Find Your Place at Rising Hope Farms
Every Role Makes a Difference
Our volunteers bring their own gifts, abilities, and experience to the farm. Some walk beside our riders, some lead horses, and others help in the arena, barn, office, or at special events. No matter how you serve, you become part of a team helping provide Faith, Hope and Healing to the special needs community.
Sidewalkers
Primary responsibility is the rider. Side Walkers are requested to be at the arena 30 minutes prior to the riding lesson for which they are scheduled. Side walkers get the most hands-on duties during the therapeutic riding lesson. The Side Walker is located at the side of the horse holding and supporting the rider. Most riders require a side walker on each side. Supporting the rider is the Side Walker’s ultimate responsibility. The Side Walker can also help the instructor in assisting with the therapy while in the arena. The Side Walker’s attitude and demeanor needs to be calm and confident so the rider will feel safe. Side Walkers must be at least 15 years of age.
Horse Handlers
Must be trained by Rising Hope Farms personnel. The primary responsibility is the horse. The Horse Handler arrives 45 minutes to an hour before the riding lesson to brush, tack and warm up the horse. This allows the horse handler to determine the attitude of the horse and helps both the horse handler and the horse to be comfortable with each other before the rider arrives. During the lesson, the horse handler leads the horse as they watch the body language of the horse to make sure the horse remains calm. Horse Handler volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have successfully completed the horse handler training.
Arena Assistants
The primary responsibility of the Arena Assistant is to assist the instructor with set-up and completion of activities during the riding lesson. The Arena Assistant, when not needed in the arena can assist with other responsibilities in the arena, which may include sweeping, organizing and cleaning. Arena Assistants must be at least 14 years of age.
Barn Helper
The primary responsibility of the Barn Helper is to assist the Barn Manager with the duties necessary to make a clean and safe environment for volunteers and horses. May include such activities as helping to maintain and organize tack, cleaning stables, troughs and breezeway. Supervised Barn Helpers may be asked to assist with brushing and tacking of horses. Barn Helpers must be at least 14 years of age.
Special Events & Other Opportunities
These volunteers are responsible for helping plan special events such as barbeques, horse shows and fundraisers. We hope to have two events a year to showcase our riders, program and to promote community awareness.
Administrative Support
These volunteers do not have to be present during the riding session but help with scheduling other volunteers for the sessions and ensuring all paperwork is complete. Most tasks can be done over the phone or from your home. We need help in mailings, fundraising events, publications, etc
Ready to Find Your Place?
Whether you have years of horse experience or have never stepped inside a barn, there may be a place for you at Rising Hope Farms. Training is provided for many volunteer roles, and every helping hand makes a difference.