Volunteer Program
As a nonprofit organization, we depend upon the commitment of our volunteer community to help facilitate our equine-assisted services, maintain the health of our herd of therapy horses, and upkeep our 60-acre ranch. The relationship between participants, volunteers, and horses establish connections that benefit our entire mission.
Our volunteer program relies on a foundation of training, education, and support, providing an equal opportunity for all to join our team. As an organization, we believe so strongly in the healing nature of the work done here at Halleck Creek Ranch, the therapeutic benefits not only affect our program participants deeply, but our volunteer team as well. If you believe in the healing and freedom that can come from engaging with individuals with disabilities, horses, and nature, we invite you to apply!
Volunteer Parameters
Volunteers are needed five days a week, Tuesday – Saturday. The minimum age for volunteering in our Therapeutic Riding Program is 14 years old and Facility Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. Facility volunteers under the age of 14 are required to have a parent or guardian volunteer alongside them and provide supervision. All volunteers pay a $40 enrollment fee and volunteers 18 and over must pass a background check. Both Facility Volunteers and Program Volunteers are required to attend an Orientation, and Program Volunteers are required to attend additional training prior to their first shift. All of our volunteer roles are physically-demanding positions, you will be on your feet the majority of the shift and could walk several miles during that time. We require a minimum of one full 8-week session commitment when initially signing up, with the hope for you to stay beyond that! (Almost everyone does!) To begin volunteering at Halleck Creek Ranch, one starts as either a Facility Volunteer or a Sidewalker Program Volunteer. Please visit our Volunteer Jobs page to decide which route is right for you, and fill out an application today!
Volunteer Testimonials
“Volunteering at Halleck Creek Ranch has given me a window on how I can be of service to those who are striving to live their lives “beyond barriers”. It’s wonderful to see participants respond to the energy put forth by the staff, volunteers, location, and especially the horses. The vibe at Halleck is one of inclusion, kindness, encouragement and fun! I love my time spent at HCR, it feeds my heart and soul.”
“Not many places on earth like Halleck Creek Ranch! I feel privileged to be a part of the joy, happiness, and growing that occurs when the participants interact with, and ride the well cared for horses. HCR is a very special place and full of very special people.”
“I have volunteered at many places over the years, and Halleck stands out as one of the best. Halleck’s model of peer teaching and mentoring is perfect for people with previous horse experience like me, and even for people that have no horse experience at all. They welcome everyone and do everything they can to build each person as a valued team member. The staff are so dedicated and conscientious about all they do for their disabled clients, their volunteers, and their horses. Thank you, Halleck Creek Ranch!”
“I have a great deal of respect for the organization. Everyone I’ve encountered on site — participants, instructors and staff, fellow volunteers — has been friendly, kind and helpful. It feels like a family. The horse care training classes I’ve taken at HCR have expanded my knowledge greatly and I look forward to my weekly volunteer shift very much. I’m also happy to contribute financially as HCR is a beautiful place with a positive attitude that does important work.”
