Volunteer Opportunities
Please take a look over our Types of Volunteer opportunities, then visit our Become a Volunteer page to register online.
Volunteers should be 14 years of age or older to participate in our riding classes and be able to walk and jog alongside the horse at a trot. We do offer a select few “walk-only” classes, so please connect with the Volunteer Coordinator if you think you might be a walk-only volunteer. Contact volunteer@windrushfarm.org
Horse Handlers
Horse experience required
A horse handler is responsible for bringing the horse down to the arena from the barn for the lesson, leading and managing the horse during the lesson, and then returning the horse to the barn. We rely on the horse handler to monitor the behavior of the horse during class, and report any concerns to the instructor. We also offer unmounted programming, in which case a horse handler might be helping the client on the ground, demonstrating and assisting with horse management. Horse handlers need to have good recent horse experience (such as owning your own horse or being currently involved in horsemanship classes and riding), and a willingness to learn our horsemanship techniques to keep handling skills consistent for our horses.
Sidewalkers
No horse experience required
A sidewalker walks and/or jogs alongside the horse while the client is riding. The sidewalker is responsible for helping to keep the client safe and achieve the goals in the class. This may involve a safety hold of the client for an entire lesson, or a more hands off approach, depending on the needs of the client. The sidewalker is an extension of the instructor, who helps to guide and coach the client through the lesson. You do not need any prior horse experience to be a sidewalker.
Barn Buddies
Volunteers for our “Barn Buddies” program work one-on-one with a client, who may or may not also be accompanied by a job coach or similar. Client goals are centered around unmounted horsemanship, but may expand into vocational skills as well. A Barn Buddy volunteer is usually in the barn, helping to groom and tack horses. Working with a curriculum, the volunteer will help teach the client about various topics which may include horse behavior, horse management, horse health, and barn management. Barn Buddy volunteers should have good recent horse experience (such as owning your own horse or being currently involved in horsemanship classes and riding), and a willingness to learn and teach our horsemanship techniques.
Summer Program Volunteers
We run all-day week-long programs from the end of June until mid-August. We look for volunteer
s with good horse experience to help with both our recreational and therapeutic programs. Volunteers are an extension of the instructor. They will help teach our clients to groom and tack, and give lots of encouragement! Volunteers also help with general barn chores such as turnout and feeding. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one full week of volunteering in the summer. Some programs include reading, writing and gardening as part of the curriculum!
Corporate, Community or School Group Volunteering
Windrush Farm is a 38 acre working farm, with access to miles of trails, which means we always have something do on the property! We welcome groups to help with a wide variety of projects including: painting, cleaning, washing, fence mending, clearing trails, building new pathways, weeding, mulching and fall and spring cleanup. Projects can be from two hours to a full day. We look forward to seeing you and your co-workers and friends on the farm and thank you in advance for your help with maintaining Windrush for our clients and horses.
For more information email volunteer@windrushfarm.org
Special Events
Throughout the year we need volunteers for special events. Examples include the Special Olympics, our annual Gala and resource fairs.
Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@windrushfarm.org