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.

Summer Therapeutic Riding Lesson Volunteers: Lead & Side Walker Shifts

MONDAYS - THURSDAYS
Mornings: 9:15am-10:45am
Afternoons: 3-5pm and/or 4-6pm

July 6-Aug 20 (no programs July 27-30)

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    • 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.

    • 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)

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

Summer Farm Crew Shifts

MONDAYS - THURSDAY
Mornings: 9-11am
Afternoons: Any 1 to 2 hour shift from 3-5pm
July 5 - Aug 20


FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
Mornings: 8-10am
Afternoons: Any 1 to 2 hour shift from 2:30-4pm
July 10 - Aug 29

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    • Morning Farm Crew volunteers help maintain our red barn, goat, sheep, pig and chicken enclosures. Morning Farm Crew volunteers must be 18 years or older.

    • The afternoon Farm Crew helps clean paddocks and with other tasks around the farm. Afternoon Farm Crew volunteers must be 14 years or older.

    • Following training, volunteers are expected to complete tasks independently or with minimal assistance from staff.

Summer Garden Crew Volunteer Shifts

SUNDAYS-SATURDAY
10am-11am
July 5 - Aug 29

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    • Support our half-acre Farm in the Forest food production garden with a weekly shift. 

    • Contribute to daily operations and seasonal projects including weeding, mulching, watering and harvesting.

    • Depending on the weather, garden crew shifts are available for late spring, summer, and the early fall semester.

    • Garden crew volunteer work may require bending, lifting and carrying heavy loads, using wheelbarrows, and working with common garden tools. 

    • Following training, volunteers are expected to complete tasks independently or with minimal assistance from staff.

Requirements for all volunteer roles

All volunteers must:

  • be 14 years or older for lessons, afternoon Farm Crew, and Garden Crew

  • be 18 years or older for morning Farm Crew

  • be willing to be outdoors, rain or shine

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

  • complete orientation and training where assigned tasks and best practices will be demonstrated

  • 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

  • for safety reasons, volunteers are required to wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes (sneakers or boots).

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