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Volunteer

COVID-19 UPDATE

We have suspended all new volunteer orientations until further notice.

We are so grateful for the offerings of support we have received from our community during the ongoing pandemic. The safety of our volunteers is important to us, and although we rely on the help of nearly 200 volunteers on a weekly basis to carry out the programs provided at Ironstone Farm, we need to limit the amount of people coming to the farm due to state health guidelines. We are focusing on slowly phasing our current volunteers back into our daily operations in a manner that is safe for all of our staff, clients, and volunteers.


We are asking all who are interested in volunteering to submit an application to be added to our waitlist. Once it is safe to continue new volunteer orientations, we will invite those on the waitlist to training. If you would like to help us right now from home, please consider making a donation, or explore other ways to help below.

Other ways to help

Volunteering at Ironstone Farm

The programs at Ironstone Farm depend on volunteers to assist the Ironstone Team in providing therapeutic riding programs to individuals with a variety of challenges. Each client needs between 1 and 3 volunteers for per session and without the commitment of 200 or more volunteers weekly, we would be unable to provide the services that we offer to our 400 clients weekly, year round! When you volunteer at Ironstone Farm, you have the opportunity to make a profound difference in someone's life.


Ironstone Farm is interested in all who are willing to give their time in exchange for a rewarding and fun experience. Aside from being fun, volunteering provides the opportunity to receive rewarding personal experiences, fulfill community service requirements, learn new things, engage in beneficial exercise and even develop lifelong friendships.


The minimum age to volunteer is 13 (sorry, no exceptions).

How do I become a volunteer?

All new volunteers must first complete an Ironstone Farm Volunteer Packet. When complete email the completed forms to volunteer@ironstonefarm.org .The volunteer team will review the packet and call you if there are any questions.


Certain times of the year we have greater need for volunteers than other. Our goal is to have volunteers in a workshop as quickly as possible! 

Volunteer Packet

Frequently Asked Questions

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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

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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. 

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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.  


Upcoming Special Events

  • Ironstone Derby                                            Saturday, May 2, 2020
  • Swing into Action Golf Tournament          Monday, June 1, 2020


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.

Contact Us

Or give us a call

(978) 475-4056

Ironstone Farm

450 Lowell Street, Andover, Massachusetts 01810, United States

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450 Lowell Street, Andover, MA 01810 - 978-475-4056

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