Volunteer opportunities include sidewalkers and horse leaders. Volunteer are required to attend one of our volunteer trainings. We try to match a rider and team of volunteers for all four lessons in a series, for this reason we ask volunteers to be aware of the time commitment. On a typical day our volunteers are asked to walk (and jog at times) for two hours, with a break in the middle, on a sand material in the indoor arena. We do try to have standbys that can step in and help out if a break is needed, but being physically able to do the walking is important.
Sidewalkers
Leader
Benefits:
- Enrich the lives of children who are often limited in their opportunities elsewhere
- Meet new people with like interests
- Spend time with horses when maybe it is not an option otherwise
- Get great exercise and spend time outside
Other Volunteering Opportunities
There are some volunteer opportunities for those who are not able to walk (and sometimes jog) for a two-hour period. Please think about coming to the volunteer training or contact us to see how we may be able to include you.
Volunteer Forms
| Volunteer Complete Form | Download |
| Volunteer Sign Up | Download |
| Volunteer Emergency Release | Download |
| Volunteer Liability | Download |
| Volunteer Photo Release | Download |
| Volunteer YMCA | Download |
| Volunteer Training Completion | Download |
Volunteer Training
New Volunteers in 2019
- Date: September 8, 2019
- Time: 4:30-7:30pm
- Location: Willow Farm Viewing Room and Indoor Arena
I am interested in volunteering, not sure how much I could since I am in Escanaba but I would like to discuss options and or make a time to meet up and talk about it.
Tammy, you may call or text me (Regan) at 906-360-1513 if you’d like or email rkoers@nmu.edu. If you’d like to take a look at our class schedule it is posted on our Facebook page or I can get that info to you as well to see if you could volunteer.
I am interested in volunteering. I watched the segment on TV6. I am able to fill out the paperwork if you still need volunteers. I am comfortable around horses. Thirty years ago I helped train trail horses. Since I am now retired, I have nothing but time and would love to be part of such a rewarding program
Wonderful! I’m so glad that you are interested and available. We’d love to have you! See you at orientation June 7th!
I would love to be a volunteer, please send me an email and let me know what i have to do, my phone number is 906-250-8862, thank you shelly
I have horse experience as well as working with disabled children and adults. I would be available August and Sept.
Great! We have riding classes in September but not August. If you can make it to our New Volunteer Orientation on June 7th at 4:30pm we can get you set up!
Hi! I am 12 years old but love to work with kids with disabitities and also kids in general. I live super close so I could bike if I had to. I’m into horses and volunteering. I volunteer at the Childrens Museum 1-4 days a week (by choice) for 1-5 hours. I have tons of effort and think I can do this well.
Would like to Volunteer , prior experience with horses .
Hi Patricia, I’m sorry that it took me so long to reply to you. I was having some glitches…
We would love it if you still wanted to volunteer. Every volunteer has to go through training and this year our training is on April 24 from 4:30-7:00pm. It is at the farm in what we call the viewing room. You are able to print out our forms from this site and then that’s one last step to do once you arrive. If you are able to make the training please RSVP to our volunteer coordinator, Mara, at 906-235-2552.
Thank you so much for your interest. Hope to see you this summer,
Annie
hello, I am very interested in volunteering. I have 8 years of working with horses (off and on) which includes training them and riding. I would appreciate more details on becoming a volunteer for your farm.
We would love for you to volunteer. Our volunteer training is April 24 at 4:30 until around 7.
Our volunteer coordinator is Mara and if you are able to come please RSVP to her at 906-235-2552.
Hope to see you there,
Annie
Hello, I am extremely interested in volunteering. I have 6 years of experience being both a sidewalker and horse leader at an therapeutic riding center in Wisconsin. I know it is late in the season but I am wondering if I could get more information about volunteering.
Hi Allison,
We would love to have you join us. We do not have another training at this point until the end August. It’s best to call our Volunteer Coordinator is Mara Juidici, her number is (906) 235-2552.
Thank you for your interest!
Annie
Hi! I live in Marquette and just discovered this! I love both horses and kids and have worked with both. I would love to be a volunteer. I noticed the training is this coming Sunday, and I can make it. I have not yet filled out or mailed a volunteer form. do I need to do this in order to go to the training? Can I email or fax the volunteer form? Thank you so much, Joni
Hi Joni!
You don’t not need to have your forms mailed in ahead of time. If you are just able to print them out and bring them to the training with you that will be just fine.
See you Sunday!
Also, please call Mara at (906) 235-2552 to RSVP
Ok! I’ll do that
Hi!! It looks like I missed the training seminar in April. If you are still in need of volunteers and if there is anyway I can still help I am willing. Thank you, Lori
Hello, I have a group of people at my workplace that might be interested in volunteering. In general we do not have any experience but heard there is training beforehand. When is your next training session?
Hi Bambi,
We just had a training, but there will be another one at the end of August. It will be just after NMU starts. I’m not sure if you are on Facebook, but if you are, please keep an eye out there because we will have an ‘event’. Also, if we decide to do a pop up training we will have it on there.
Thanks!!!
Annie
I moved here recently and have experience working as a leader and side walker. I’m so excited to find an opportunity here! I plan on coming to the training. Is there a sign up for that? I have the paperwork completed. Should I mail it in or drop it off?
Excited to have you!!
There is a number for Cheyenne under the ‘contact us’ section. She is our volunteer coordinator and will be taking RSVP’s. I am also going to make a FB event.
See you soon!
Hi, I’m interested in volunteering but am unable to volunteer during the therapeutic riding classes due to my class schedule and other things going on. Are there any opportunities to volunteer in the barn itself? I have previous experience mucking stalls, sweeping, cleaning buckets, and other general barn chores. I have also been riding for a few years and can groom and tack up horses. Please email me with any questions or comments!
Hello, I am interested in volunteering. I have over 10 years of riding experience and was the head counselor at an equestrian summer camp for several years. I am a nursing student and would love to learn more about equine therapy. Please let me know via email if you are still taking volunteers at this time, I’d love to help in any capacity.