Volunteer Opportunities
New Hope could not function without our dedicated volunteers. See below for the primary roles currently available. If you are interested in serving on the board, go to Our Team for open positions.
Our next session begins September 13. Registrations are accepted year round but the next volunteer training session will not be held until August. Placement depends on completing all required paperwork before September 1 and completing volunteer training (for new volunteers). Then the participants will be matched to the right horse and number of volunteers and days/times that work for the family. When enough trained volunteers are available, the participant will be placed on the schedule.
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Horsemanship Program Volunteers
Consists of horse leaders, sidewalkers, and horse handlers. Horse leaders are responsible for horses before, during and after lessons. They receive training on how to prepare horses (groom & tack), how to safely & effectively lead horses during lessons, and the process for removing tack and turning out horses following lessons. Sidewalkers are responsible for remaining with their participant during lessons and receive training on how to safely and effectively provide support to their participant. Horse handlers assist and learn how to catch/release, lead, prepare and care for the horses.
Lead Volunteers
Lead volunteers are typically long-standing volunteers who are responsible for coordinating the activities before and after classes. They also serve as a resource person for other volunteers by guiding and assisting them as needed. This role requires a thorough understanding of the barn, horses and needs of the instructor; therefore, the lead volunteer position is by invitation only.
Equine Program & Facility Volunteers
Equine program and facility volunteers are responsible for assisting with the general care of the horses, feedings, barn and facility upkeep. In addition to the general orientation, barn & facility volunteers are trained for the tasks which they are assigned. Working in the barn and on the property is more physically demanding.
Barn Buddies
Barn buddies must have already volunteered consistently at New Hope for at least six months and continue to perform as a sidewalker or horse leader in at least one lesson a week. These horse-experienced volunteers commit to coming weekly to check the herd for injuries, scrub legs clean of “crud” when needed, and to giving at least one horse who needs it a bubble bath or deep grooming. They are required to attend general orientation, horse leader training, and a barn buddy training by invitation.
Office Volunteers
Office volunteers perform a variety of general clerical duties such as filing, data entry, making copies, assisting with special mailings, etc. Office volunteers receive training provided by the program staff.
Special Skills Volunteers
Volunteers offering to share a special skill or technical experience that may benefit the program are encouraged to do so. Areas of special skills/experience may include graphic design, public relations, photography, etc. Please contact the volunteer coordinator for more information.
Special Events Volunteers
Special events volunteers assist with the various special functions hosted by New Hope throughout the year such as the annual horse show, fundraisers, etc. Duties may include assisting with coordinating an event, serving on a special committee, and/or assisting the actual day of the event. New Hope staff will provide special events volunteers with training and information required to perform their duties.