Volunteer

Horse Heroes!

Welcome to Hunters Brook Farm and our volunteer program! Volunteers are an important part of our farm. We have many different volunteer opportunities at the farm. Some require horse experience, but many do not. We appreciate any time that you may be willing to give either at your home or at the farm!

Please take a few minutes to look over the volunteer opportunities listed below and feel welcome to volunteer for any programs that fit your needs and interests. Volunteers must work for at least 10 hours with farm staff before being allowed to work at the farm on their own. Volunteers wishing to work hands-on with the horses will be evaluated by our Equine Specialists and placed accordingly. Below are Hunters Brook Farm’s volunteer opportunities:

Lesson Program – Must be at least 13 years of age and have been evaluated by our Equine Specialists and deemed to have enough experience to help in this program. Lesson program volunteers assist by preparing horses for lessons (bringing in from pasture, grooming, tack, etc.), cleaning stalls prior to and during lessons, and/or preparing and cleaning tack prior to lessons. In addition, volunteers may help assist our “Little Riders” during the ride time of their lesson, and/or supervise students during the groundwork time of their lesson. These volunteers should be willing to commit to a minimum of two hours per week and a specified, consistent period of time each week.

Opening Gates Program – Must be at least 18 years of age to help in this program. The therapy component of this program is confidential and only HBF/OG staff is allowed to participate in counseling sessions. Volunteers in the learning component of this program assist by preparing horses, props, and the arena before sessions start. Also, volunteers may assist during learning sessions by supervising and/or helping clients. Anyone over the age of 18 must provide his/her own current police and Child Protective Service check if you wish to work with the learning program as you will be interacting with children. These volunteers should be willing to commit to a minimum of two hours per week and a specified, consistent period of time each week.

Children’s Camps & Program – Must be at least 13 years of age to volunteer for this program. Children’s Camps and Program volunteers assist in numerous ways from preparing horses, and facility to supervising and participating in, camp and party activities. Anyone over the age of 18 must provide his/her own current police and Child Protective Service check as you will be interacting with children.

Equine Program – Volunteers work directly with farm staff to help feed and care for the horses and our facilities. Anyone over the age of 18 must provide his/her own current police and Child Protective Service check as you could potentially be interacting with children. These volunteers should be willing to commit to a minimum of two hours per week and a specified, consistent period of time each week.

Facility/Farm – Volunteers assist with general maintenance, repairs and improvements of the facility, including fence repair, weed eating and barn maintenance. Anyone over the age of 18 must provide his/her own current police and Child Protective Service check as you could potentially be interacting with children.

Public Relations & Administrative – Volunteers typically assist with mailings, special events (fair booths, open house, etc.) and fundraising activities.

Special Interests – Anyone having a special interest can put it to good work at the farm. Please let us know if you have a special interest!

The minimum age for volunteering is 13 years of age. All volunteers under the age of 18 must have paperwork signed by a parent or guardian prior to participating in the volunteer program at the farm.

Some programs require that volunteers be available a minimum of two hours per week and on a set schedule the same day and time each week, in order to volunteer. New volunteers receive their assignment and schedule following their attendance at the volunteer training. Volunteer schedules are based on interest, experience, and availability.

Volunteering at the farm involves moderate physical activity. Please be sure you are comfortable with the physical aspects of the role you select. Due to the nature of the services we provide, Hunters Brook Farm reserves the right to make the final determination as to the appropriateness of any and all volunteers for our organization.

The volunteer application form is two-sided, so please fill out both sides. Also, please make sure a parent/guardian signature accompanies any applicant’s paperwork that is under the age of 18. Remember to return your completed police and Child Protective Service checks along with your application.

If you have any questions regarding the volunteer program, please give me a call, 502- 523-3360. My e-mail address is huntersbrookfarm@yahoo.com.

Thanks for volunteering!

Shara Wiesenauer
President/Owner