A Tennessee non-profit organization providing rehabilitative riding opportunities for children with disabilities or special needs since 1997.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION
Volunteer Opportunities
Horse Play, Inc. could not operate without the help of a dedicated team of volunteers from our community. We are grateful for all of our current volunteers, each and every one of them, for their contributions that make our program a success. However, we always need more. Individuals must be dependable, be able to work independently, possess a willingness to help, and no horse experience is required!
We have numerous volunteer opportunities that can fit your time and talents. Opportunities that include session help, barn help, facility maintenance, special events, fundraising, and more. The benefits of volunteering are numerous, offering help to our participants, bringing joy to a disabled childs life, making new friends, having fun while fulfilling a need, bringing fulfillment to your life, and making our community better. Volunteers opportunities and requirements are listed below.
For more information about joining Horse Play as a volunteer, contact Emily Placido, Volunteer Coordinator at:
horseplayinc.volunteers@gmail.com
931.800.7982
Become A Side-walker (14 years & older)
The primary responsibility of a side-walker is to ensure the safety of the rider in the session. It is also the volunteer who is most interactive with the child. Side-walkers are assigned based on the riders needs. Some riders have 1 side-walker while some riders have 2 side-walkers. The side-walker helps the rider get on the horse along with helping the rider to do exercises and commands during the session. For this reason and to ensure consistency and support for the rider, we ask that our sidewalkers commit to the same day and time each week for the 8 week session. Side-walkers must be 14 years of age or older and go through our side-walker training.
Become A Tack & Groom Volunteer (12 years & older)
The primary responsibility of tack & grooming is to get the horses ready for our sessions. You will learn about the grooming tools, what they are, how to use them, and in what order to use them. This will teach you how to groom them correctly to prepare them for tacking and also allow you to get comfortable with the horses. You will also learn about and how to treat minor wounds and skin issues along with the proper way of tacking a horse. Tack and grooming training is required and you must be 14 years of age or older.
Become A Barn Volunteer (12 years & older)
If you like taking care of horses, become a barn volunteer. Volunteers can assist with general barn chores. Duities include horse stall cleaning, grooming the horses, basic horse care, and tack cleaning. Barn volunteers report to the Volunteer Coordinator and must be at least 12 years old. Hands on training is provided by our Volunteer Coordinator.
Become A Horse Leader (14 years & older)
The primary responsibility of a horse leader is to insure the safety and management of the horse at all times. This, in turn, ensures the safety of the rider during the session. Leaders are assigned to 1 horse for the 8 week session. Leaders should be able to understand basic horse behavior and demonstrate horse handling skills. Therefore, we require that before you consider becoming a horse leader, you volunteer as a side-walker for at least one full eight week session and complete horse leader training. Horse leaders also help with tack and grooming the horses before and after sessions. Horse leaders must be 14 years of age or older.
Become A Birthday Party, Camp or School Field Trip Volunteer
(14 years & older)
If you enjoy working with children but don't have the time to commit to any of our sessions, consider being a birthday party, camp or school field trip volunteer. Counselors for these programs do not need any formal training. Training is provided by our staff for these programs. You will assist a leader in activities geared towards each event to make the experience enjoyable for the children. These programs are open to all children, not just children with special needs.
Become A Facilities Volunteer (18 years & older)
Facility volunteers help out with other work and projects around our facility. Facility volunteers report to our Facility Director and help keep our facility running and in proper shape. They are responsible for daily upkeep and maintenance of our facility grounds and buildings. There is no experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Become A Fundraising Support Volunteer (18 years & older)
Horse Play, Inc. needs volunteers with skills and knowledge in the area of fundrasing efforts and support. If you can't commit to any of the above positions, consider helping with our fundraising events throughout the year. These volunteers greatly help with our fund raising events and donor base, which in turn, helps generate the funds needed to ensure the success and future of our program. See our events page for a list of fundraising events.