Volunteer Program
Forward Stride has a thriving and vibrant community thanks to the commitment and passion of our volunteers. Program volunteers play a crucial role by working directly with instructors and therapists to provide support before and during lessons, while horse care volunteers collaborate as a team to manage daily barn chores. We provide all the necessary training to ensure volunteers feel confident and equipped in their roles.
Our Amazing Volunteers…
Our volunteers contribute over 10,00 hours annually, averaging about 140 hours each week.
They are a crucial component of our Continuum of Care, and many find their work deeply rewarding, gaining a strong sense of purpose by helping others. The supportive and friendly community at Forward Stride fosters long-lasting connections, which is why so many of our volunteers choose to stay with us for the long term.
Ways to Volunteer
We offer a variety of ways for individuals to volunteer! These include:
- Leading
- Sidewalking
- Horse Care
- Vaulting Class Assistant
Projects for Businesses and Organizations
We periodically have projects around the Forward Stride facility that require extra hands to complete. If you are a local business or organization and would like volunteer as a group, please fill out the form below.
Volunteer Requirements
The minimum age for volunteers to help with horse-care is 12 and the minimum age to assist in classes is 14.
We ask all volunteers to commit to a regular volunteer schedule for at least three months.
Volunteers over 18 are required to complete a background check, nominal fee to be paid by applicant. There is an extensive volunteer training process that includes an orientation as well as job-specific training.
Volunteers do not do any riding or exercising of our horses while volunteering.
Volunteer Application
If you are interested in volunteering please fill out our application form below.
Please note we bring in new volunteers based on availability, we will not contact you until your availability matches a current volunteer need. Please reach out if your availability has changed since filling out the application.
After our Volunteer Team reviews your application you may be invited to begin the training process. In the registration form below, you will find details about each volunteer job choices.
If you have questions or concerns, you can email our Volunteer Program Manager, Anna Finn, at: volunteer@forwardstride.org.