At H&H there is a job for everyone. It may come as a surprise to you that not all volunteers are experienced equestrians. Certain tasks require horse experience, but that is not necessary in many other volunteer roles. Many of our volunteers begin with little or no experience, but through H&H’s hands-on educational opportunities, have gone on to become fine horse handlers. Equine Support Team: Since our horses are an integral part of the therapy team, their care is of the utmost importance. Barn tasks include: - Barn Team - Daily turn out/in from pastures, stall cleaning, sweeping
- Schooling Team - a group of riders with intermediate and above skills
- Stretching Team
- Basic first aid
- Completion of daily barn chores
- Working with instructor to make sure the correct horses/tack are ready for class
Sidewalker: The sidewalker (either 1 or 2) walks to the side of the rider during class. The sidewalker’s primary responsibility is for the safety of the student during class. Sidewalker tasks include: - Greeting the student as he/she arrives
- Remaining with the student and get his/her helmet fitted
- Assisting the student in balancing on the horse, utilizing special holds
- Following directions of the instructor during class and assisting the student only when needed to promote independence
- Understanding the special needs of each student
- Mounting assists
- Understanding safety and emergency procedures
Horse Handler:The primary job of the horse handler is to deal with the horse, not the student. Horse handler tasks include: - Grooming and tacking the horse before class
- Maintaining control of the horse
- Tack cleaning
- Understanding horse body language and horse psychology
***Horse handler requires special testing. If you have extensive horse experience and want to be a
horse handler, please contact the volunteer coordinator.Ring Assistant:The primary job of the ring assistant is to help the Instructor with any special needs during class (i.e. bringing items into the ring, helping with games, switching out sidewalkers who need relief, etc.) Team Leader:The primary job of the team leader is to act as a mentor to new volunteers and assist staff in a variety of ways, such as: - Work with instructor on volunteer assignments for a particular class
- Work with volunteers regarding questions, concerns and attendance
- Report any concerns, questions, or needs to the Volunteer Coordinator and/or Program Director
Camp Counselor/(Teen Leadership Program): The purpose of this program is to provide motivated teens the opportunity to gain leadership experience and be a positive role model as a camp counselor for children who are enrolled in our camp programs. Applicants must be at least 14 years of age with extensive horse knowledge. Click here for more info!
Other Jobs:Because H&H is primarily a volunteer program, if you have any special skills, talents, please let us know – you never know what help we might need. Some of these jobs include: - Office help
- Accounting & Legal support
- Fundraising & Computer skills
- Facility repairs & maintenance; General Contracting
- Artistic work & Photography
- Serving on Advisory Boards or Committees
- Musical skills & Entertainment
- Public Relations
- Special Projects from individual staff members
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