Volunteers
We Can’t Do It Without You!
Interested in volunteering at Pride Stables? Read on for more info & upcoming training dates!
Attendance & Absences
If you are sick or cannot make it to volunteer on short notice, PLEASE CALL (do NOT email) as soon as you can to let us know. Office (with voicemail) 519-653-4686 / Barn 519-653-8736
“Short notice” means the business day before your class or the day of class.
Sufficient volunteer numbers are crucial for the safety of riders and volunteers.
Having as much notice as possible to try to find a substitute for your spot helps to ensure everyone’s safety and success.
If you know you will be away well in advance, email is fine (volunteering [at] pridestables.com).
NOTE: emails are not monitored on evenings or weekends.
Weather
Yes, we still run classes in rain, snow, wind, fog, etc. Unless you hear otherwise from us (and/or on the office’s voicemail message) classes will be running in the covered arena in inclement weather.
Tracking Volunteer Hours
All volunteers are responsible for tracking their own volunteer hours if needed for a course, program, OSSD, or any other purpose, and getting them signed off by their instructor (in person) or the volunteer coordinator (via email) at the end of their session/time volunteering with us.
A note on vaccinations
Due to the nature of our programming and the vulnerable populations we serve at Pride Stables, we strongly encourage you to be vaccinated to protect yourselves and our riders. Note: As more directives come out from our governments/health authorities our policy could change.
Prospective Volunteers
All Pride Stables volunteers must be at least 15 years of age. No exceptions can be made.
No horse experience is required however volunteers must have an element of endurance to be able to run short distances at the end of a class alongside a horse or pony that is trotting.
Volunteers need to be able think critically, problem solve, have the ability to work independently, and maintain an awareness of their surroundings at all times. Unexpected situations can arise at anytime involving horse and/or rider. Volunteers must possess good listening and verbal communication skills, and be able to follow directions.
Check out these links for more detailed information on our volunteer positions:
Leader Position Side Walker Position Volunteer Manual PDF
Important!
During regular seasonal riding sessions, volunteers are asked to commit to at least 90 minutes a week (one class with tack time) for the full duration of the session (8-10 weeks in spring & fall; 6 weeks in winter.
During summer day camp, volunteers are required to commit to 3.5 hours each morning for one entire week (Mon-Fri) minimum. There are eight weeks of camp to choose from.
Volunteer Training
Two forms are required for training and volunteering with us: info and liability.
Click the links below to download the forms.
**Important! If you are not yet 18 years old, a parent/guardian must sign both forms before training as instruction is hands-on with the horses. **
Volunteer Information Form AND
Insurance Form – under 18 years of age or Insurance Form – 18yrs or older
Upcoming Training Dates for Camp Pride 2024 Session
- We run orientation training before every new season of riding.
- You only need to attend one training date and time, and PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
- We will need your full name and phone number to complete your registration.
- You will need to complete the two forms indicated above.
- Masks are optional.
- We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to be vaccinated.
Camp Pride 2024 Training Dates
Monday, June 10th 6-8pm
Wednesday, June 12th 6-8pm
Saturday, June 15th 12-2pm
Tuesday, June 18th 6-8pm
Thursday, June 20th 6-8pm
Remember, you only need to attend one 2-hour training and PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
To register, please send an email with: preferred training date(s), first & last names, phone number and confirm you meet/exceed the minimum age threshold to volunteering [at] pridestables.com or call the office at 519-653-4686.
YOU WILL MEET IN THE BARN TO BEGIN YOUR TRAINING.
Classes
Camp Pride 2024 – Mornings
Each summer a large group of volunteers is needed ensure Camp Pride is a success! With 8 separate weeks of camp, volunteers commit in week-long blocks of time. Camp volunteering hours are 8:30am-12pm Mon-Fri. (Arrive for 8:30am – 1st campers ride at 9am)
Fall Session 2024
The fall session begins in mid-late September and runs for 8-10 weeks.
Fall classes run on Mondays through Fridays during the daytime and evenings, and on Saturdays.
New Volunteers: Orientation training takes place in early-mid September. Stay tuned for dates.
Existing Volunteers: You will get an email from us in late August/early Sept. when we are ready to start class sign-ups! Make sure we are on your “safe senders” list so you don’t miss it!
Winter 2025 Session
The winter session runs for 6 weeks starting the week of Jan 15. Winter classes run on select weekdays & evenings, and on Saturdays.
New Volunteers: No training running. Rider registration for this season remains low. We have filled our volunteer rosters this season with existing volunteers. Please join us for spring!
Existing Volunteers: Emails went out with the class schedule on Dec. 11. If you didn’t see it, check your junk/spam folder and be sure to add our email to your “safe senders” list.
Spring 2025 Session
The spring session is set to begin the end of March and run for 8 weeks.
Hour-long spring classes will run on select weekday evenings & daytime, and on Saturdays.
New Volunteers: Orientation training takes place in early-mid March. Dates to be advised.
Existing Volunteers: You will get an email from us around early March when we are ready to start class sign-ups! Make sure we are on your “safe senders” list so you don’t miss it!
If a different volunteer was used for every class in one session, Pride Stables would need nearly 600 different people!
Fortunately many of our volunteers spend many hours, and often more than one day a week, helping our special riders maneuver around the arena.
There are a couple of different volunteer opportunities available at Pride. For ease of scheduling and interest, your instructor will help you determine which position will enhance your volunteer experience!
A Leader is an essential volunteer position as we need one leader for each horse and rider. Click on the link for a detailed job description of the Leader.
A Side Walker is also an integral position and needed for many of our riders. Click on the link for a detailed job description of the Side Walker.
Volunteers are always needed, especially DAYTIME and CAMP PRIDE volunteers. If you can help or know someone who can help, please reach out!
Email the Volunteer Coordinator
Office Phone 519-653-4686
Barn Phone 519-653-8736