Volunteers

volunteers with rider

We Can’t Do It Without You!

Are you interested in volunteering at Pride Stables? We’d love to have you join our team! Read on for details and upcoming training dates.

Who Can Volunteer?

All volunteers must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Volunteers must be at least 15 years old (no exceptions).
  • No Horse Experience Needed: We’ll provide all the training you need!
  • Physical Endurance: Volunteers must be able to run short distances alongside a trotting horse or pony.

What We’re Looking For

Volunteers should possess the following skills and attributes:

  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Be prepared to handle unexpected situations involving horses and riders.
  • Independence & Awareness: Work independently while staying aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Communication & Listening: Follow directions carefully and maintain clear, effective communication with others.

Learn More

Curious about the different ways you can help? Check out these links for detailed descriptions of our volunteer roles:

Leader Position  Side Walker Position Volunteer Manual PDF

Join us at Pride Stables and help make a difference in the lives of our riders!

Important Information for Volunteers

Seasonal Riding Sessions
During our regular riding sessions, we ask volunteers to commit to at least 90 minutes per week (one class, including tack time) for the entire session.

  • Spring & Fall: 8-week commitment
  • Winter: 6-week commitment

Summer Day Camp
For our summer camp program, volunteers must commit to a minimum of 3.5 hours each morning for one full week (Monday–Friday).

  • Choose from any of the eight weeks of camp!

Your dedication ensures a consistent and supportive environment for our riders – thank you for your commitment!

Volunteer Training

Before training and volunteering with us, please complete the following two forms:

  1. Volunteer Information Form
  2. Liability Waiver

Click the links below to download each form.

Important: If you are under 18 years old, both forms must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to training, as training involves hands-on interaction with the horses.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Pride Stables team!

Volunteer Information Form AND

Insurance Form – under 18 years of age or Insurance Form – 18yrs or older

Upcoming Training Dates for Spring 2025 Session

  • We run orientation training before every new season of riding.
  • You only need to attend one training date and time, and PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
  • We will need your full name and phone number to complete your registration.
  • You will need to complete the two forms indicated above.

Spring 2025 Training Dates

TBD

Remember, you only need to attend one 2-hour training and PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
To register, please send an email with: preferred training date(s), first & last names, phone number and confirm you meet/exceed the minimum age threshold to volunteering@pridestables.com or call the office at 519-653-4686.

YOU WILL MEET IN THE BARN TO BEGIN YOUR TRAINING.

Attendance & Absences

If You Are Unable to Volunteer

  • Short-Notice Absences: If you are sick or unable to volunteer on short notice, please call us as soon as possible (do NOT email).
    • Office (with voicemail): 519-653-4686
    • Barn: 519-653-8736
    • Short notice means the business day before your class or the same day.

Your timely notification is essential. Adequate volunteer numbers are crucial for the safety of both riders and volunteers. Early notice helps us find a substitute and ensures smooth and safe operations.

  • Planned Absences: If you know about your absence well in advance, email is acceptable: volunteering@pridestables.com
    • Note: Emails are not monitored during evenings or weekends.

Weather Policy
Classes run rain or shine, snow or wind. Unless you hear otherwise from us, or there is an update on the office voicemail, classes will proceed as scheduled in our covered arena during inclement weather.

Tracking Volunteer Hours
Volunteers are responsible for tracking their own hours if required for a course, program, OSSD, or other purposes. To have your hours verified:

  • Get them signed by your instructor in person before your session ends, OR
  • Email the volunteer coordinator at volunteering@pridestables.com to request confirmation.

Thank you for your commitment to making a difference at Pride Stables!

Classes at Pride Stables

Camp Pride 2025 – Mornings
Each summer, we rely on a large team of volunteers to make Camp Pride a success! With 8 weeks of camp, volunteers commit to week-long blocks.

  • Volunteer Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Arrive by 8:30 AM (first campers ride at 9:00 AM)
  • New Volunteers: Orientation training will take place in June. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Fall Session 2025
The fall session runs from mid to late September for 8 weeks.

  • Class Schedule: Mondays through Thursdays (daytime and evening), and Saturdays.
  • New Volunteers: Orientation training will take place in early to mid-September. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.
  • Existing Volunteers: You’ll receive an email in late August/early September when class sign-ups are open. Be sure to add us to your “safe senders” list to avoid missing this information!

Winter 2025 Session
The winter session runs for 6 weeks starting mid-January.

  • Class Schedule: Weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays.
  • New Volunteers: No specific training is offered for the winter session. Since rider registration is low, we will rely on existing volunteers to fill available spots. Please join us in the spring!
  • Existing Volunteers: Expect an email in mid-December/early January with sign-up details. Ensure we’re on your “safe senders” list!

Spring 2025 Session
The spring session starts at the end of March and runs for 8 weeks.

  • Class Schedule: Mondays through Thursdays (daytime and evening), and Saturdays.
  • New Volunteers: Orientation training will take place in early to mid-March. Watch our website and social media for the schedule.
  • Existing Volunteers: You’ll receive an email in late February/early March when sign-ups begin. Make sure to add us to your “safe senders” list!

We look forward to having you join us for any or all of these upcoming sessions!

Volunteer Opportunities at Pride Stables

At Pride Stables, we rely on a dedicated group of volunteers to make our sessions successful. If we had a different volunteer for every class in one session, we would need nearly 600 volunteers! Fortunately, many of our volunteers generously commit multiple hours, often more than one day a week, to support our riders.

There are various volunteer roles available, and your instructor will work with you to determine the position that best suits your interests and enhances your volunteer experience.

  • Leader: This is a key volunteer role, as each rider and horse requires a dedicated leader. Click here for a detailed job description of the Leader position.
  • Side Walker: Side walkers play an essential role for many of our riders. Click here for a detailed job description of the Side Walker position.

We are especially in need of volunteers for daytime shifts, Saturdays, and Camp Pride. If you are able to help, or know someone who can, please reach out to us! Your support makes a world of difference to our riders and the Pride Stables community.

Email the Volunteer Coordinator
Office Phone 519-653-4686
Barn Phone 519-653-8736