Volunteering at Hoofbeats

How can YOU help?  Hoofbeats invites you to get involved as a volunteer!  Hoofbeats is primarily a volunteer organization; without our volunteers it would be impossible to provide quality therapeutic riding services to our community.  Horse experience is helpful but not a requirement; in fact, you may possess unique “non-horse” talents that would contribute much to Hoofbeats in important and needed ways.

What do our volunteers do? Here are some examples:

• Lead or sidewalk horses, or spot riders during lessons and horse shows
• Assist with barn chores and the care of horses before and after lessons
• Photograph or take videos of lessons or special events
• Set up the riding ring for games or other special lesson activities
• Operate sound equipment for music during lessons or horse shows
• Assist with clerical chores: file maintenance, inventory of supplies, or computer tasks (such as formatting documents, making posters, organizing pictures, creating PowerPoint presentations)
• Provide minor carpentry assistance; help repair equipment and facilities
• Assist with fund raising projects; write grants
• Sew costumes for riders participating in costume classes or drill team exhibitions
• Lend your special skills, such as signing, to assist special needs riders

Hoofbeats welcomes adult volunteers, and teens 14 years of age and older.  (Younger children who want to volunteer, should ask their parents to inquire about the Hoofbeats “Barn Rats” program.)

How do you learn more about volunteering at Hoofbeats?

Contact the office to schedule a time to come in and talk with the Program Director.  You will be under no obligation if you decide after all that Hoofbeats is not a “good fit” for you.  The Program Director will ask you to talk about your experience, interests, and goals, and will welcome your questions.  Request a copy of Hoofbeats Volunteer Handbook.  The Program Director will suggest possible work assignments, discuss schedule options, and introduce you to the other staff.  You will also have a chance to tour the Hoofbeats facilities, and meet the horses!

To become a Hoofbeats volunteer you will need to fill out and turn in the three forms listed below.  These are the forms that all volunteers must complete and submit annually, and they must be on file at Hoofbeats before a volunteer can work.  These forms are downloadable in PDF format, so you can print them for your use:

• Volunteer/Staff Information
• Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement
• Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment

Complete the forms in full, and be sure to sign and date in all the appropriate places.  

Hoofbeats looks forward to welcoming you on board!