Getting Started & Training ♥️

For your first couple of weeks, volunteering is focused on learning the ranch, meeting the herd, and getting comfortable with our routines. Training is hands on and gradual, and we will show you how to do everything.

This gives us time to make sure:

❤︎ You feel confident and supported as you learn.

❤︎ You get along with our other volunteers and staff.

❤︎ The horses are comfortable around you.

❤︎ You notice and remember the details that keep everyone safe.

🚫 We do not tolerate drama, gossip, or aggressive behavior.

After a volunteer has shown good attention to detail and strong respect for the care of our horses and guests, we will begin to offer more roles. 💪💕

Fit Matters (and that’s okay)

If your main reason for volunteering is in exchange for riding, this program will not feel like a good fit and that is okay. There are other facilities out there that offer that sort of opportunity. If you are excited to learn horse care with all the needs and personalities, you will do very well here.

Continued Expectations 💚

Behavior and attention to detail still matter, even after training. Everyone has off days, and we understand that. 😊

But if someone regularly:

☹︎ Becomes pushy or demanding about riding

☹︎ Gives other volunteers a hard time over their opportunities

☹︎ Checks out, stops engaging, or misses details that put horses or guests at risk

…then this program is no longer a good fit, and we will kindly end the volunteer relationship. Our first responsibility is always to the safety and well being of the horses and the people around them. 💚

Choose Your Volunteer Path 🌾

At Rise & Ride Ranch, volunteers can grow into one of three main roles. All three roles matter and we’ll help you find your best fit as you train. You don’t have to pick your “forever role” on day one. We’ll guide you into the best fit over time.

What Caregivers Focus On

Caregivers support our horses’ daily needs. This role is perfect if you love the steady rhythm of barn life and want to be part of what keeps everyone feeling safe, settled, and looked after. Careful though, you might just fall in love with these horses. 😉♥️ It's also a good role to spend some alone time with some of the best secret keepers/therapists out there.

Caregiver Skills You Can Expect to Learn

✔︎ Filling hay nets for feeding.

✔︎ Checking, cleaning, and filling waters.

✔︎ Turnout and helping with safe pasture transitions (spring grass).

✔︎ Grooming and brushing horses.

✔︎ Fly spray, masking, and boots.

✔︎ Helping with blanketing and seasonal changes(cleaning equipment).

✔︎ Hand walking horses around the ranch property, show them sights, listen to nature, let them graze.

✔︎ Bonding time and handling that builds trust. In other words, just LOVE on them. ♥️

Appointments Caregivers May Help With

✔︎ Holding horses and helping them stay settled during farrier, chiropractic, massage, or vet visits.

✔︎ Running small support tasks so the appointment stays smooth and safe.

✔︎ Helping with after-care comfort routines as directed (cool down, hand walk, quiet time).

More Experienced Caregivers May Be Offered

✔︎ Following individual feed plans and helping prepare grain, supplements, and medications.

✔︎ Noticing small changes in attitude, appetite, or comfort and reporting them clearly.

✔︎ Helping with simple care upkeep as directed (basic topical support, feather care, cleaning minor scrapes).

What Bodyworkers Focus On

Bodyworkers help carry out the “homework” that supports our horses in between check-ins with professionals. They also assist in exercising horses recovering from diseases such as EPM and Lyme. This track is for volunteers who love learning and want to understand the overall picture that builds towards that comfort we want to see!

Bodyworkers also support our horses during specialist care days, like chiropractic, massage, and other body related appointments. Learn from the professionals, ask questions, and see the changes in real time.

This is an advanced track and is offered after a volunteer has shown strong safety skills, consistency, and respect for the horse first through our "Caregiver" role. ❤︎

Bodyworker Skills You Can Expect to Learn (Gradually)

✔︎ How to spot early signs of stiffness, soreness, unevenness, and fatigue.

✔︎ Light massage basics and relaxation techniques.

✔︎ Simple “horse yoga” mobility stretches (as taught by our program).

✔︎ Performing and monitoring red light therapy sessions.

✔︎ In-hand work that supports balance and confidence (walking over trot poles).

✔︎ Lunging basics (only after approval and training).

✔︎ Reporting what you saw, what you did, and how the horse responded.

✔︎ Helping horses stay relaxed during chiropractic and massage sessions (positioning, calm handling, following direction).

More Experienced Bodyworkers May Be Offered

✔︎ Supporting warm-up and cool-down routines for specific horses.

✔︎ Helping with conditioning plans and strengthening exercises.

✔︎ In-saddle work that supports balance and confidence (patterns and arena work).

Important: This role is not about “training a horse to perform.” It’s about helping horses feel capable and listened to in ways that serve their bodies and minds first. 💚

What Guides Focus On

Guides support our rides and guest experience while still putting the horses first. This includes fetching, tacking, helping guests feel safe, and being a calm presence on busy riding days. This role requires strong attention to detail and consistency for everyone’s safety. 🙂

We do not offer a guiding position right away. SPACES ARE LIMITED. Volunteers must first consistently show up, complete training, and demonstrate the skills needed to support both our guests and our horses safely. Once someone has shown they are ready, they can be added to the guide schedule. At that point, guiding becomes a paid opportunity based on availability.

Guide Skills You Can Expect to Learn

✔︎ Fetching horses for rides.

✔︎ Grooming and brushing horses for rides.

✔︎ Helping tack up and bridle with care.

✔︎ Keeping tacking and grooming areas raked and tidy.

✔︎ Filling hay bags and water between rides.

✔︎ Leading and handling horses safely around guests.

✔︎ Walking along rides with guests who want extra support.

More Experienced Guides May Be Offered

✔︎ Guiding rides (based on readiness, consistency, and ranch needs).

✔︎ Checking guests in and assigning horses.

✔︎ Riding along on horses who need light exercise or trail exposure, always in a way that serves the horse first.

Important: Riding opportunities are not automatic and are only offered when a volunteer has shown they are ready and when it is helpful for the horse. 💚

Please note there are weight to height limits for RIDING trail guides. See chart below.

Our trail guide requirements are based on the horses available to lead rides. Only certain horses are comfortable and reliable working at the front of trail groups. Our larger horses that carry heavier riders are reserved for guests. Thank you for understanding that these limits are in place to protect our guide horses.