Volunteers are vital to our program and we could not operate without our fabulous team of people! There are a wide range of opportunities to volunteer, whether you prefer being with the horses, children, in the office or even helping us to bring in much needed funds. Volunteering can provide a great opportunity for you to learn new skills, meet some new people and perhaps get a little bit of physical fitness, all while giving back to your community.
We need up to nine volunteers in order to have a thirty minute lesson for three riders. We also have many other ways for people to volunteer.
Sidewalkers assist the rider with balancing on the horse, as well as in helping to keep the rider focused on the instructions being given by the instructor. Sidewalkers focus on the riders and often develop very close relationships with the riders they assist.
Horse leaders handle the horse during a lesson, including getting them groomed, tacked and warmed up prior to the lesson and they assist the rider in controlling the horse. Everyone starts out with our program as a sidewalker, but may attend horse leader training after a minimum of one month of volunteering
Our barn team is a group of people who come out on Saturdays to keep our barn looking great! In order to come without a parent, youth must be a minimum of 12 years old, but anyone can come as long as a parent is present.
There are many other ways to volunteer and use your talents! We would love to hear about your special skills in marketing/fundraising, landscaping, photography, or videography. We also have a community outreach team which attends booths and various events in order to get us more awareness. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, fill out the interest form below and we will get in touch!
From ages 10 and up, youth can volunteer as long as a parent is with them.
From ages 12 and up, youth are able to volunteer without a parent as long as they are mature and able to follow directions.
Below is the signup for volunteering in the barn, which is primarily something we open up on Saturday mornings from 9am-12pm. This is open to anyone, especially people who are wanting to volunteer in a short term capacity.
Barn Help SignupSign up for a volunteer orientation. Children ages 12 and up can help in the barn (10 and up with a parent) but they cannot help in classes until they turn 14. If you cannot attend any of the orientations, please email us at volunteer.fetc@gmail.com.
Sign UpBring your application with you when you attend the orientation! Also be sure to wear closed toed shoes and park in front of our education center, which has the guest entrance sign. We look forward to having you!
At orientation, we will ask you to complete a background check if you are 18 or older. You can also send us a copy to volunteer.fetc@gmail.com if you have one through work. If you want to get a head start on the process, the link to complete a check is below and costs $10, just enter the package code: FF41bg.
Background Check
1. What physical ability is required to volunteer?
Volunteering at an equestrian therapeutic center is mildly physical. You must be able to walk at least 30-40 minutes and jog for short distances. However, if you are unable to participate in the program for physical reasons, there are many other ways to get involved!
2. Do I have to have horse experience?
Horse experience is not required to be a side walker. As long as you are willing to learn, we will teach you what you need to do.
To be a horse leader, some experience with horses is necessary, but the needed experience can be gained from volunteering as a side walker for awhile and getting some additional training at the center.
3. What qualities are you looking for in volunteers?
Patience is a good tool to have in your pocket along with focusing on the students and their needs, not our own wants and egos.
4. How does scheduling work?
You can either commit to coming on a specific day each week, which is a great way to build relationships with our riders, or you can sign up week by week for our Thursday and Saturday classes. We use Signup genius for these Thursday and Saturday classes because not everyone can commit to a regular session. More information will be given at your orientation.
5. Which days and times do you run your program?
We have classes Monday through Saturday. Our school program runs Tuesday through Friday mornings for eight week sessions and our TR classes are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Saturday mornings. This is subject to change, as we are always adding more opportunities to volunteer!
We love getting groups to come out and volunteer here at the center! Whether you are a corporate group or church group, this can be a great way to bond as a team while serving the community. From raking to poop scooping to construction projects, there is truly something for everyone out here. In order to sign up your group please fill out the link below and someone will get in touch with you about scheduling a time to come out.
Please have everyone attending fill out the following Visitor Form and bring with them when they come.
