Volunteers

As previously mentioned, new volunteers start off by supporting us through barn upkeep. These shifts consist of tasks such as filling hay bags, keeping the stalls & barn clean, filling waters, etc.

Requirements

• Attend Healing with Horses Ranch Volunteer Orientation
• Must be 14 or be accompanied by parent/guardian (but are not permitted to horse handle if under 14)
• Consent to & pass a background check
• Have the ability to walk & stand for 45 minutes to an hour or more

Responsibilities

• Complete tasks as assigned by staff or as you see necessary around the Ranch

Rewards

• Learning about horsemanship & therapeutic riding 

A feed team volunteer contributes to feeding, mucking stalls, and other essential horse care related tasks. Feed team volunteers work on teams of 2-4 people. Morning feedings begin at 8am & evening feedings at 5pm. This is a 1-2 hour weekly commitment. It is generally ideal that feed team volunteers commit to the same shift every week, but intermittent substitutes are often needed & welcomed. 

Requirements

• 14+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Must consent to & complete a background check
• Must attend Healing with Horses Ranch Volunteer Orientation & complete Horse Safety Training
• Have the ability manage tasks independently

Responsibilities

• Prepare & feed the daily AM or PM feed regiment to Healing with Horse Ranch herd
• Ensure that stalls, barn aisle, and feed room are clean & organized after every feeding
• Ensure all stall & pasture waters are full, fresh, and accessible to the herd
• Alert staff of possible horse health concerns (cuts, rashes, signs lameness, signs of illness, or unusual behaviors)

Rewards

• Getting to spend time with horses (and donkey! and mule!)
• Learning about equine care & horsemanship
• Meeting new people through volunteering on a team

We are run by a Board of Directors, responsible for ensuring the Ranch stays running & on mission. We are always looking for new members to join, particularly with treasury, legal, or grant-writing skills. We also have several volunteer committees, including the Volunteer Committee (focused on making sure our volunteer experience is the best it can be) & the Fundraising Committee. 

Please reach out to Executive Director at john.dandrea@healingwithhorsesranch.org or Volunteer Coordinator at lauren.higgins@healingwithhorsesranch.org if you’re interested in learning more.

In addition to all of the physical work that goes into keeping the Ranch running, there is plenty of paperwork, too! From grant-writing, to helping organize files, to filling meds, we welcome additional support! Please reach out to our wonderful Volunteer Coordinator at lauren.higgins@healingwithhorsesranch.org if there’s something you’re interested in helping with.

A lesson team volunteer supports our PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs) in adaptive riding lessons, serving as a role model & mentor for program participants. It is ideal that lesson volunteers commit to the same lesson time every week, but substitutes are often needed & welcomed on an intermittent basis. 

Requirements

• Attend Healing with Horses Ranch Volunteer Orientation
• Attend Horse Safety Training
• Attend Lesson Volunteer Training
• Be at least 14 years old 
• Consent to & pass a background check
• Have the ability to walk & stand for 45 minutes to an hour or more

Responsibilities

• Contribute to managing a safe environment by assisting a CTRI to advocate for horse & participant in adaptive riding lessons

Rewards

• Being a role model & mentor to at-risk youth, veterans, or individuals with disabilities 
• Learning about horsemanship & therapeutic riding 

A facilities team volunteer supports by improving & maintaining our property. Whether that be fence repair, tree trimming, or otherwise, help us keep the Ranch safe & beautiful. This position is flexible & can occur as a recurring or project-based commitment. 

Requirements

• Must attend Healing with Horses Ranch Volunteer Orientation & complete Horse Safety Training
• Be at least 14 years old 
• Must consent to & pass a background check
• Must attend Facilities Training to use Ranch tools, vehicles, and other implements. 

Responsibilities

• Communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule a shift & recognize pertinent needs
• Properly store & care for Ranch tools, vehicles, and other property when used for facilities projects

Rewards

• Learning how to use a tractor, riding lawn mower, power tools, and more
• Get out into nature & work with your hands to benefit a good cause 
• Start & complete land management & carpentry projects
• Work independently or on a team

Our conditioning team is responsible for keeping our horses happy, healthy, sound and in shape, so that they can be the best teachers possible for our clients.

Requirements

• Completion of all mandatory Healing with Horses Ranch trainings
• Commit to a regular weekly slot on the feed team
• Be familiar with the Risk Management Procedure Manual
• Successful completion of the Conditioning Team Skills Test for appropriate level
  • Ground
  • Intermediate riding
  • Advanced riding

Responsibilities

• Condition our horses based on their particular needs (physical, behavioral, mental)
• Communicate with staff any concerns or questions about horses as their advocate

Rewards

• Working with our wonderful horses to help them be their best selves!