Volunteer at Rising Hope & Make a Difference!
Join Our Mission & Help Change Lives Through Horses
At Rising Hope, volunteers are the heart of our program. Whether you’re helping in lessons, caring for our horses, or supporting behind the scenes, your time and dedication make a real impact on our participants and therapy horses.
No prior horse experience? No problem! We provide training for all volunteers, and there are many ways to get involved.
How to Become a Volunteer
Fill Out an Application
Complete our online Volunteer Application. This helps us understand your interests, availability, and experience level.
Once we have received your application, we will be in touch with step two, obtaining your clearances.
Obtain Required Clearances
To ensure the safety of our participants, all volunteers ages 18 and older must complete:
✔ PA Child Abuse History Clearance
✔ PA Criminal Background Check
Not sure how to get started? We will guide your through the process. Please email us with your completed application and we will send detailed instructions on the next step (clearances). Be sure to wait for our instructions, as you will be provided a unique code to waive the fee.
Meet with the Program Director
After your application and clearances are submitted, you’ll schedule a quick orientation meeting with our Program Director to learn about your role and expectations.
Attend Training
ll new volunteers must complete a Volunteer Training Session before working directly with participants or horses.
Start Making a Difference!
Once trained, you’ll be placed in a role that matches your interests and schedule.
📢 Ready to get started?
Volunteer Opportunities
FEEDER
Help with feeding the horses in the morning or evening. Feeders ensure that each horse gets the proper nutrition and fresh water.
✔ Ideal for early risers!
✔ Training provided.
STALL MUCKER
Keep our barn clean and safe by mucking stalls, replacing bedding, and keeping common areas tidy.
✔ No prior experience needed.
GROOMER
Assist with grooming and basic care of our therapy horses, including brushing, picking hooves, and checking for injuries.
✔ A great hands-on role for horse lovers!
✔ Training provided.
LESSON ASSISTANT
Support our instructors during therapy lessons by leading a horse or walking beside a rider to provide stability and encouragement.
✔ Must be comfortable working around horses.
✔ Training required.
HORSE HANDLER
Exercise our horses by leading them on walks or participating in groundwork exercises.
✔ Horse experience preferred but not required.
✔ Must complete training.
EVENTS & FUNDRAISING TEAM
Help organize and run special events, fundraisers, and community outreach efforts.
✔ No horse experience needed!
✔ Great for those with marketing, event planning, or fundraising experience.
FACILITY MANAGEMENT
Help with repairs, painting, fencing, landscaping, and general maintenance of our facility.
✔ Perfect for those with handyman skills!
Why Volunteer?
✔ Make a real impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs.
✔ Connect with amazing people who share your passion for helping others.
✔ Learn new skills and gain hands-on experience with horses.
✔ Be part of a welcoming community dedicated to making a difference.