Getting Involved

Voluntering at Faith Equestrian

Making a Difference

Volunteers are vital to our program and we could not operate without our fabulous team! There are a wide range of opportunities to volunteer, whether you prefer being with the horses, the children, in the office or even helping us to bring in much needed funds. Volunteering can provide a great opportunity for you to learn new skills, meet new people and perhaps get a little bit of exercise, all while giving back to your community.

Volunteer Now

Types of Volunteers Needed

We need up to nine volunteers in order to have a thirty minute lesson for three riders.

Sidewalkers assist the rider with balancing on the horse, as well as in helping to keep the rider focused on the instructions being given by the instructor. Sidewalkers focus on the riders and often develop very close relationships with the riders they assist.

Horse leaders handle the horse during a lesson, including getting them groomed, tacked and warmed up prior to the lesson and they assist the rider in controlling the horse. You will start out with us as a sidewalker, but may attend horse leader training after a minimum of one month.

Our barn team is a group of people who come out on Saturdays to keep our barn looking great! In order to come without a parent, you must be at least 12 years old.

There are many other ways to volunteer and use your talents! We would love to hear about your special skills in marketing/fundraising, landscaping, photography, or videography. We also have a community outreach team which attends booths and various events.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities please fill out the interest form below!

WE ARE CURRENTLY IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS ON TUESDAYS FROM 2:30PM, AND ON THURSDAYS FROM 3:30PM.

Steps to Volunteer

For Anyone Age 10 and Up

Children ages 10 and 11 may volunteer with a parent.

Ages 12 and older may volunteer as Barn Helpers without a parent, as long as they are able to follow directions.

After training, children ages 14 and older may work with the students as a side walker.

Most Barn Helpers come out on Saturday mornings from 9am-12pm. If you are interested in helping out as a Barn Helper, fill out the interest form below.

For Anyone Age 18 and Up

At orientation, we will ask you to complete a background check if you are 18 or older. You can also send us a copy to [email protected] if you have one through work. If you want to get a head start on the process, the link to complete a check is below and costs $10, just enter the package code: FF41bg.

Start Background Check

Volunteer Interest Form

Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Age

What job are you interested in?

What other areas are you interested in?

Other Interest:

What is your availability?

How did you hear about us?

Other:

Do you have any other questions, comments or pertinent information for us?

1 + 1 =

Volunteer Experiences

I came across this quote by Rebecca Carroll which really appealed to me: “A pony is a childhood dream. A horse is an adult treasure”. Being able to volunteer at Faith is definitely a treasure. A great group of people with a common bond who truly love what they do is a privilege to be part of.

– Arlene Manuel

Volunteering at Faith has been an answer to a sincere prayer request I had made, asking God to direct me in how I could best serve in my retirement. A dear friend from Book Club directed me to FETC, where she volunteers as a Side Walker.

– Trish Delahanty

The thing that I like best about volunteering at Faith is getting to know the kids and seeing them progress. Going to Special Olympics and seeing the riders show what they have learned is really a wonderful experience.

– Alan Eckols

From the first day I started volunteering at FETC, I fell in love – from barn chores, horse leading, side walking to serving at events. Being around the horses and students is as therapeutic for me as it is for them. I love seeing the students thrive as a result of this program.

– Pam Moore

What physical ability is required to volunteer?

Volunteering at an equestrian therapeutic center is mildly physical. You must be able to walk at least 30-40 minutes and jog for short distances. However, if you are unable to participate in the program for physical reasons, there are many other ways to get involved!

Do I have to have horse experience?

Horse experience is not required to be a side walker. As long as you are willing to learn, we will teach you what you need to do.

To be a horse leader, some experience with horses is necessary, but the needed experience can be gained from volunteering as a side walker for awhile and getting some additional training at the center.

What qualities are you looking for in volunteers?

Patience is a good tool to have in your pocket along with focusing on the students and their needs, not our own wants and egos.

How does scheduling work?

You can either commit to coming on a specific day each week, which is a great way to build relationships with our riders, or you can sign up week by week for our classes.

Work Groups

We love getting groups to come out and volunteer here at the center! Whether you are a corporate group or church group, this can be a great way to bond as a team while serving the community. From raking to poop scooping to construction projects, there is truly something for everyone out here. In order to sign up your group please let us know by emailing us at [email protected] and someone will get in touch with you about scheduling a time to come out.

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