Equestrian Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to Ivey Ranch Park's day-to-day operations. They would not be able to serve children and adults with special needs, active duty military and veteran, at-risk populations without the assistance of volunteers.

Volunteers assist at the equestrian center with tasks such as barn chores, grooming, feeding, and care of their 28 horses. Volunteers will also help with their able-bodied and therapeutic horseback riding lessons.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Getting Started: Volunteers must register and attend a Volunteer Orientation. Upcoming orientation dates and times can be found here.

Shifts: Multiple shifts are available and change throughout the year. See Ivey Ranch Park's online calendar for specific days and times. They ask volunteers to make a consistent once-a-week commitment for 4-6 weeks. Volunteers who sign up for the same time slot each week help improve the consistency for their riders and instructors. They do not want to disappoint their riders by having to cancel their lesson due to lack of volunteer help.

Attire: Closed-toe shoes and full-length pants or jeans.

Physical Requirements: Be able to walk on uneven and unpaved footing such as loose or compact dirt. Be able to support the weight of a rider if helping with lessons.

Photos: Ivey Ranch Park asks that you not take photos of their clients due to confidentially. You are welcome to take photos of the facility, horses, or yourself with safety in consideration.

About Ivey Ranch Park

Ivey Ranch Park Association enables people with and without disabilities to achieve a better quality of life through care, education, and equine assisted services. Since 1981 we have served children and adults with disabilities but will not exclude the able-bodied, since integration, inclusion, and interaction are important components of their program. Serving over 300 individuals a week, our essential goals are:

• Community integration and participation
• Personal choice
• Self-respect and respect for others
• Competence and self-reliance

Currently over two thirds of our clients here at Ivey Ranch Park have moderate to severe disabilities which include behavioral disorders, genetic disorders, and disabilities caused by accident or trauma. Our Care Program includes an Adult Day Program as well as a School-Age Program for children who come for after school, summer and off-track care. The Center also operates an equestrian facility, in-home respite services, a Working Intern Program, and a Community Garden.

Watch our video to learn more: Ivey Ranch Park