Ivey Ranch is a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Premier Accredited Equestrian Facility. We host horseback riding therapy for clients with special needs and different abilities. Our volunteers are how we can serve this special community. Volunteers not only help care for the horses but help our riders have their riding experience. An equestrian volunteer has the option to participate in several programs depending on their age and availability.
Requirements for NEW equestrian volunteers:
The best part about volunteering with our Equestrian program is that there is no horse experience necessary! We will teach you everything you need to know. Equestrian volunteers, adults and children (minimum age is 9), must participate in an orientation and complete an application prior to participating in the program.
2024 Orientation Dates
January 6th
March 9th
April 27th
August 3rd
September 14th
November 2nd
All orientations are held from 1pm-2:30pm
Late arrivals are not permitted and you will be asked to attend a future orientation.
Step 1: Submit an online Equestrian Volunteer Application or downloadable PDF. We also provide copies at orientation.
Step 2: Attend our next volunteer orientation.
Please wear full-length pants or jeans and closed-toed shoes. No shorts, cropped pants, sandals or flip flops!
By submitting an online application, you are already letting us know you will be attending our next orientation.
After orientation, you will be able to sign up for the different shifts we have.
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 up.
If you are a minor, please bring a parent or guardian to Orientation. Parents and guardians will also need to complete a volunteer application.
Depending on the shifts you choose to participate in, parents and guardians will need to participate together.
About Our Opportunities
We have many opportunities, all of which are a great way to help a person with special needs, get some horse time, and can be a chance for the family to do something together. Check out all the opportunities we have available! Let us know about any additional questions you may have.
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.
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!
Downloadable forms:
- Equestrian Program Volunteer Application 2024 for new equestrian volunteers
- Know Your Horse Chart 2024 for all equestrian volunteers
- Rules of the Barn 2024 for all equestrian volunteers
- Equine Volunteer Handbook 2024 for all equestrian volunteers
- Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents for all riders
- Returning Volunteer Renewal Form 2024 for Returning Equestrian Volunteers