Volunteer Roles and Times
The most popular volunteer role here is horse care and you need no previous experience to apply for this role. However, we also have opportunities to volunteer within our gift shop and reception.
Please note that although the Stables is open 7 days a week we cannot currently accommodate any new adult volunteers at weekends. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list we would be happy to do so.
How to Volunteer
- Fill in a registration form. You can e-mail, post or deliver this by hand.
- You will need to provide 2 character references with this form as to your suitability to work with children and young adults. Unfortunately you cannot start here until these are received.
- As soon as we have this we will be in touch to agree a training and support programme to enable you to begin volunteering.
Some Tips for Volunteers
What happens on your first visit?
New volunteers are given a Welcome Session on their first visit here which will last for 2 hours. You will be shown round by a mentor, introduced to everyone and will have basic stable yard rules explained to you.
What is a mentor?
Each new volunteer will be assigned a mentor to guide them through the first few weeks/ months of their volunteering. This person will be an experienced volunteer who will help you to learn the basics of horse care and answer any questions that you may have.
How often can I come in?
All new volunteers are assigned a mentor for their training period. During this time we ask that you limit your visits to planned sessions of two hours with your mentor. If you can’t make it to a training session it would be really helpful if you could call and let us know. Once you have passed your initial assessment and we have received two references from people who know you, we are happy for you to come in whenever you are available.
What will I have to do at my Assessment?
Your assessment will take place at the end of your initial
training with your mentor. The assessment itself is an informal
review of your progress, usually made by the Yard Manager
during your usual session with your mentor. At the end of it you
will be told the outcome and the next steps.
What should I wear?
It is important that you wear appropriate footwear around the horses – sturdy boots etc (we do have boots available to loan until you get your own)
Warm clothing is a must! But please don’t wear your favourite or best clothes – they will get dirty and smelly.
Coats, bags etc can be left in one of the offices upstairs – the yard cover member of staff will always have a key. Although we do ask that you don’t bring valuables with you. Otherwise wear whatever you feel comfortable with but please come dressed for outdoor work.
Are there particular times of the day when you might need me?
It is often tricky to find adults who are available to volunteer on week days – this is a busy time for us so always value extra help.
As well as daytimes, we always need volunteers to help support lessons through leading in the early evening (3pm-6pm). We may sometimes expect our volunteers to help out with other jobs which need doing such as cleaning, repairs and maintenance.
We also have certain events on which we need your support such as fundraising, festivals and special events for young people.
Are there any rules which apply to volunteers?
Although we take all appropriate measures the stables can be a potentially dangerous environment as horses can behave in an unpredictable manner. To ensure the highest standards of Health & Safety your mentor will guide you through the basic yard rules during your welcome session.
It is particularly important that we know who is in the building at any one time, so we ask that you sign in and out when you arrive and leave. This way, in the event of an emergency we can ensure everyone is safe.