Volunteer

Volunteering

Volunteers are the heart of our organization. We strive to make your experience at O.A.T.S. pleasant and rewarding. Happy, well trained and caring volunteers are exactly what our riders and their horses need. No experience is necessary. All you need is a smile and a desire to make a difference.
Have questions or want a little more information? Contact our Volunteer Services Team at [email protected]

Our current Volunteer schedule is:

MORNING FEED AND DAILY CHORES

Feed and chores begin at 8am daily.
Chores include, but need not be limited to:

Feeding large animals (horses, cows)
Feeding small animals (chickens, goats, cats)
Cleaning stalls (minimal since our horses only stay in their stalls for short amounts of time)
Cleaning Observation Room
Cleaning Restroom
Sweep Aisle
Fill water troughs

No experience necessary, we are happy to teach. Volunteers do not need to be able to do all chores.

2024 Spring Classes

Monday – Volunteers needed from 4:15pm - 6:45pm (Class begins at 5pm and ends at 5:45)

March 18, 25
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
May 6
May 13 (Reschedule Day)

Tuesday – Volunteers needed from 4:30pm - 7:30pm (Classes begin at 5:30 and 6:30. Last class ends at 7:15)

March 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7
May 14 (Reschedule Day)

Wednesday –Volunteers needed from 9am - 11am; and 4:30pm - 7:30pm (Morning class begins at 10am and ends at 10:45am. Evening classes begin at 5:30pm and 6:30pm. Last class ends at 7:15pm.)

March 20, 27
April 3, 10, 17, 24
May 1, 8
May 15 (Reschedule Day)

Saturday – Volunteers needed from 9am - 1pm (Classes begin at 10am, 11am, and 12pm (noon). Last class ends at 12:45am)

March 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4
May 11 (Reschedule Day)

Volunteers are needed for activities such as (but not limited to):

Grooming & Tacking Horses
Leading Horses (ages 14+)
Aisle Help
- tending aisle guards/barn doors as horses enter and exit the barn
- sweeping/cleaning aisle
- cleaning stalls
Arena Help
- Assist with mounting/dismounting
- Assist with arena setup
- Assist with arena clean up during and after classes

Volunteer Training

Each month O.A.T.S. provides a two hour volunteer training program for new and existing volunteers.

Mounting/Dismounting and Emergencies - 3/10/24
Grooming Basics and Advanced Handling Training - 4/14/24
Summer Volunteer Opportunity Training - Rescheduled for 6/2/24
General Chorse - 6/2/24

Volunteer Packet - please download and return the volunteer registration packet to Volunteer Services at [email protected]

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Grounds Crew
Special Events/Fundraising Crew
Volunteer Services
Evening Feed/Chores

Volunteer Coordinator - [email protected]
Office 248.245.1020
Sometimes, OATS helps volunteers as much as riders: Bill's story | Teen volunteer's story.

Want to help but don’t have time?

donate

Class Volunteers

This is where you'll really experience the magic of therapeutic horseback riding. No experience necessary, we will train you! All you need is a smile. Interested? First, review the requirements. Then, see what day(s) work for you on our calendar and call 248.245.1020 or email us.

Class volunteer requirements:

Be physically fit enough to walk.

Depending on your experience and abilities, you may be asked to:

Lead a horse and rider
Side-walk (walk beside the rider). Some riders require only your presence; others require a safety hold at all times.
Interact with the rider
Assist with mounting and dismounting
Assist with grooming, tacking and untacking

Download More Information:

Volunteer Registration Packet
Leading or Working with Horses - Basic Rules for Safety at O.A.T.S.

Questions about volunteering at OATS? Call 248.245.1020 or email us.

Program Volunteers

Can't commit to a weekly class? Not comfortable around horses?
There are lots of other ways to help out. Maybe you can help us get items donated for our annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction. Handy with tools? We always have things around the farm that need fixing. Or help coordinate one of our events, serve on our board of directors, volunteer during day camp, write a grant. You tell us!