Prospective Volunteers
Weekly Volunteer Roles Include:
Horse Handler
(aka The Horse Whisperer)
Our horse handlers work directly with our equine partners during mounted and unmounted programs.
With training from the High Hopes team, horse handlers learn to safely lead and support our horses while remaining attentive to their communication, comfort, and well-being.
If you enjoy building relationships with horses and want to play an important role in our programs, this may be the place for you.
– Must be able to walk and jog intermittently for a half-hour
– Recent horse experience required — leading, owning, leasing, or lessoning. Grooming and tacking experience? Even better!
** Minimum age of 16
Side Walker
(aka The Cheerleader)
Sidewalkers work alongside participants during therapeutic riding lessons, providing support as directed by the instructor and helping create a safe, encouraging environment.
Patience, attentiveness, and a willingness to celebrate progress both big and small make our sidewalkers an invaluable part of each participant’s team.
– Must be able to walk (and occasionally jog) for about an hour
– Experience with individuals with disabilities is a plus but not required
Barn Volunteer
(aka The Get-It-Done Crew)
There is always something happening in the High Hopes barn. Barn volunteers help with the daily tasks that keep our equine partners healthy, comfortable, and ready for their day.
From barn and stall care to lending an extra pair of hands where needed, this is a wonderful role for volunteers who enjoy staying active and working behind the scenes to support our herd.
– No experience needed — just a can-do attitude!
Feeder
(aka The Early Bird)
There is something special about starting the day in a quiet field surrounded by horses waiting for breakfast.
Our feeders help ensure our equine partners begin and end their days with the nutrition and care they need. This role is ideal for volunteers who are dependable, comfortable around horses, and enjoy becoming part of the daily rhythm of barn life.
– Must be able to lift ~50 lb. hay bales.
– Available 8–10 AM, one morning a week, year-round.
** Minimum age of 16
Paddock & Grounds Crew
(aka The-Boots-On-The-Ground Crew)
Our 120+ acre campus is an important part of the High Hopes experience, and caring for the spaces our horses call home takes many hands.
Paddock & Grounds volunteers work outdoors to help maintain safe, clean, and welcoming spaces for our herd. If fresh air, physical activity, and the satisfaction of seeing a job well done sound like a good day to you, we’d love your help.
– Paddocks & Grounds volunteers often help clean or maintain our horse’s paddocks – no experience required!
Office Volunteer
(aka The People Person)
Not every volunteer role requires a pair of barn boots.
Office volunteers help keep High Hopes running behind the scenes by welcoming visitors, assisting with administrative projects, answering phones, preparing materials, and supporting our staff with a variety of day-to-day needs. If you are organized, friendly, and looking to share your time and talents in a different way, there is a place for you here, too.
– No experience needed — just good vibes!
Intermittent or One-Time Volunteer Roles Include:
- Assistance with yearly special events such as Gala and Horse Show Days.
- Outreach – become a High Hopes ambassador to your community.
With almost 50 years of service to our participants and the community, High Hopes continues to strive to provide relevant and fulfilling experiences to our volunteers as well.