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

  • Child wearing helmet riding a pony indoors, guided by two smiling adults.

    1️⃣ 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.

    Become a Volunteer
  • Two women smiling, standing with a white horse inside an indoor arena.

    2️⃣ 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.

  • Woman smiling with a horse in a barn setting

    3️⃣ Meet with the Volunteer Coordinator

    After your application and clearances are submitted, you’ll schedule a quick orientation meeting with our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about your role and expectations.

  • People in barn, group discussion, informal setting, wooden interior, hay loft, cones

    4️⃣ Attend Training

    All new volunteers must complete a Volunteer Training Session before working directly with participants or horses.

  • People leading a horse from a stable, a person holding the horse's reins, others in casual attire, inside wooden stable with hay.

    5️⃣ Start Making a Difference!

    Once trained, you’ll be placed in a role that matches your interests and schedule.

    📢 Ready to get started?

    Apply Now

💙 Volunteer Opportunities

  • Woman and young person leading a white pony in an outdoor arena with trees in the background.

    🐴 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.

  • Two people holding a bucket outdoors near a building, with two small horses nearby.

    🌿 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 or night owls!
    ✔ Training provided.

  • Person in a barn with a large shovel

    👩‍🌾 STALL MUCKER

    Keep our barn clean and safe by mucking stalls, replacing bedding, and keeping common areas tidy.
    ✔ No prior experience needed.

  • Man wearing cowboy hat grooming a horse in a stable

    🪮 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.

  • Woman standing with a white horse in a forested area, holding a rope.

    🚶‍♂️ HORSE WALKER

    Exercise our horses by leading them on walks or participating in groundwork exercises.
    ✔ Horse experience preferred but not required.
    ✔ Must complete training.

  • Person painting a wooden fence outdoors

    🔧 FACILITY MANAGEMENT

    Help with repairs, painting, fencing, landscaping, and general maintenance of our facility.
    ✔ Perfect for those with handyman skills!

  • People serving food at a community event with artwork on the wall behind them.

    🎉 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.

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.

People riding horses in a grassy field with trees and a blue sky in the background.

 FAQs

  • No prior horse experience is required! We provide training for all volunteers, whether you're helping in lessons, working in the barn, or assisting with events.

  • Volunteers can assist with therapeutic riding lessons, horse care, barn maintenance, fundraising events, administrative tasks, and more. There’s a role for everyone!

  • Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to work directly with the horses and participants. Younger volunteers may assist with certain activities under supervision.

  • Yes! We welcome corporate groups, schools, and community organizations for volunteer days. Contact us to schedule a group service opportunity.