February Volunteer Newsletter

Captains play a vital role in the fulfillment of Little Bit's mission. They've completed extra training to become a resource, coach, and role model for new and returning class volunteers. Captains are individuals who have not only demonstrated horse knowledge, but an ability to work well with riders, staff, and other volunteers.

Debbie is a perfect fit for the job!

Please always feel free to approach any volunteer with a green Captain nametag with questions or contact Dana LaRue if you're interested in shadowing a Captain until you feel comfortable with the Little Bit way.

Policy Change

Please note that, as of January 1^st, Little Bit does not have any boarded horses.

As a result, there are no longer any "feed only" paddocks.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact Zoe Rivera or see any member of our Barn Staff.

Volunteer Surveys

Little Bit needs your candid and anonymous feedback in order to improve our Volunteer Program and better serve our participants! Please complete the 2015 Volunteer Survey by the end of February by clicking HERE!

We would also love to know what type of continued education opportunities you would be most interested in attending. Let us know by answering three quick questions HERE!

VOTE Little Bit for the Best of 425

It's the last week to vote for Little Bit as the East Side's best non-profit. I urge you all to take a few minutes (it's easy to log in with Facebook) and type in Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center under best non-profit in the Business/Services section. VOTE HERE!

Voting ends Feb. 5, 2016 and r esults will be in the Best of 425 issue in May.

Let's show everyone why you choose to volunteer at Little Bit!

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Paddock Training occurs every week of Winter Session on Wednesdays from 4 - 5 PM, Thursdays from 11 - 12 PM, and Saturdays from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. Paddock Trained volunteers can catch and turn our horses before and after classes.

Horse Leader Training Level I will be held on Saturday, February 27th from 4 - 6:30 PM. During Horse Leader Training, you will be taught and assessed on how to bring in, turn out, and lead our four-legged therapists during classes. We are always in need of more horse leaders!

Horse Leader Training Level II will be held on Thursday, March 17 ^th from 7 - 9 PM. It is an excellent opportunity to brush up on or expand your leading skills.

Training Team Training will be held on Monday, March 21st from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Training Team members lend expertise and assist in the training of new volunteers in Program Volunteer Trainings. In order to participate in this training, volunteers must have served at least eight hours in the arena, successfully passed Horse Leader Training Level I, and enjoy working with people.

Please email Melanie Renk to sign up for any of the above opportunities!

Spotlight's on BLAZE!

Blaze is a 16 year old paint gelding that worked as a Seattle mounted patrol horse for 8 years prior to coming to Little Bit. He is very well trained under saddle, but he injured a tendon playing in his paddock last year. Per veterinarian recommendation, Blaze is now a very happy unmounted lesson horse and will be an integral part of the unmounted team when we launch two new programs in April.

Due to his years in the Mounted Patrol Unit and his great personality, he is happy to be petted, groomed, and loves working with people. Staff takes him for walks regularly were he enjoys being out around the property and hand grazed. Blaze has also become our mascot for photos with work groups!

Using Volgistics for Online Sign-Up

By signing up for available substitute shifts online, you help us to cut back on the calls we make each and every day to ensure classes run smoothly. You can view available openings and schedule yourself from any internet-connected device by clicking HERE! If you need help using this feature, please read these instructions or call 425-882-1554.

Don't see a shift in your availability? Check back! We update Volgistics frequently as cancels come in and the schedule changes.

Thanks to everyone already utilizing Volgistics to fill substitute opportunities!

Little Bit's Barn Team

We love our Barn Team volunteers! They work hard throughout the year, in all kinds of weather, to make sure our horses are fed and have a clean place to live. They seem to slip in and out without much fanfare, quietly going about their work, but their role is crucial to making Little Bit's mission a reality.

It takes a big team to handle all the horses' needs. In addition to Barn Team substitutes, there are currently 29 regular Barn Team volunteers:

Arden Bedle	Trina Deines	Amy Fouke	Emma Jenkins	Kayla Patt	Amy Shamah
Ali Black	Karen Deyerle	Katherine Gee Perrone	Carolyn Mahran	Christena Reps	Janet Showalter
Kyle Buckingham	Janette Dolmseth	Catherine Hamstra	Margo Makowicki	Ann Reynolds	Kristine Sweeney
Dave Catlett	Carol Felton	Sephtis Hargrove	Katie McDorman	Jessica Robertson	Renee Wang
Lizzy Corliss	Connie Fortier	Mary Holland	Emily McDorman	Ann Rutledge

We want to let our Barn Team know how much we appreciate them giving their time to help take care of our four-legged therapists. You guys are awesome! Our thanks to each of you for your hard work and dedication to Little Bit's mission, staff, riders, horses, and your fellow volunteers.

I nterested in joining this amazing crew of Barn Team members? Our most needed days are Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Shifts are from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Contact Zoe Rivera, Equine Assistant, to schedule a training.

Become our Facebook Fan!

Become a fan of Little Bit on Facebook and get more information about events, new horses, and more!

Thanks for reading!