Volunteer With Horses & Individuals With Special Needs – Palm Beach Gardens

Volunteer With Horses & Individuals With Special Needs

Organization: Unbridled Paths

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Volunteer Type: On-site

Cause Areas: Disability Services, Children & Youth, Community, Animals, Health & Wellness

About Unbridled Paths

Unbridled Paths is a nonprofit organization providing equine-assisted therapeutic and adaptive riding activities for children and adults with special needs. Our programs help participants build confidence, independence, strength, communication skills, and meaningful connections through interaction with horses.

Our volunteers are an essential part of every lesson and program. You do not have to be an experienced horse person to make a difference. Training and guidance are provided for volunteer positions.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Depending on your experience, comfort level, and the needs of our program, volunteers may assist with:

• Horse Leading: Leading a therapy horse during riding lessons while following the instructor's directions.
• Side Walking: Walking beside a rider to provide physical assistance, encouragement, balance support, and additional safety.
• Lesson Support: Helping instructors prepare for lessons, organize equipment, and assist participants before and after their riding session.
• Horse and Barn Support: Assisting with grooming, preparing horses for lessons, returning equipment, and helping maintain an organized and safe environment.
• Participant Support: Welcoming riders and families and helping create a positive, patient, and encouraging atmosphere.
• Events and Special Programs: Assisting with community events, fundraising activities, open houses, festivals, and other Unbridled Paths programs.

Volunteers work under the direction of Unbridled Paths staff and instructors and are expected to follow all established safety procedures.

Qualifications

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Dependable and able to arrive on time for scheduled volunteer assignments.
• Patient, kind, encouraging, and respectful of individuals of all abilities.
• Comfortable working as part of a team.
• Willing to follow instructions and established safety procedures.
• Comfortable being around horses and working in an outdoor farm environment.
• Able to communicate clearly with instructors, staff, participants, and fellow volunteers.
• Willing to learn.

Previous horse experience is welcome but is not required for many volunteer positions. Training will be provided.

Volunteers with horse-handling experience may be considered for horse-leader positions based on their skills and comfort level.

Physical Considerations

Some lesson-support positions may require volunteers to:

• Walk alongside a horse during a riding lesson.
• Stand or walk for extended periods.
• Work outdoors in Florida weather.
• Perform light barn or program-related activities.

We will work with volunteers to identify roles appropriate to their abilities and comfort level.

Volunteer Commitment

Our greatest need is for dependable volunteers who can assist with our regularly scheduled riding programs. Consistent volunteers allow our riders, instructors, horses, and volunteer teams to develop strong relationships and work together safely.

Opportunities may also be available for individuals who cannot make a regular weekly commitment but would like to help with special events, fundraising activities, administrative projects, photography, social media, or other nonprofit activities.

What We Provide

Unbridled Paths provides:

• Volunteer orientation and training.
• Instruction for the specific volunteer role.
• Opportunities to learn about horses and adaptive riding.
• A supportive team environment.
• The opportunity to make a direct difference in the lives of children, adults, and families in our community.

Why Volunteer With Unbridled Paths?

You do not need to be an expert with horses to have an impact.

Sometimes a volunteer's most important job is simply walking beside a rider, offering encouragement, helping someone feel safe, or celebrating a small accomplishment that means everything to that participant and their family.

When you volunteer with Unbridled Paths, you become part of a team dedicated to creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping individuals with special needs discover what they can do.

One Team. One Message. One Step at a Time.

We would love to welcome you to the Unbridled Paths volunteer team.