Who can volunteer?

All volunteers must be at least 14 years old and capable of walking and jogging in sandy, uneven footing for up to 30 minutes at a time. Experience with horses or with persons with disabilities is not required for sidewalking. Leaders must have extensive experience handling horses on the ground. New volunteers must go through our orientation program prior to working with riders and horses. 

Volunteer Commitment

Arena Volunteers are scheduled by session, and we ask that volunteers commit to their riders each week, for the duration of the session that you sign up for. Our volunteers are essential—if you aren't present, our riders might not be able to ride. We do, of course, arrange subs for planned absences. The reward is great—you get to see your rider improve & grow each week! Our 2024 sessions for group adaptive horsemanship lessons are:

• Spring Semester—February 26-June 29 (no classes May 25-27 for Memorial Day Weekend)

• Fall Semester—September 9-December 21 (no classes September 23-28 for Blue Ribbon Bash and November 25-30 for Thanksgiving)

Volunteer shifts

Arena Volunteers and Lesson Prep Volunteers can choose from these fixed-time shifts, year-round or by the session:

• Mondays: 2:30-4 pm, 3:30-5 pm, 4-6 pm

• Tuesdays: 3-5 pm, 5-6 pm, 6-8:45 pm

• Wednesdays: 3-5 pm, 5-6 pm, 6-8:45 pm, 6:30-8:30 pm

• Thursdays: 3-5 pm, 5-6 pm, 6-8:45 pm

• Fridays: 3:30-5:30 pm

• Saturdays: 8-9 am, 9 am-12 pm 

Or, we also have opportunities for seasonal programming:

• Discovery Days - Mondays 10 am - 12 pm, as scheduled