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

Summer Therapeutic Riding Lesson Volunteers: Lead & Side Walker Shifts

MONDAY MORNINGS
9:15-10:45am
July 7, 14, August 4, 11
MONDAY AFTERNOONS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm 
July 7, 14, 21, August 4, 11, 18

TUESDAY MORNINGS
9:15-10:45am
July 8, 15, August 5, 12
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm 
July 8, 15, 22, August 5, 12, 19

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
9:15-10:45am
July 9, 16, August 6, 13

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm 
July 9, 16, 23,  August 6, 13,  20

THURSDAY MORNINGS
9:15-10:45am
July 10, 17,  August 7, 14

THURSDAY AFTERNOONS
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm
July 10, 17, 24,  August 7, 14, 21

  • 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.

Summer Farm Crew Volunteer Shifts

SUNDAYS
July 6-August 31
1-3 pm OR 1 or 1.5 hour shift from 2:30-4pm

MONDAYS-THURSDAYS
July 7-September 4
9-11am OR any 1 or 2 hour time slot between 3-5pm

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
July 11-September 6
8-10am OR 1 or 1.5 hour shift from 2:30-4pm

  • Morning crew: Helps maintain our red barn, goat, sheep, pig and chicken enclosures weekly.

    Afternoon crew: Helps clean paddocks and does other chores around the farm weekly.

A man wearing a hat bends down to tend to plants in the Farm in the Forest garden

Summer Garden Crew Volunteer Shifts

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY MORNINGS
10-11am
July 6-September 6

MONDAY-THURSDAY MORNINGS
 10-11am
July 7- September 4

MONDAY-THURSDAY AFTERNOONS
4-5pm
July 7 - August 21

  • AM Garden crew: Support our half-acre Farm in the Forest food production garden weekly. Tasks include weeding, mulching, watering and harvesting.

    PM Garden crew: Support our half-acre Farm in the Forest food production garden and programs. Volunteers will assist with end of day garden crew tasks including watering and garden care, organizing garden materials/equipment, preparing garden activities for the next day, and tidying up garden spaces.

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