HELPING YOU LIVE LIFE
Become a Volunteer
"CLOSE YOUR EYES, CLEAR YOUR HEART, LET IT GO!"
Rock Ridge Retreat could not exist without the dedication, compassion and hard work of our many volunteers. A gift of your time will make a positive difference in the lives of others. We invite you to join us in fulfilling our mission to enrich lives, including your own, through the healing power of horses.
Volunteer Today
We have a wide-range of volunteer opportunities and are committed to finding a experience that meets your interests and skills. Prior horse experience is not required.
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
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Gain new skills and expertise
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Satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others
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Work in a tranquil and historic rural setting
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
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Be reliable and responsible in your volunteer duties
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Be willing to learn and participate in equine-assisted therapeutic services
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Educate others in your community about Rock Ridge Retreat and our programs
LESSON PROGRAM
Volunteers assist by leading horses or walking beside riders (sidewalking) during classes. Sidewalkers walk or trot by the side of the horse, assisting the client with his/her balance under the direction of the instructor. Horse leaders guide the therapy horse in walking, trotting, and halting during the lesson, under the direction of the instructor. Lesson program volunteers must commit to a consistent weekly schedule, coming the same day and time each week, which allows the development of a bond between the volunteer, client, and instructor
HORSE CARE
Volunteers work directly with barn staff to help feed and care for the horses and the facility. This work is suited to those interested in hands-on work with our horses, or to high school or college students seeking internships or community service opportunities. Volunteers in the equine program should be willing to commit to a specified, consistent period of time each week.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Volunteers serve on event committees and assist with planning and production during the various fundraisers and special events that Rock Ridge Retreat holds each year.
SPECIAL SKILLS
Volunteers who possess skills or professional/technical experience that may benefit Rock Ridge Retreat, such as graphic design for print and digital publication, writing content for press releases, newsletters, and blog stories, photography, videography, video editing and marketing, are encouraged to contact us.
OFFICE SKILLS
Volunteers assist with word processing, data entry, photocopying, bulk mailings and other support tasks. They also serve as receptionists and help answer phone calls.
GRANTS
Volunteers assist in identifying and researching grant opportunities as well as drafting grant applications and proposals.
FACILITY/BARN MAINTENANCE
Volunteers help with general maintenance, repairs and improvements of the facility, including fencing, landscaping, gardening, mowing, electrical, plumbing, construction, and painting.
If you don’t see something that you are interested in or that suits your skills, just contact us. We’d love talk and find a position for you. New volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation session and in certain instances, an additional training session specific to their roles.