Prospective Volunteers
We'd love to have you!
Volunteering at High Hopes
High Hopes volunteers participate in all of High Hopes’ activities. 97% of our workforce are volunteers. They volunteer as individuals, as members of work groups, families, and participants in community service programs. They give their time, talents, and energy to help support High Hopes and the people we serve. We could not run High Hopes without them.
Step 1: Learn About Volunteering
Click to learn more about the volunteering opportunities we have available!
Learn More!Step 2: Complete our Registration & Release Form
Before attending General Orientation, you will need to complete our registration and release form. This will help us understand what brought you to High Hopes and what your volunteer interests are. Upon receipt of the registration form, a member of the volunteer team will check in to get you registered for training.
Complete the formStep 3 - Sign up with our Volunteer Manager
New volunteers should email our Volunteer Manager to sign up for new volunteering and to schedule the appropriate training.
Email our Volunteer Manager Emily at: ebelliveau@highhopestr.org to submit your interest in volunteering and to register for a training.
What it Takes to Run Our Programs
327
Volunteers
12270
Hours of Time
97%
of our Workforce are Volunteers
What does it take to be a High Hopes volunteer?
The minimum age for independent volunteering is 14 years old. Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a guardian for the duration of volunteering. All volunteers must be able to work independently with minimal staff supervision. Not all volunteer roles are appropriate for all ages. Our Volunteer Team will provide additional information at General Orientation.
Volunteering in the program, barn and/or facility involves moderate physical activity. Please be sure you are comfortable with the physical aspects of the role you select.
Individuals should be available the same day and time each week to volunteer. Volunteer assignments and schedules are based on interest, experience and availability.
Volunteers should demonstrate a commitment to education, teamwork, serving the community, leadership and innovation.
All volunteers must attend General Orientation prior to volunteering in any of the above roles. There are additional trainings required to become a sidewalk, horse leader, header, able bodied whip, and Equine Learning Program coach.
Are you ready for an orientation?
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Need to know more?
Helping others through volunteering builds connections with the participants and the horses. Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community and volunteers support all aspects at High Hopes including horse care, assisting participants, and event planning.
Our program operates year-round, six days a week from morning until evening. Our staff and volunteers work together, forming a vital team that is essential to our participants’ success. Individual reasons for volunteering may differ, but there is one thing that everyone has in common – the feeling that they are receiving back more than they give. Our volunteer needs are many. Whether your experience with horses is life-long or minimal, your willingness to give of yourself and your time is what we need.
Volunteer Stories
What can I expect for my first day?
All volunteers must attend a General Orientation prior to volunteering. Training sessions are offered year round. The General Orientation begins in the classroom with an overview of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, who we serve, our horses, and our policies and procedures. It also includes a tour of the facility.
At the General Orientation, volunteers will choose a role(s) they are interested in, and will be scheduled for an additional training specific to that role. Roles may include sidewalker, horse leader (experience required), feeder, office volunteer, etc.
Training sessions are conducted rain or shine. Please wear sturdy footwear and barn appropriate clothing.
Sign the waiver and let us know your volunteer interests
Is there additional training offered?
Sidewalker training includes more in-depth information about providing service to the High Hopes participants and an opportunity to practice hands-on sidewalking techniques that will prepare new volunteers to begin working with riders. For those with horse experience interested in becoming horse leaders, additional training opportunities will be available to learn and practice our leading techniques. We have several General Orientation Sessions and Advanced Training Classes planned. The Advanced Training Classes are on both sidewalking and horse-handling. We hope you join our team!
Inquire About Advanced TrainingsThank you for your interest in volunteering at High Hopes! As we move back towards normal program operations post-pandemic, we are actively recruiting office receptionists, feeders, side walkers, and horse-savvy volunteers to act as horse leaders in our lesson program. We are maintaining a queue for other volunteer roles at this time and will on-board as necessary. For more details, please email our Volunteer Manager, Emily at: ebelliveau@highhopestr.org.
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Volunteers are the Heart of High Hopes
Without their hard work and dedication, our mission — to bring the extraordinary benefits of therapeutic riding and equine activities to a wide range of individuals—would be no more than words on paper.
Current Volunteer ResourcesReturning Volunteers
Are you a current volunteer? Use this form to complete your annual volunteer update form!
Volunteer Annual Update FormOur Mission
At High Hopes, therapeutic riding and other equestrian activities benefit the bodies, minds and spirits of people with disabilities.
Our Mission