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"I learn so much more from my riders than I could ever
teach them. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The best way to find
yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ I
have found so much of myself at High Hopes."
--A High Hopes Volunteer |
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| Volunteers are the heart of High Hopes.
Without their hard work and dedication, our mission — to bring the
extraordinary benefits of therapeutic riding and equine activities
to a wide range of individuals—would be no more than words on paper.
Our therapeutic riding program operates year-round, six days
a week from morning until evening. Our staff and volunteers work
together, forming a vital team that is essential to our ongoing
success. Individual reasons for volunteering may differ, but giving of oneself and forming special connections with people and horses create a common bond with everyone involved in our
program. Our volunteer needs are many. Whether your experience
with horses is life-long or minimal, your willingness to give
yourself and your time is what we need. |
VOLUNTEER
JOB OPPORTUNITIES |
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| Volunteers contribute to High Hopes in many ways. Some of the areas
in which we rely on volunteers are listed below. |
- Lesson Program – Volunteers assist by leading horses or walking beside riders (sidewalking) during classes. Horse leaders need a general
knowledge of horses. Horse leaders assist in preparing horses for classes (groom and tack),
and are responsible for leading horses during class. Sidewalkers
do not need experience. They are responsible for offering physical and emotional support. Lesson
program volunteers should be willing to commit to coming the same day
and time each week and are required to attend a general volunteer
orientation and training session.
- Carriage Driving Program - Volunteers attend
a general volunteer orientation and training session,
then attend a series of sessions with the driving
instructor. Driving volunteers include horse handlers and able- bodied whips.
- Equine Program – Volunteers work directly with barn staff
to help feed and care for the horses and the facility. After 50 volunteer hours, they are eligible to become "Barn
Buddies" and provide TLC to a special horse. Volunteers in the equine program should be willing to commit to a specified, consistent period
of time each week and must first attend a general volunteer orientation and
training session.
- Office - Volunteers assist with word processing,
data entry, photocopying, bulk mailings and other support
tasks. They also
serve as receptionists and help answer phone calls.
- Facility/Farm– Volunteers
help with general maintenance, repairs and improvements
of the facility, including fencing.
- Special Events – Volunteers
serve on event committees and assist with production during
the various fundraisers and
special events that High Hopes holds each year.
- Special Skills – Volunteers
who possess skills or professional/technical experience that
may benefit High Hopes, such as photography,
graphic design, computer knowledge, etc., are encouraged
to contact us.
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No matter what your skills or special talents may be, there’s
a place and a need for them at High Hopes. For more information about
volunteer opportunities and training sessions, please contact Laura Brown, Volunteer
Coordinator, at 860-434-1974, Ext. 12 or email lbrown@highhopestr.org.
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