Volunteer with Hope on Horseback


Make a Difference, One Horse and One Life at a Time


At Hope on Horseback, volunteers are the heart of everything we do. From helping participants during equine-assisted programs to supporting our horses and special events, your time and energy make a real, lasting impact in the lives of children and adults facing disabilities, trauma, or emotional challenges.


Why Volunteer with Us?


  • Transform Lives: Directly support participants as they build confidence, resilience, and life skills.
  • Connect with Horses: Gain hands-on experience working with our gentle, therapeutic horses.
  • Be Part of a Caring Community: Join a team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and families committed to healing and growth.
  • Learn New Skills: Receive training in equine safety, adaptive assistance, and trauma-informed practices.


Volunteer Opportunities


We welcome volunteers of all experience levels.


Opportunities include:


  • Assisting during therapeutic riding sessions
  • Side Walkers - Walking beside the horse while a rider is on to assist with balance, safety and activities
  • Leaders - After being a side walker, the next step in our volunteer program is advancing to a leader position.  The leader is the one in control of the horse during the riding sessions and ensures the riders safety and fun, while participating in classes.
  • Supporting equine-assisted learning programs like School Age Programming such as Stable Quest, Barber Center, and others.
  • Crime Victims Center Programming and Veterans Programming also require special EAL Volunteers
  • Helping at fundraising events like Bingo Night
  • Administrative and office support


Requirements


  • Minimum age: 14 years old
  • Commitment:  Evening and daytime volunteer opportunities are available
  • We will find a schedule that meets your needs!
  • Training: Provided by Hope on Horseback
  • NO Horse care or riding experience necessary!


How to Get Started


  1. Complete our volunteer application form
  2. Attend a volunteer orientation and training session
  3. Begin making a difference in our community!
“Volunteering at Hope on Horseback has been life-changing.
Seeing the joy and confidence in the participants is something I’ll never forget.” – Volunteer Testimonial
  • Woman and instructor adjust a horse’s saddle in a stable, with the rider wearing a red helmet.

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  • People helping a rider on a horse in an indoor arena, with a purple hoop raised nearby.

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  • Children riding horses and standing in an indoor barn arena with a blue barrel and a trainer nearby

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  • Person riding a chestnut horse indoors while another person leads it beside orange cones.

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  • Child riding a horse indoors, led by adults in tie-dye shirts at a barn.

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  • Rider in orange raises arms on a horse in an indoor arena, with two handlers walking beside them.

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  • Child riding a black horse indoors with two handlers nearby in a wooden stable

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  • Person on a brown horse led by two handlers in a stable aisle

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  • Therapist guides a horse with a rider in an indoor arena, with two assistants nearby.

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Join us in creating moments of healing, confidence, and hope

one child and one horse at a time.

Volunteer Forms