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.

• 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.