Testimonies
"I enjoy seeing the students learning new skills and gaining confidence in a loving environment." - Alicia, Volunteer & Donor
We have three main roles for volunteers at The Red Barn. You can apply to as many roles as you would like. We do have a waitlist for some of the roles, depending on the season and need when you are applying.
Barn Operations Volunteers and Horse Handler Volunteers could have the opportunity to sidewalk in a lesson, so training for that could take place if applying for either of those roles. Please read over the role descriptions carefully. Intake paperwork must be completed, including Background Check if you are 18 or older and DHR check if you are 19 or older.
For Group Volunteer Service Opportunities
If you would like more information about individual volunteer opportunities, please scroll down and fill out the interest form.
Role Purpose: To assist The Red Barn staff in completing the daily operating chores and helping with occasional special projects around The Red Barn property.
Expectations: The volunteer is expected to keep commitments to The Red Barn and arrive ready to work effectively and safely at all times. Barn Operations Volunteers will not have the expectation of having contact with The Red Barn horses. The horses serve the participants of The Red Barn and volunteers are serving the participants and horses by completing the tasks listed below.
Time commitment: Slots could be assigned Monday through Sunday. Consistent weekly commitment through riding terms, a 10-week season, is a must.
March through November 3:30-5:30.
November through March 8:00-10:30.
Duties and Responsibilities could include:
Clean and muck stalls, having the ability to lift 50 lbs.
Dust barn surfaces, having the ability to reach above your head.
Wash bucket or troughs, having the ability to bend over at the waist.
Refill water buckets.
Dump feed or throw hay.
Experience: No previous experience is required.
Working Conditions: Volunteers must be able to lift more than 50 lbs, walk on uneven surfaces, hold arms above their head, and stay on their feet for extended periods. Working conditions at the barn can also include extreme heat or cold and occasional rainy conditions. We encourage volunteers to take breaks as needed and drink lots of water.
Role Purpose: To lead the horse while it is being used in lessons and classes.
Expectations: The volunteer must pass a horse handler evaluation in order to take on the duties listed below. The volunteer is expected to keep commitments to The Red Barn and arrive ready to work effectively and safely at all times. Volunteers must adhere to “The Red Barn way” of working with The Red Barn horses.
Time Commitment: Slots could be assigned Monday through Sunday from 9:00-5:30 for at least an hour. Consistent weekly commitment through the riding terms, a 10-week season, is a must.
Duties and Responsibilities could include:
Leading a horse while it is in a lesson with a participant.
Holding a horse still while it is helping in a class and doing groundwork.
Following directions given by the riding instructor or horse team.
Communicating with staff about the horse’s behavior when needed.
Experience: Applicants must have ample horse experience.
Working Conditions: Volunteers must be able to lift more than 50 lbs, walk on uneven surfaces, hold arms above their head, and stay on their feet and walk for extended periods. Working conditions at the barn can also include extreme heat
or cold and occasional rainy conditions. We encourage volunteers to take breaks as needed and drink lots of water.
Role Purpose: Learn more about The Red Barn’s mission while assisting to further The Red Barn’s reach and impact.
Expectations: Individuals must pass the background check and DHR checks just like all other volunteers, as well as be willing to tour the property and attend a training with administrative staff.
Time Commitment: We ask that all Ambassador Volunteers commit to staying connected to The Red Barn’s social media sites on a regular basis and commit to helping with at least one event each year.
Duties and Responsibilities could include:
Help plan events.
Collect door prizes and donor thank you gifts.
Administrative duties such as writing thank-you notes to supporters.
Sharing social media posts.
Experience: Past experience helping plan events is helpful but not necessary.