CKRH Volunteers are truly involved in every part of our program. In fact, volunteers are our instructors, horse leaders, side-walkers and board members. Volunteers assist with horse care, grounds and maintenance, special events and much more.

Volunteers usually start out working with us on a limited basis, only to soon to find themselves at the barn every chance they get or enthusiastically participating in a committee meeting. It is often heard that the opportunity to give back to the community is just the therapy they need. This is where "horsing around" can really make a difference.

Our most volunteer intensive program is the Therapeutic Riding lessons and Hippotherapy sessions. Each week CKRH offers equine related activities to more than 70 riders. We rely on our volunteers to assist our participants in a team approach. It is the guidance and encouragement a volunteer provides that enhances the Therapeutic Riding lesson or the Hippotherapy session.

We ask for a minimum time commitment of about 2 hours. We can happily accommodate more hours, more opportunities if you wish. You can choose a day and time that best fits your schedule. To volunteer in a Therapeutic Riding lesson or Hippotherapy session, you will need to attend an Orientation and Training. You will learn CKRH policies and procedures and hands-on training in leading, sidewalking, mounting, dismounting. The training will finish with grooming and tacking for those interested in learning more or if you would like to volunteer as a Wrangler. Additional training for Hippotherapy is required.

We would be delighted to have you return after each break since experienced Therapeutic Riding lesson and Hippotherapy session volunteers provide stability and a sense of community, familiarity with riders' goals and needs, and proficiency with horses and tack.

Registration, Orientation and Training are required for Horse Leader, Sidewalker and Wrangler volunteer positions. All other volunteer opportunities require registration and task specific training/information. If you would like to take the next step toward becoming a CKRH volunteer, please contact us.

Volunteer Opportunities: Horse Leader, Sidewalker, Wrangler, Haycrew (Horse care and feeding), Special Events (Fundraisers, demonstration, horseshows), Facility maintenance (repairs, weed eating, flowers etc.), Administration (data entry, bulk mailing, filing etc.)

Community Outreach: service projects are also available throughout the year for interested groups such as Boy/Girls Scouts, Pony Club, Youth Leadership, Schools. Orientation and Training is not necessary but volunteer registration is required. To learn about current projects - give CKRH a call.

Orientation and Training are necessary for the following volunteer opportunities.

Junior Volunteer Requirements

Horse leader/handler primary responsibility is to the horse, i.e. prepare the horse for class, maintain safety spacing, and help the horse follow the directions of the rider during class. Must be at least 14 years old and have horse experience (including the ability to "read" a horse and the knowledge and confidence to calmly prevent unexpected movements.)

Sidewalkers physically assist the rider (during riding, mounting and dismounting), help the rider guide their horse during the lesson, and assist the rider in following the directions of the instructor as necessary. The amount of assistance is dependent on each rider's abilities. Must be at least 14 years old.

Lesson Wranglers are the "behind the scenes" volunteers stationed in the barn preparing horses for lessons. Leading horses to and from the pastures, feeding, grooming and tacking. A wrangler will assist with tack changes and evening turn out. Horse experience and stable management skills preferred. Must be at least 12 years old with parent supervision.


Volunteer Registration Packet (pdf)

A volunteer renewal form is available if you have been a volunteer at CKRH in the past year.

Volunteer Renewal Form (pdf)
Volunteer Availability Form (pdf)

Please print out the Registration Form, complete, sign the forms. Then mail or bring to CKRH