join us
Volunteer at Horses Help
How can you help?
Volunteers are SO important around here and there are many ways to help. All our new volunteers go through an orientation, so even if you've never been around a horse, we'll get you trained up and comfortable.
Level 1
Side-walkers & Coaches
Sidewalkers and Coaches are individuals who are trained to verbally and/or physically assist our Participants in processing instructor directions maintaining their balance, engaging with peers, etc. during our adaptive riding classes.
Requirements:
Ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2-4 hours for 6 week duration. Ability to walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes, ability to lift at least 50 pounds, ability to jog for 200 feet.
Prerequisites:
Completion of New Volunteer Orientation
Required Training:
Completing Sidewalker & Coach Training and Passing Practical Evaluation
Level 2
Horse Handler
Participate in turn in/turn out and help prepare horses for their classes. They also assist participants with grooming and tacking during horsemanship activities.
Requirements:
Ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2–4 hours for 6 weeks; walk briskly for 30 minutes, lift at least 50 pounds, jog 200 feet; demonstrate understanding of equine body language, communication, and the 'Horses Help Way'; and physically and cognitively process the environment to quickly respond to various situations.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of New Volunteer Orientation, Sidewalker & Coach Training and Practical Evaluation
Required Training:
Horse Handler Training and Passing Practical Evaluation
Level 3
Horse Leaders
Horse Leaders are responsible for the safety of the horse and the team as a whole; horse leaders assist in ground and mounted classes. Come before class to groom, warm-up and tack horses and then lead them for students.
Requirements:
Ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2–4 hours for 6 weeks; walk briskly for 30 minutes, lift at least 50 pounds, and jog 200 feet; actively volunteer in adaptive riding/horsemanship classes with an understanding of horse groundwork skills and consistent implementation of Horses Help policies and procedures; and physically and cognitively process the environment to react quickly to various situations.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of New Volunteer Orientation, Sidewalker & Coach Training and Practical Evaluation, Horse Handler Training and Practical Evaluation (must be an active volunteer in classes for a minimum of 1 session & volunteers invited to Horse Leader Training by staff).
Required Training:
Completion of Horse Leader Training and Practical Evaluation (Staff Invitation Only)
Barn Buddy
Barn buddies help with stall cleaning, feeding, turn out, etc. No horse experience required, however you must be able to work independently alongside our other barn buddies.
Requirements:
Ability to walk briskly for 30 minutes, lift at least 50 pounds, and jog 200 feet (minimum for side-walker/coach roles), and lead a horse with a thorough understanding of equine body language and Horses Help Safety Protocol (for horse lead roles).
Prerequisites:
Completion of New Volunteer Orientation
Required Training:
Volunteers area assigned to a Barn Buddy lead for 'on the job' training. All volunteers are expected to complete training for May–June summer programs, which offer a unique format and pace compared to the regular program year.
Special Events/Fundraising
Attend volunteer fairs at local schools and companies to promote the various volunteer opportunities available to HH community. Attend local equine events to promote Horses Help, or spend time planning a golf tournament, dinner and auction or any other of our amazing events!
Requirements:
Ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2–4 hours for 6 weeks, demonstrate a willingness to learn about Horses Help's mission, vision, values, and programs, and possess strong organization, communication, teamwork, time management, and follow-through skills.
Prerequisites:
Completion of New Volunteer Orientation
Required Training:
None.
Cardinals Crew
The Cardinals Crew runs two vending locations at the University of Phoenix Stadium during all home games. Additional Cardinals Crew paperwork will be required.
Requirements:
Minimum age of 19 years old. Completion of all required background checks and all paperwork required by the facility.
Prerequisites:
None.
Required Training:
None.
Garden Gnomes
Are you the green thumb type? We can always use help to maintain and improve the ever-growing garden and aquaponics system. Come out and cultivate fruit and veggie producing garden and train future horticulture volunteers. There is also the possibility of assisting the participants of the Dementia Program who will be working in the garden as well.
Requirements:
Ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2–4 hours for 6 weeks, physically and cognitively process situations that arise in the garden environment, and tolerate extended outdoor activity.
Prerequisites:
Completion of New Volunteer Orientation
Required Training:
None.
Crafty Crew
Assist with creative decoration of Horses Help for upcoming special events. Make and send out birthday wishes to Participants and Volunteers. Keep signage and calendars up to date around the property.
Requirements:
Ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2-4 hours for 6 week duration.
Prerequisites:
Completion of orientation in the last year.
Required Training:
None.
Administrative Angels
Volunteers who are skilled at data entry, drafting correspondence and meeting notes, phoning, research, accounting, creating newsletters, maintaining website, creating story boards, taking pictures and reaching out to others may be a good fit for the Administrative and Marketing team.
Requirements:
Proficient in multiple computer programs, experience in administrative or marketing field, organized, solid communicator, team-oriented, time efficient, solid follow-through, self-motivated.
Prerequisites:
Completion of New Volunteer Orientation
Required Training:
Volunteers will work with staff for 'on the job' training depending on the area in which they will be active.
Facility Maintenance
HH can always use help maintaining and improving the premises including weeding and watering, as well as projects to maintain the facility.
Requirements:
Must be handy, knowledgeable, organized, possess strong communication skills, work independently while collaborating with others, manage time efficiently, and follow through on tasks; ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2–4 hours for 6 weeks is a plus.
Prerequisites:
Completion of orientation in the last year.
Required Training:
None.
New Volunteers
How to Get Started
Interested in joining our team? We are so grateful for the volunteers who choose to spend their time with us. Connect with us at volunteer@horseshelp.org or follow the steps below to learn more!
When you reach out, please let us know how you heard about us. Lisa will be happy to guide you through the process to get involved.
Click the button below to create a new volunteer account
01.
Sign up for and attend a volunteer orientation
02.
03.
Explore and register for volunteer opportunities
*Please note: the minimum age requirement to volunteer at Horses Help is 16 years of age
If you are interested in volunteering as a group, please email volunteer@horseshelp.org