Volunteer at Saddle Up!
Saddle Up! could not operate without the dedicated help of an army of volunteers from our community.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are numerous volunteer opportunities that require a wide variety of talents. Saddle Up! needs volunteers for our various riding programs, care of our horses, special events, and fundraising. Your volunteer time will make a difference in the lives of our children and their families.
Our riders and horses have the best outcomes when consistent volunteers commit to one lesson per week for the same rider for a sixteen week session of lessons. Saddle Up! gives scheduling preference to long-term volunteers who can meet this commitment.
Volunteer Roles
Opportunities marked with (*) require additional training. All roles require volunteers to be age 16+.
Sidewalker
The primary responsibility of a Sidewalker is to ensure the safety of the rider. It's also the volunteer role that is most interactive with our special children. Sidewalkers must be at least 16 years old and able to walk briskly beside a horse for an average of 30 minutes.
New volunteer training required
*Leader
Leaders are assigned a horse in a riding lesson and are responsible for the horse throughout the lesson. Leaders must be able to walk at a fast pace for 30 minutes and jog intermittently during the lesson. Previous horse experience required.
New Volunteer Training + Leader Training required
*Pony Pal
A Pony Pal must complete New Volunteer Training, Leader Training, and pass a riding evaluation by the Equine Coordinator. Must have been an active volunteer for minimum 3 months and commit to a weekly conditioning schedule for an assigned horse.
Requires riding evaluation + 3 months volunteer experience
Stablehand
Our herd of therapy horses are fed each morning and afternoon by volunteers. All barn and herd care volunteers start by attending Stablehand training that focuses on basic horse handling. Shifts scheduled early morning (7-10am) and late afternoon (4-6pm).
Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Fun on the Farm
Summer-only program volunteers assist staff with supervised activities including music, art, recreation and unmounted equine experiences. One-week blocks available from June-August. Must be available for entire week (either 8:30am-12:30pm or 12:30-4:30pm).
Summer only • Week-long commitment
Fundraising Support
The Development Director needs volunteers with skills and knowledge in the areas of planning and coordinating fundraising efforts that will expand the donor base and generate funds needed to ensure the future of our program.
Special skills in event planning or development
Volunteer Requirements
Physical Requirements
Volunteering safely in our riding programs and the barn requires physical strength and endurance, balance, ability to make mature and quick decisions, ability to bend, twist, lift, hear, and run on uneven surfaces.
- •Able to walk briskly and jog intermittently for 30+ minutes
- •Able to bend, twist, and work on uneven surfaces
- •Feeder and Stable Hand volunteers must be able to lift 50 lbs
- •Age 16+ for lesson volunteers (ages 12-15 eligible for barn work with parent/guardian)
- •Must demonstrate maturity and effective communication skills
- •Current riders at the facility are not eligible to volunteer
Ready to Make a Difference?
Sign up for volunteer training and join our community of dedicated volunteers transforming lives through the power of horses.