Bison Strides, North Dakota State University’s equine-assisted services program, needs volunteers for the summer.

“If you are looking for a rewarding summer volunteer experience, then Bison Strides is the program for you,” says Erika Berg, Bison Strides director and associate professor in the NDSU Department of Animal Sciences. “This unique NDSU program partners horses with people who have physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral or mental health diagnoses.”

The program needs volunteers to walk, and occasionally jog, alongside riders in a dirt/sand arena to help keep the riders safe on their horses. Volunteers do not need any experience with horses to walk next to riders.

Volunteers who have a minimum of four years of horse experience are also needed to handle horses during sessions. Additional training is required.

Volunteers are asked to commit to one hour per week for the four-week session that runs from June 2 to June 26. Bison Strides holds equine-assisted services sessions from 3 to 6 p.m. on Mondays, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays.

A training for all volunteers who would like to be involved in this program will be held May 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the NDSU Equine Center. Volunteers must be 16 years old. Close-toed and heeled shoes are required.

To volunteer or to find out more information about the services offered, visit ndsu.ag/summervolunteers or email ndsu.bisonstrides@ndsu.edu.

The NDSU Equine Center is located at 5140 19th Ave N. in Fargo, North Dakota.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – May 15, 2025

Source: Erika Berg, 701-231-9611, erika.berg@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu