Frequently Asked Questions
I have horse experience. Do I need to attend the workshop?
Yes, everyone regardless of experience must attend the training workshop. At the workshop you will participate in an orientation session followed by active participation in a horse-handling session.
Do I need previous horse experience?
No, you don't need horse experience to volunteer here. Training is provided in the workshop.
What is covered in the volunteer training workshop?
- History of Ironstone Farm
- Orientation of the different programs offered at Ironstone Farm
- Volunteer policies and procedures
- Volunteer opportunities
- Actual horse handling, to include: grooming, tacking up the horse, leading the horse, side-walking with clients and properly cooling down the horse
WHEN DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS?
Every day! Ironstone Farm is open Monday through Saturday and our needs depend on the clients' schedules and our daily requirements. The earliest time we need a volunteer is 9:15 a.m. and the latest tends to be early evening. When completing the volunteer application and schedule, please be as specific as you can be about your availability.
We often need volunteers for special events and projects around the farm. We also host corporate volunteer opportunities and service group opportunities.
WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT TO VOLUNTEER?
While the minimum commitment is one hour each week; we prefer that you are able to commit to between 2 and 3 consecutive hours weekly. You will be scheduled for the same day and time each week. Are you an adult with a rotating work schedule? Contact the volunteer team for options.
What other volunteer opportunities are there at Ironstone Farm?
Volunteering at Ironstone Farm can lead to opportunities in the following areas: participating in our feeding program; working student program (for teens); and apprentice program (to become a licensed riding instructor in Massachusetts). To be considered for these programs you must attend a volunteer training workshop.
If working around horses is not for you, we have opportunities working in the Welcome Center meeting and greeting clients, as well as volunteering or attending special events.
CORPORATE VOLUNTEER GROUPS
Ironstone Farm welcomes corporate volunteer group outings. Tasks for these volunteer opportunities can include painting, fixing fences, raking and grounds maintenance, cleaning, building shelters for our animals, and helping with the renovation of our Farmhouse Retreat Center.