Volunteer
with Pony Power

Pony Power volunteers are fundamental to our work.

We train approximately 150 new volunteers each year and have a regular rotation of 100 volunteers each semester to assist in horse-assisted lessons and help care for the farm, small animals and garden.

We provide our volunteers with training and community building opportunities to make their time on the farm as enriching as possible.

Two volunteers support a young boy on horseback during a therapeutic riding lesson

Winter Therapeutic Riding Lesson Volunteers: Lead & Side Walker Shifts

SUNDAYS
9-11am and/or 10:30am-12:30pm
January 4, 11, 25; February 1, 8, 22

MONDAYS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm
January 5, 12, 26; February 2, 9, 23

TUESDAYS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm
January 6, 13, 27; February 3, 10, 24

WEDNESDAYS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm
January 7, 14, 28; February 4, 11, 25

THURSDAYS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm
January 8, 15, 29; February 5, 12, 26

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER→

  • Lead walker: Handles the horse during a lesson. Following the instructor’s direction, the lead walker will help as needed in steering and maintaining the horse’s speed. Previous horse experience is required.

    Side walker: Provides physical support to the rider during a lesson, helping them maintain a balanced position on the horse. Following the instructor’s direction, a side walker will often play an active role in helping riders complete various exercises,such as stretching, counting and reaching.

    Therapeutic riding lessons are given year-round, rain or shine.

Winter Morning Farm Crew Shifts

Morning Farm Crew volunteers help maintain our red barn, goat, sheep, pig and chicken enclosures.

SUNDAYS
1pm-3pm
Weekly, January 4 - March 1

MONDAYS
9-11am
Weekly, January 5 - March 2

TUESDAYS
9-11am
Weekly, January 6 - March 3

WEDNESDAYS
9-11am
Weekly, January 7 - March 4

THURSDAYS
9-11am
Weekly, January 8 - March 5

FRIDAYS
8-10am
Weekly, January 9 - March 6

SATURDAYS
8-10am
Weekly, January 10 - March 7

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER →

Winter Afternoon Farm Crew Shifts

Afternoon Farm Crew volunteers help clean paddocks and assist with other chores around the farm.

SUNDAYS
Any 1 to 1.5 hour shift between 2:30-4pm
Weekly, January 4 - March 1

MONDAYS
Any 1 to 2 hour shift between 3-5pm
Weekly, January 5 - March 2

TUESDAYS
Any 1 to 2 hour shift between 3-5pm
Weekly, January 6 - March 3

WEDNESDAYS
Any 1 to 2 hour shift between 3-5pm
Weekly, January 7 - March 4

THURSDAYS
Any 1 to 2 hour shift between 3-5pm
Weekly, January 8 - March 5

FRIDAYS
Any 1 to 1.5 hour shift between 2:30-4pm
Weekly, January 9 - March 6

SATURDAYS
Any 1 to 1.5 hour shift between 2:30-4pm
Weekly, January 10 - March 7

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER →

Requirements

All volunteers must:

  • be 14 years or older

  • be willing to be outdoors, rain or shine

  • have the ability to follow directions in a fast-paced environment

  • complete volunteer orientation and training

  • commit to a date and time for the semester

  • be able to lift and move approximately 30 pounds, for example, water buckets and full wheelbarrows

  • be able to walk for up to 90 minutes in a dirt arena and jog for short distances (Riding Lesson volunteers only)

  • be able to support riders up to 180 pounds if asked (limited; Riding Lesson volunteers only)

Volunteers must be a suitable match. You will be notified of acceptance after training.

“Volunteering at Pony Power has completely changed my life. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my life! The farm is magic.”

— Bonnie, volunteer