HorsePower is Led and Staffed Completely by Volunteers Like You

Comments from a Student... "Dear ORF, I would like to thank you for teaching me how to ride and groom a donkey and a horse. I was having a bad day until I got there and rode the animals. I enjoyed the church and the food and most of all the people. Thank you for giving me one of the best days this year. See you soon."

There are several ways to volunteer for HorsePower.
All volunteers will be asked to do the following before taking part in a session:

   •   Attendance at required volunteer training.

   •   Completed OpenRange Volunteer Release form.

   •   Completed Background Check form
        (plus $7.50 donation if able).

   •   Copy of the front and back of medical insurance card
        (if applicable).

   •   Copy of Driver’s License (if applicable).

   •   Consistent attendance. For the success of the student, we ask that if volunteering to please make sure your schedule allows for consistent attendance for the entire seven-week session.

 

Click the link below to be added to our volunteer database and receive information about upcoming volunteer training opportunities and events:

Open the pop-up email form in a new window.

 

Snapshots from Volunteer Training Sessions

 

HorsePower Volunteer Roles in Detail

Mentors

These volunteers serve as an encourager or coach for the student and facilitate a relationship building experience between your student and their horse and/or you. We want students to develop "life-coping skills" though equine facilitated experiential learning. The goal is NOT horsemanship - horsemanship is merely the vessel that helps students grasp the values of the goals set forth each week. Mentors write notes after each class based on observations of their student to submit to instructor to be then submitted to therapists.

Time Commitment: Two to three hours per week for 7 consecutive weeks. Prerequisites:  Attend HorsePower Volunteer Training. At least 21 years old.

Floater / Instructor's Assistant

This person needs to be an "alum" to HorsePower and can step in if the instructor is pulled away from the class due to the needs of a single student. Serves as a second pair of eyes for instructor and assists with notes - observing throughout the class and discussing thoughts with instructor. Fill in for HH or Mentor if needed. This person may have a desire to become a HP instructor or co-instructor and can use these opportunities to grow into those positions. 

HorseHandlers (HH)

Anyone who wants to learn about horses and serve youth at risk. These volunteers tune up horses with ground work and groom as needed before class. During class HH's will hold or lead horse for the Mentor/Student team as needed. After class HH's will: Check grooming buckets for all grooming tools; put all tack and supplies back in appropriate areas; file a report on their horse's disposition; muck all areas where horses were used.

Time Commitment: Three hours per week for 7 consecutive weeks.
Prerequisites: At least 14 years old with horse experience. Attend OREO Training & Certification.

Additional HorseHandler Positions and their Roles:

Head HorseHandler (HHH)

Assigned by program leaders based on experience and horsemanship. Guide & facilitate HorseHandlers in their role, making sure rules and guidelines are being followed.

Prerequisites: At least 18 years old with horse experience. Attend OREO Training & Certification. Attend HorsePower Volunteer Training.

Assistant Head HorseHandler (AHH)

Assigned by program leaders based on experience and horsemanship. Should also be comfortable leading and managing new HorseHandlers. Assists and fills in for HHH as needed.

Prerequisites: At least 18 years old with horse experience. Attend OREO Training & Certification. Attend HorsePower Volunteer Training.

Junior HorseHandler

Anyone who wants to learn about horses and prepare to be a part of the HorsePower program. Junior HH will be paired with an experienced HH.

Prerequisites: At least 12 years old with horse experience. Attend OREO Training & Certification.