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To work with participants and horses in a class, volunteers must be at least 14 years old and able to work for at least 30 minutes, and jog short distances. All volunteers must pass a caregiver and criminal background check. We ask our volunteers to commit to an entire session of lessons, usually 9–12 weeks, in order to provide continuity for everyone.

How Volunteers Help with Sessions

The Instructor plans and conducts the lesson. The volunteers are responsible for saddling the horses, leading the horse if the rider requires it, and walking beside riders, if necessary. The instructors are in change of all mounts and dismounts and will advise how to help a participant if needed.

Horse Leaders need to have enough horse experience to be responsible for the horse’s behavior while the student is mounted. Sometimes this person leads the horse, other times, this person remains responsible for the horse while the student rides independently. This person also helps with grooming and tacking the horse before and after lessons.

Sidewalkers walk beside the student during class to provide physical support when needed or to help the participant follow the instructor’s directions. Sidewalkers also help with grooming and tacking the horse before and after lessons.

Tacking, Grooming and Barn Maintenance Assistants are the “behind the scenes” volunteers that lead horses to and from the pastures, groom and tack the horses and keep the barn and arena clean. Volunteers must meet age requirements for individual jobs in this area.

How Volunteers Help with Facility and Administrative Duties

Facility Maintenance volunteers help with lawn care, painting, minor repairs, simple building projects and other property maintenance. These projects are great for families and groups.

Administrative volunteers help with public relations, fundraising, event planning, social media, newsletter preparation and general office duties.

We require that all volunteers:

Demonstrate the willingness and ability to follow all barn safety rules.

Participate in the volunteer orientation.

Demonstrate the ability to complete given tasks independently, once trained.

Treat all riders, volunteers, staff and animals with dignity and respect

If you are ready to take the next step to become a volunteer at Hooves of Joy, please download the Volunteer Application Packet under “Forms” or contact us at [email protected] for more information.