As a new volunteer you will start off supporting through barn upkeep. You will complete tasks such as filling hay bags, keeping the stalls & barn clean, filling waters, etc.

Requirements

• Attend Healing with Horses Ranch Volunteer Orientation
• Barn upkeep volunteers must be 14 or be accompanied by parent/guardian (but are not permitted to handle horse 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 and evening feedings at 5pm. This is a 1-1.5 hour weekly commitment. It is 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 always need administrative 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 a more intermittent basis. 

Requirements

• Attend Healing with Horses Ranch Volunteer Orientation
• Attend Horse Safety Training
• Attend Side-Walking 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

• Attend Healing with Horses Ranch Volunteer Orientation 
• 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. There are three levels: ground, intermediate (riding), and advanced (riding).

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 riding skills test (for each level)

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!