COME VOLUNTEER!
Horsepower Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are required for all of the HorsePower programs and consist of two types – Leaders and Sidewalkers. All lessons are held Monday through Thursday between 9am and 5pm (with the exception of extended summer session hours), and active volunteers must commit to at least one hour per week for an eight-week session. Substitute volunteers are under no minimum hour obligation, they are added to a group message program in which we send out times that we need someone to ‘fill in’ if they can. HorsePower volunteers do not ride, they ensure hundreds of great rides for our very special participants!
Leaders
Volunteers lead the horses while the participants ride during their lessons. Leaders must be at least 14 years old and have knowledge and experience with horses. The leader may be asked to halter the horses, lead and tie, help tacking and pick out the horses’ feet. During the lesson, they maintain control of the horse to help with the rider’s lesson and ensure their safety.
Sidewalkers
Volunteers walk alongside the horses while the participants ride during their lessons and offers support to the rider from the ground. Sidewalkers must be at least 14 years old, experience with horses is not necessary. The sidewalker helps the rider with grooming and tacking, and may be asked to help with mounting. During the lesson, they help the riders understand the tasks they are doing and offer encouragement, stimulation and support.
Special Event & Project Help
Volunteers may assist HorsePower with special events and special projects on an as needed basis. Needs are communicated through the HorsePower website, Facebook page and text messages.
COME VOLUNTEER!
Volunteer Info
Volunteer Application
Please print and fill out the Volunteer Application form and bring it with you to the barn or email it back to expedite your volunteer experience!
Background Check Authorization
Please also fill out a Background Check Authorization for if you are 18+
Volunteer Handbook
To learn more about what is expected as a volunteer, check out our Volunteer Handbook!
Hear From Our Volunteers
We absolutely love working with the students and sharing in their excitement!
My daughter and I have been volunteering weekly at HorsePower for 5 years! It is a joy to see the smiles on their faces and to witness how much progress is made during an 8 week session! It is a very rewarding experience and would definitely recommend volunteering at HorsePower if you have a love for horses and helping others!
Shelly Bartels & Sarah Newell
I am a volunteer for HorsePower and love what I do. My experience at HorsePower has been amazing.
I have learned so much from the instructors and riders, let's just say when I leave my heart is full. This program really does help. I have seen tremendous improvement in the clients I have helped; from their core strength, to their vocabulary, to their range of motion. It has been a blessing for me to volunteer for HorsePower. I would recommend this program to both clients and volunteers!
Denise Van Dyke