Volunteer with Forward Stride
We would not exist without our dedicated volunteers. Program volunteers work directly with the instructors and therapists to provide assistance prior to and during lessons. Horse care volunteers work together as a team to complete daily barn chores.
Forward Stride provides all the necessary training for each volunteer position. The minimum age for volunteers to help with horse-care is 12 and 14 to assist in classes.
Ways to Volunteer
- Leading
- Sidewalking
- Horse Care
- Vaulting Class Assistant
- Facility Projects
- Special Events
- Cleaning and Maintenance of Indoor Spaces
Forward Stride Volunteers…
- Provide over 7,500 hours of time per year, about 140 hours per week
- Are a crucial component of our Continuum of Care
- Find helping others is rewarding and provides purpose
- Stick around for longer, due to the supportive and friendly community
Research demonstrates that volunteering leads to better health!
Diane says her years of volunteering at Forward Stride “connect me to my humanity, prove to me repeatedly the strength of community, teach me the rewards of humility and remind me always, to be present in the moment.”
Apply to Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering please fill out our application form below. Volunteers do not do any riding or exercising of our horses while volunteering. We ask all volunteers to commit to a regular volunteer schedule for at least three months. 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.
Volunteers are required to complete a background check. There is an extensive volunteer training process that includes an orientation as well as job-specific training.
After our Volunteer Coordinator 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.