Step by Step:

1. Submit Your Online Application
Click the button on this page to fill out our volunteer application.

2. Watch for a Follow-Up Email
Once we receive your application, our Volunteer Manager will email you with the next steps. The email will provide important links to complete paperwork and your background screening.

3. Attend New Volunteer Orientation
You’ll be scheduled for a group orientation session where you’ll learn about NTRC’s mission, programs, and safety procedures.

4. Complete Required Trainings
To become a Sidewalker (our most needed role), you’ll attend a hands-on training session to learn how to assist our riders during mounted lessons. After 12 hours of sidewalking, you will be eligible to take the Leader training. Other positions such as office support provide on the spot training.

5. Start Volunteering!
Once you’ve completed the necessary training, you’ll be ready to schedule shifts and become part of the NTRC team.

Not interested in Sidewalking?
We also need help with barn chores, special events, office tasks, and facility projects. Let us know your interests—we’ll find a great fit for you!

Volunteer Positions:

Sidewalker

Role: Walk alongside the horse during lessons to provide physical and emotional support to the rider.
Requirements:

• Sidewalker Training

• Moderate physical fitness (walking and short jogs beside horse for 30+ mins)

Horse Leader

Role: Lead the horse during therapeutic sessions while being responsive to the instructor and rider needs.
Requirements:

• Sidewalker experience (minimum 12 sessions)

• Horse Leader Training

• Prior horse experience preferred

• Strong physical awareness and comfort with horses

Barn Helper & Mucker

Role: Support daily horse care tasks such as mucking stalls, filling water buckets, grooming, sweeping, and tack cleaning.
Requirements:

• New Volunteer Orientation

• Barn Orientation (hands-on training session)

• Must be comfortable around horses

Office Volunteer

Role: Assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, preparing mailings, and phone support.
Requirements:

• Office Task Training (brief walkthrough with staff during first shift)

• Comfortable using computers and following directions independently

Special Event Volunteer

Role: Help with fundraising events, community outreach booths, and setup/cleanup for large events. Tasks may include guest check-in, merchandise tables, decorating, and more.
Requirements:

• Event Briefing (provided before each event; no long-term training required)

• May involve evening or weekend hours

• Great for volunteers with limited availability

Facility Volunteer

Role: Assist with light maintenance, landscaping, painting, pressure washing, or small repair projects.
Requirements:

• Safety Walkthrough (brief site-specific training)

• Ability to use tools safely and work with minimal supervision

Group Volunteers

Role: Perfect for school groups, corporate teams, or service clubs looking to volunteer for a one-time or recurring project.
Requirements:

• Group Volunteer Application

• Group Orientation or Briefing (on the day of service)

• Activities vary depending on the group and day (may include barn chores, facility projects, or event prep)

* Volunteer profiles will be deleted from the database if inactive for one year.