Volunteer for Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Ironstone Farm. Our programs depend on volunteers to assist our staff in providing therapeutic riding programs to individuals with disabilities. Each client needs between 1 - 3 volunteers for his/her session and without the commitment of 200+ volunteers weekly, we would be unable to provide the services that we offer to our 400 clients weekly, year round! When you volunteer at Ironstone Farm, you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

Who may volunteer?

We are interested in all who are willing to give their time in exchange for a rewarding and fun experience. The minimum age to volunteer is 13 (sorry, no exceptions).

How do I become a volunteer?

First you need to complete a Volunteer Application and Schedule. After completing it, please mail, fax or drop off the completed form to Ironstone Farm. The Volunteer Coordinator will review the Application and call you if she has any questions. Certain times of the year we have greater needs for volunteers than other times. Our goal is to have you in a workshop as quickly as possible! When your availability matches our current needs you will be contacted, generally by email, to attend a training workshop. At that time you will be asked to complete some additional forms and bring these additional forms to the workshop. After attending a volunteer training workshop, you will be scheduled to volunteer on a weekly basis (other options are also available).

I have horse experience. Do I need to attend the workshop?

Yes, everyone regardless of experience must attend the training workshop. At the workshop you will participate in an orientation session followed by active participation in a horse handling session.

Do I need previous horse experience?

No, you don't need horse experience to volunteer here. Training is provided in the workshop.

What is covered in the Volunteer Training Workshop?

History of Ironstone Farm
Orientation of the different programs offered at Ironstone Farm
Volunteer Policies and Procedures
Volunteer Opportunities
Actual Horse Handling - to include: grooming, tacking up the horse; leading the horse; sidewalking; and properly cooling out the horse.

When do you need volunteers?

We are open Monday - Saturday. Our needs depend on the client schedules and our needs are year round. The earliest time we need a volunteer is 9:15 and the latest tends to be early evening. When completing the Volunteer Application and Schedule, please be as specific as you can be with your availability.

What is the commitment to volunteer?

While the minimum commitment is one hour each week; we prefer that you are able to commit to between 2-3 consecutive hours weekly. You will be scheduled for the same day and time each week. Are you an adult with a rotating work schedule? Contact the volunteer coordinator for options.

Why volunteer?

Aside from being fun, volunteering provides the opportunity for rewarding personal experiences, fulfill community service requirements, learn new things, it provides good exercise and a chance to develop lifelong friendships.

What other volunteer opportunities are there at Ironstone Farm?

Volunteering at Ironstone Farm can lead to opportunities in the following areas: participating in our feeding program; working student program (for teens); and apprentice program (to become a licensed riding instructor in MA). In order to be considered for these programs you must attend a volunteer training workshop. If working around horses is not for you, we have opportunities in the Welcome Center meeting and greeting clients as well as volunteering for special events. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

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Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm - 450 Lowell Street - Andover, MA 01810 978-475-4056 Fax 978-475-4046

E-mail: Info@ChallengeUnlimited.org