Volunteer
VoLunteer at EC
Time Given
Lives Enriched.
Volunteers are an essential part of the EC community. Whether you're side-walking beside a rider taking their first independent steps, grooming a horse before a session, or cheering at a special event, every hour you give leaves a mark on a client, on a horse, and on yourself.
From the steady hands that keep a program day running smoothly, to the quiet encouragement offered to a nervous rider or a restless horse, volunteers bring something no budget can provide: presence, care, and connection.
And here's what most volunteers discover is that a client “Best Day” in the arena becomes theres too! From assist in a lesson, help in the barn, support an event, or simply show up where you're needed, you'll leave having given something real. And gotten something back you didn't expect.
Complete the short form linked below, to begin the volunteer inquiry for yourself or group.
Generosity is measured
not by what we give,
but by how much of our heart,
time, and spirit we share.
-Kahlil Gibran, Vice President of Indonesia
Join the ec community
Program Volunteers
There is a place for you at Equestrian Connection. Whether
you are looking for a regular weekly role, assisting with therapy rides or fulfilling a service hour requirement, or being a group to volunteer for the day, EC has a way for you to show and contribute.
You will find yourself part of something that gives back just
as much as you bring.
Ways to volunteer
There is a Place for
You Here.
Volunteer roles vary by interest, experience, schedule, and program need.
Some volunteers find their rhythm beside a rider in the arena. Others connect with the horses in the barn, build something with their hands, cheer from the sidelines at an event, or bring a whole group for a day of service together.
Whatever your schedule, skill, or experience — there's a way to show up that fits.
Walk beside someone.
Watch them soar.
As a program volunteer, you're part of the moment, right there when a participant finds their confidence, finishes a book, reels in their first catch, or settles into a rhythm on horseback. Opportunities include sidewalking during rides, supporting educational horse activities, arts and crafts, fishing, and programs like Reading Confidence.
Get close to the horses.
Become part of their world.
In the barn, the work is quiet and the connection is real. Grooming, tack cleaning, and daily care aren't just chores, they're how trust is built, with animals who give everything they have in every session. When you care for the horses, you become part of the rhythm that makes everything else possible.
Show up together.
Leave something lasting.
Paint a fence. Clear a trail. Plant something that will still be growing next season. EC's group and project volunteer days are active, hands-on, and deeply satisfying, the kind of day a team or class talks about long after it's over. Whether you're organizing a corporate service day, a school group, or a crew of friends, there's meaningful work waiting, and a community that will feel your contribution for years.
Give Your Time, Feel the Connection.
What volunteers find at Equestrian Connection isn't just a way to help, it's a place where showing up means something. To a rider finding their confidence. To a horse whose trust you've earned. To a community that carries your contribution forward long after the day is done. However you give your time, you'll find it gives something back.
Project-Based Service
Bring Your Group
Leave Something Behind
Project-based volunteer days at EC are active, tangible, and genuinely memorable, the kind of experience a team, class, or troop talks about long after the day is done.
Whether you're a school group fulfilling service hours, a company team looking for a day that means something, or a scout troop ready to dig in, EC's team will work with you to find a project that fits your schedule, your size, and your goals. Show up together. Work with your hands. Go home knowing exactly what you built.
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Large-scale service projects for Scouts looking to plan, lead, and complete meaningful improvements at EC.
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Hands-on opportunities for students, schools, and community groups completing service hours.
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Practical team-based service for companies and community partners looking to contribute together.
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Gardening, trail maintenance, fence painting, barn organization, seasonal cleanup, event setup; among other on-site projects.
Get Started
Find the volunteer opportunity that fits you and your group.
Volunteering at Equestrian Connection can take many forms, from weekly program support to group service days, school or scout projects, and community service opportunities. Use the short form below to tell us about yourself or your group, your interests, and the kind of volunteer experience you’re looking for. Our team will follow up with next steps.
Wondering where to start?
We’re here to help.
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Individual volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Younger volunteers may be able to participate through a chaperoned group volunteer experience.
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No. Horse experience is not required for every volunteer role. Opportunities are matched based on the needs of the program, the volunteer’s comfort level, and any training or supervision needed.
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Volunteer opportunities may include supporting weekly programs, assisting with barn or facility needs, helping with events, joining a group volunteer day, or completing a service project.
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Yes. Training varies by role, and volunteers are guided before beginning hands-on support.
For example, sidewalkers attend a 1.5-hour training seminar and work alongside EC’s professional staff in the arena. Horse experience is not required for every role, and opportunities are matched based on comfort level, availability, and program needs.
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Yes. Groups can participate through volunteer days, project-based service, and other hands-on opportunities. These experiences may work well for schools, companies, scout groups, families, and service organizations.
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Complete the Individual Volunteer Inquiry or Group Volunteer Inquiry form. After your inquiry is submitted, the Equestrian Connection team will follow up with next steps.
Every Role Makes an Impact