“Recently Butterbean gave a ride to an individual who had suffered a spinal cord injury, causing her to be a quadriplegic. Having grown up with horses, she…
Read More
Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve. – Martin Luther King Jr.
The work we do is impossible without the hundreds of volunteers we’re able to rely on each week in delivering unbridled hope to those we serve. Consider joining us in our mission, and become a volunteer today!
Individual Opportunities
We have regular, weekly, volunteer opportunities for individuals that include walking beside a horse, handling a horse, and grounds and stable keepers.
Learn MoreGroup Opportunities
Group volunteer opportunities are great for churches, university student groups, high schools, and corporate teams. Help on the farm or with a special event.
Learn MoreInternships
Internships are available for those interested in learning about working with people with disabilities, animals, or the equine-assisted activities and therapies field.
Learn MoreIndividual Volunteer Opportunities
We have regular, weekly, volunteer opportunities that offer many different experiences.
Side-walking
Side-walkers are a vital link of communication between instructors and students. Sidewalkers work with riders to provide emotional, educational, and physical support.
Horse Handling
Horse handlers are responsible for the safe leading of the therapy horse during a lesson. Additionally, horse handlers help with grooming, tacking, and leading our equines.
Grounds & Stable Keepers
These volunteers help maintain the beauty and safety of our buildings and property. They assist with cleaning our stalls, pastures, unloading hay, and maintaining our gardens.
Start making a difference today. Apply to Volunteer
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Group volunteer service experience opportunities are great for churches, university student groups, high schools, and corporate teams.
Property Enhancement
Property maintenance for over 13 acres and 20 equines is no small task! Groups are welcome to come and help ensure the safety and beautification of our facility for our riders.
Special Events
Agape has several annual fundraising events throughout the year. Many hands providing time and talent are needed to ensure the excellence of each event.
Cultivate a culture of service in your organization. Inquire Today
Internships
Internships are available for those interested in learning more about working with people with disabilities, animals, and the equine-assisted activities and therapies field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need horse experience to volunteer at Agape?
You do not need horse experience to volunteer at Agape. All volunteers who work in the arena start as a sidewalker, which you learn in volunteer orientation. If you want to lead a horse in class, we provide additional training to become a Horse Handler.
I’m inexperienced with special needs. What do I do?
Your instructor and other experienced volunteers will help you out. Just talk to our students like you would anyone else.
If I sign up to volunteer, is it only for one hour?
If you commit to volunteer for a class, we ask that you commit for the entire 8 – 9 week session. We understand that things come up, and that there might be some absences. The more consistency you can provide for Agape students, the better! Some volunteers like to volunteer for one hour a week and some like to volunteer for a block of classes. Whatever you are able to commit to, we would appreciate.
Can you tell me what my student’s diagnosis is?
We cannot tell you what your student’s diagnosis is for confidentiality. We can tell you what the student is working on in class or trying to improve on.
If I don’t want to work with horses, what else can I do?
Agape has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. We can always use a hand with landscaping, fundraising, cleaning & barn maintenance, just to name a few.
It looks like you have a lot of volunteers. Do you really need me?
We always have volunteer needs. Some students need to have three volunteers at a time. It might not be clear why someone would need that many volunteers, but if you are asked to walk alongside one of our students, he or she needs you there.
Do I need to wear anything specific?
Closed toe shoes are a must. Long pants and shirts with sleeves. Leggings must have pants over them. Shorts are acceptable if they are long. We recommend that you do not wear dangling earrings or perfume.
I love volunteering! How do I learn about therapeutic riding?
There are many resources to learn more about therapeutic riding. Ask the instructors you work with or log on to www.pathintl.org.
Volunteer Stories
Each night of the week there are familiar casts of characters hurrying around the barn and each Thursday, you’ll find Bern and Kathy Lytle in the barn. These two can be…
Submit your story.
