Step 1: Complete the online registration for an upcoming volunteer orientation.

Step 2: Attend the volunteer orientation you are registered for.

Please wear full-length pants or jeans and closed-toed shoes. No shorts, cropped pants, sandals or flip flops!

Check-in at the picnic table from 12:45-1pm. Orientation begins at 1pm. Late arrivals/check-ins are not permitted. If you are still looking for parking at 1pm or not at the check-in area, you are considered late and you will be turned away and asked to re-register for a future orientation.

As you drive into the Ivey Ranch Park Assoc. facility, continue straight (pass Canine Companions on your right), you will soon see an arena and barn on your right (this is where we will meet).  The parking spaces closest to the check-in area fill up quickly so please allow yourself plenty of time to park and walk over to the check-in area before 1pm. Park in designated parking spaces only. Do not park in fire lanes or in Canine Companions for Independence’s parking lot. 

Volunteers ages 9-13 years old will need a parent or guardian with them for the duration of orientation, the parent cannot be waiting in the car. Volunteers ages 14-17 years old do not need an adult present. Please note that any minor with special needs will need the presence of a parent or guardian during orientation.

Any volunteer with special needs will need to be able to function in a group setting with minimal supervision. If they are not able to perform their tasks in a group setting then they will need a “buddy”. Their “buddy” can either be their parent or their guardian that has also participated in orientation who is able to work side by side with them and help them with their tasks.

Assists with clients in all aspects of a class; may walk alongside the client and the horse; may learn to lead a horse; can assist with the grooming and turn out of our horses. This opportunity is excellent for those who want to interact with both horses and clients with special needs.

Responsible for grooming, bathing, stall cleaning, and equipment maintenance of our gorgeous horses. This opportunity is great for those interested in dedicated time with horses and the care it takes to maintain them.

For volunteers ages 9-17, a parent or guardian will need to be participating together (long pants, closed-toed shoes) and must have completed our orientation.

(20-40 hour weeks; application process opens in March and is for June and July)

Interns assist with Summer Camp attendees aged 7 to 17, disabled and able-bodied alike, in a variety of roles. These roles may include grooming, tacking, and leading horses during class, assisting in humane education, feeding and watering horses, basic vet care, stable management, and assisting instructors during riding class. Training will be provided for all positions so Interns can be moved between programming when needed. Applicants must be at least 14 years of age by June 22nd.

More Information

Feeds and provides water for horses, cleans stalls, and occasionally grooms horses. Barn Buddies is an excellent introduction to horses and horse care.

Note, there needs to be 1 staff and 1 parent present. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays during excessive heat or rain, a parent will need to be present.

This opportunity allows all volunteers to participate in caring and interacting with horses and the clients we serve. This day involves all aspects of the program!