Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers & Volunteer Groups
Our volunteers are the backbone of Elliott Acres. We would not be able to serve the individuals we do without their support. All Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Whether you enjoy being around horses, helping those with disabilities or doing handy work we have a job for you! We also have a running list of day projects that volunteer groups (scouts, churches, schools, families etc.) can assist with. We must have your liability release and photo release paperwork on file in order to allow you to be around the horses. If you are under 18, your release MUST be signed by a parent or guardian. If you have a group who would like to complete a day project, please contact us. We would be happy to provide a badge or Community Service Recognition Awards for your group as well. Contact us at 724-991-2477 - or - [email protected]
- All Volunteers must wear covered shoes, no sandals, flip flops or crocs are permitted (be prepared for a lot of walking), long pants and shirts that cover the shoulders and can be tucked in.
- Leave your dogs at home. Please do not leave them in the car, either. This is for the safety of our riders, horses and staff.
- Our Volunteer Coordinator will do volunteer training for new volunteers every Saturday morning at 8am during the riding season.
- Be sure to check your spam or junk email box incase one of our response emails goes to those instead of your primary email box.
Horse Leaders and Side Walkers
HORSE LEADERS - Are responsible for controlling the horse at all times. Experience in horse handling is required. The horse in addition to the rider is your responsibility. You reinforce the rider's signals to the horse and maintain proper distance from other horses in the class while walking, changing directions, and passing. You do not directly support the rider; that is the side walkers job. This role takes extensive horse experience and the ability to foresee safety concerns and hazards.
SIDE WALKERS - Are responsible for the safety of the riders. During the class itself, your job is to provide support for the rider, specifically to maintain proper balance. Your instructor will give you directions on what type of hold to use for each rider. You do not give any command to the horse at all. That is the job of the leader and instructor only.
Stable Work
Grooming and cleaning stalls are just two parts of the actual barn work, but are very necessary. We always have a need for volunteers to: Groom horses - Clean stalls - Fix fences - Paint - Clean and organize equipment - Pull weeds and minor landscaping - Other odd jobs and projects.
HORSE LEADERS - Are responsible for controlling the horse at all times. Experience in horse handling is required. The horse in addition to the rider is your responsibility. You reinforce the rider's signals to the horse and maintain proper distance from other horses in the class while walking, changing directions, and passing. You do not directly support the rider; that is the side walkers job. This role takes extensive horse experience and the ability to foresee safety concerns and hazards.
SIDE WALKERS - Are responsible for the safety of the riders. During the class itself, your job is to provide support for the rider, specifically to maintain proper balance. Your instructor will give you directions on what type of hold to use for each rider. You do not give any command to the horse at all. That is the job of the leader and instructor only.
Stable Work
Grooming and cleaning stalls are just two parts of the actual barn work, but are very necessary. We always have a need for volunteers to: Groom horses - Clean stalls - Fix fences - Paint - Clean and organize equipment - Pull weeds and minor landscaping - Other odd jobs and projects.