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

Spring Therapeutic Riding Lesson Volunteers: Lead & Side Walkers

SUNDAYS
Mar 9, 16, 23, 30; Apr 6, 27; May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8, 15
8:30-10:30am and/or 10:30am-12:30pm

MONDAYS
Mar 10, 17, 24, 31; Apr 7, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19; June 2, 9
10-11am, 3-5pm and/or 4-6pm

TUESDAYS
Mar 11, 18, 25; Apr 1, 8, 22
10-11am

TUESDAYS
Mar 11, 18, 25; Apr 1, 8, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm

WEDNESDAYS
Mar 12, 19, 26; Apr 2, 9, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21; June 4, 11
10:15-11:15am, 3-5pm and/or 4-6pm

THURSDAYS
Mar 13, 20, 27; Apr 3, 10, 24
10-11am

THURSDAYS
Mar 13, 20, 27; Apr 3, 10, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5, 12
3-5pm and/or 4-6pm

  • 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.

Spring Farm Crew Volunteers

SUNDAYS
March 9-June 29
Any 1 or 2 hour time slot between 2:30-4pm

MONDAYS-THURSDAYS
March 10-July 3
9-11am OR any 1 or 2 hour time slot between 3-5pm

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
March 14-July 5
8-10am OR any 1 or 2 hour time slot between 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

Spring Garden Crew Volunteers

SUNDAYS-SATURDAYS
March 9-July 5
10-11am

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

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