Volunteers
Join the ManeGait Family!
ManeGait programs are supported by over 285 dedicated volunteers each week (1,200+ a year). Many volunteers participate in riding lessons as horse leaders or side-walkers for our riders. Some enjoy caring for our herd of therapy horses and maintaining our stables; and other volunteers help with facility upkeep, administrative tasks, or special events.
Over the years, volunteers have told us being at ManeGait and working with our riders and horses in such a peaceful setting is a therapeutic experience in and of itself.
No Horse Experience Needed
There are volunteer roles at ManeGait for equestrians and non-equestrians alike. Our certified staff will teach you everything you need to know to safely and effectively work with our horses and riders. Many volunteers come to us with little or no horse experience. We love to share our mission and to teach skills to those interested in learning. We also have opportunities for those more experienced in horsemanship.
Volunteer Opportunities
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Sidewalker
Sidewalkers work along side the rider in the arena, maintaining safety awareness, while providing physical and motivational support. A rider may have up to two sidewalks depending on their needs.
Qualifications
• 14 years or older.
• No horse experience required!
• Able to walk briskly in sand for 15-20 minutes and jog intermittently for short periods of time while the horse trots.
Training and Sign Up
• Register in our Volunteer Portal to complete the volunteer application and releases.
• Attend Volunteer Training.
Commitment
• Sidewalkers commit to 1.5 hour time slots once (or more times) a week for a 6-week session.
• Times slots are available days or evenings Monday to Saturday.
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Horse Leader
The main responsibility of the Horse Leader is to control the horse during grooming and the lesson. The Horse Leader helps the rider guide the horse to start, stop, and move until the rider is capable of controlling the horse independently.
Qualifications:
• 14 years or older.
• Must have experience with horses and be approved by the program director.
• Register in our Volunteer Portal to complete the volunteer application and releases.
Sign Up
• Attend Volunteer Training and Horse Leader Training, additional hands-on training, and continuing education lessons as needed.
• Should be able to walk at a fast pace and jog intermittently during the lesson.
Commitment
• Horse Leaders commit to 1.5 hour time slots once (or more times) a week for a 6-week session.
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Barn Buddy
Barn volunteers support the daily care of our horses and help maintain a clean and safe environment. Tasks include cleaning stalls, filling water buckets, sweeping, and other general barn duties.
Qualifications
• 14 years or older.
• Horse experience preferred but not required.
• Must be comfortable working around horses, hay, and dust.
• Able to lift at least 25 pounds and perform physical tasks.Training and Sign Up
• Register in our Volunteer Portal to complete the volunteer application and releases.
• Attend Barn Buddy Training.Commitment
• Barn volunteers commit to 1 to 1.5-hour shifts once (or more times) a week on an ongoing basis.
• Shifts are available mornings, midday, and afternoons.
