of the Riding Member time commitments. Can I still help?
We always need extra hands and trainers around the barn. If you want to get involved in training Cowgirl Spirit rescues, start attending Team Practices and Training Sessions as often as you are able to. You will learn our style of training and be able to talk to the Riding Members about what they have been working on with each rescue. As our trainers become familiar with your training/handling style, you will be welcomed to work more independently with the rescues as your schedule allows.

I've been helping out with stalls, feeding and fundraising, but I really want to get a chance to ride. When can I ride?
Our Team Practices and Training Sessions are always open to volunteers. After Team Practices, volunteers are welcome to help cooldown the rescues. Also, while Riding Members have first priority for spots in the training sessions, volunteers will be welcome to participate when there is space. We will also be scheduling seperate riding sessions for volunteers to have an opportunity to ride. These will be posted on the calendar as they are scheduled.
All riding times will be guided by a Cowgirl Spirit trainer to ensure safety and help enhance the training of rescues and volunteers.