Volunteer

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. Without the commitment of 100 or more volunteers every week, we would be unable to provide the services that we offer to our 200 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 everyone who is 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 interested volunteers must first complete a volunteer application. Once received, we will invite you to a Volunteer Orientation Workshop based on our current needs and your availability.

At certain times of the year, we have a greater need for volunteers than others. Our goal is to have you in a workshop as quickly as possible!

Due to the extent of the onboarding training, we ask for a minimum 3-month commitment for all new volunteers from the start of their orientation date onwards.

Volunteer Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the commitment to volunteer?

We ask our volunteers to commit to 1.5-3 hours weekly shift, preferably with the same clients each week. If you are unable to commit to weekly volunteering, or want to volunteer for additional time outside of your weekly shift, we encourage you to volunteer as a substitute. Substitute volunteers are contacted via email weekly and scheduled as needed based on their availability.

What are the requirements to volunteer?

You do not need any previous experience working with horses or people with disabilities to volunteer at Ironstone Farm. All new volunteers attend a training workshop prior to their first time volunteering. Additional training workshops for other volunteer positions will be offered throughout the year.

Class volunteers (leaders and side walkers) should be able to walk for at least one hour without fatiguing, be able to jog for very short distances, walk with their arm (one at a time) above shoulder height, and be able to support a moderate amount of weight.

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 hands-on horse session.

What is covered in the Orientation Volunteer Workshop?

An introduction to the various programs offered at Ironstone Farm
Volunteer policies and procedures
Volunteer opportunities
Basic knowledge of horse behavior & general horse safety, including: grooming, tacking, and how to be an effective side walker

When do you need volunteers?

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to a very limited Saturday schedule, we are not accepting new volunteers with Saturday only availability at this time. If you are interested in getting on a waitlist, please reach out.

We often need volunteers for special events and projects around the farm. We also host corporate volunteer opportunities and service group opportunities.

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, cleaning and grounds maintenance.

Want more information on volunteering?

Reach out to us with your questions and for more information.