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
My heart is filled every week when I witness the joy and progress each client comes away with.
I have volunteered at HorsePower for eleven years now! I am a retired educator. I taught elementary school, country school, special education, and middle school during my 34 years as an educator. I began volunteering as soon as I retired. My experience with the program has been varied. I have been a sidewalker as well as leading the horse through sessions. I also have helped with horse chores and vaccinations. My own horse Dandy has filled in for lessons during winter sessions. I became a board member 10 years ago, which led to hiring staff, being on the special events and herd committees. Our fundraiser includes a silent auction. I have knocked on doors and emailed and made phone calls to donors for auction items. My passion for this program is evident with my continued commitment. My heart is filled every week when I witness the joy and progress each client comes away with. I believe the volunteers benefit as much as the clients do with each lesson! I am thrilled that HorsePower was able to relocate and continue with this wonderful therapy program into its 40th year!
Maurieva Lykken
I’ve been volunteering at Horsepower for about three-ish years now. It is such a joy to watch the clients when they first start their eight weeks session to the end of their session… and even over the years.
You can see the progress in them, which is fantastic! Their confidence improves. Their strength, mind, body and soul are improved!! For someone who’s never been around horses, they may think oh it’s just a pony ride. But if you’ve ever been on the back of a horse, you quickly learn how you use almost every muscle and all of your senses in your body.
I’ve heard it said that horses can hear the human heart from about 4 feet away. Their hearts can sync up with ours, lowering our heart rate making us more calm. Horses are truly magnificent animals who benefit humans so well.
The staff at Horsepower are truly amazing. Cannot say enough about them. You can tell they truly love what they are doing and will go out of their way to help. The other volunteers that I have had the pleasure to be around are such wonderful people, kind hearted and truly enjoy what they are doing. Once again, I cannot say enough about Horsepower, the amazing horses, staff, and clients!!!
Being out at Horsepower brings me immense joy !!
Barbara Parker - Volunteer - Testimonial
