Become
an Equi-Ed
Volunteer
To contact us about volunteer training
and other opportunities,
email volunteers@equied.org or
call 707-5-HORSES (707-546-7737)
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Volunteer opportunities are open to all members of the community, including retirees, teachers on summer break, horse enthusiasts, college interns, and high school students, with a variety of activities to get involved in, such as
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assisting with lessons
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horse care
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feeding and feed preparation
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stable work, barn chores and stall cleaning
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fundraising and events
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admin tasks
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and more!
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Volunteers usually make a 2 to 4 hour (or more!) weekly commitment to the program to ensure adequate staffing for lessons and other program/horse needs. This also creates continuity with the riders and horses.
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No horse experience? No problem! We’ll provide training in safety and horse handling. Our experienced team will guide you as you learn and become more comfortable at the barn.
Volunteers are trained through a combination of hands-on/shadowing activities and lecture/readings and videos, over the course of 12-20 hours - depending upon the incoming skill level of the volunteer. Our extensive training provides an overview of disabilities, horse handling techniques, adapted tack and equipment, role play of lesson situations and much more. We also provide on-going training opportunities for our volunteers.
Minimum age to volunteer with Equi-Ed is 14 years old. Contact us for more info about our Junior Volunteer Program.
Ready to Volunteer?
Individuals who wish to volunteer with Equi-Ed are required to submit an application and complete intake forms - please see below. We also ask that new volunteers read our Volunteer Training Manual, which is provided to you by email, prior to the training. ​​​
​​​Fill out the Application PDF, download and email completed forms to volunteers@equied.org.
We look forward to meeting you!
2025 Volunteer Info and Training Sessions:
June 14: Volunteer Orientation & Training -10am to 1pm
August 17: Volunteer Orientation & Training - time tba
November 15: Volunteer Orientation & Training - time tba
Testimonials
"I could write VOLUMES about all the wonderful things that Equi-Ed is. In short though, the Directors and instructors ROCK. Their attention to safety, details, education, fun, and happiness is above and beyond. Never have I met such a selfless group. It is life changing watching the students grow in strength and self-esteem while learning, exercising and having fun. They are the true meaning of champions!” - Joanne, Equi-Ed Volunteer
"I have been a volunteer at Equi-Ed since 2008. A friend introduced me to the program and I absolutely love it. I mostly help with the feeding of the horses but have also been involved in lessons. To witness the incredible benefits to the riders is amazing to say the least. I feel very privileged to be a small part in this amazing program. The instructors and managers are truly special, they never waver in their commitment and love for what they do. The team of students, instructors and horses makes for a program that benefits all involved. As a volunteer I get so much more out of it than I could ever give back." - PJ - Equi-Ed Volunteer