Volunteer

WindWalkers relies heavily on the invaluable skills, talent, and time of volunteers.

Volunteers at WindWalkers not only help deliver services to extraordinary riders, but also in schooling horses, maintaining the facility, taking on office tasks, and assisting with special events and fundraisers. Our volunteers are at the heart of our programs. Anyone ages 12 to 82 can apply to volunteer. Our volunteers run the gamut from retirees to students, as long as you are here to make a difference.

Our ranch is home to 20+ horses, 6 goats, and a few dogs, and barn cats, there is always a need for help! WindWalkers cannot operate without the hundreds of dedicated volunteers — they are the backbone — the very fiber of our success! 

No matter what your skills or special talents are, it is likely that we have a place and a need for them at WindWalkers!

WindWalkers provide all the training you will need to be part of our volunteer community inside and outside of the arena. We also extend opportunities to our volunteers to learn about the extraordinary individual participants, develop or hone horse handling skills and experience the power of the human-animal bond while increasing physical fitness and enjoying the social benefits of volunteering at the ranch.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Horse Leader

This volunteer has been approved as a horse handler by the WindWalkers’ staff. Generally, staff and approved horse handlers will bring the horse or horses in from the pasture/paddock and take them to the arena or outdoor grooming area.

Sidewalking

The sidewalker is responsible for aiding the instructor with the client. Sidewalkers walk beside the horse and offer the rider physical support, assist with the activity and engage the rider as directed by the instructor. Sidewalkers may be assigned to assist a client at the horse ramp. Sidewalkers are the rider’s “safety angel,” assisting in maintaining balance and/or limb control. Some lifting and walking is required.

Groomer/Tack

A trained volunteer will “tack up” the horse with the equipment that the instructor has specified. Training will be provided on how to groom, as well as how to correctly tack a horse.

Volunteer Training & Supervision

 

Volunteer Registration Forms

Volunteers will be trained and supervised and are encouraged to ask questions. Volunteers will NEVER be asked to perform a task or take on a responsibility that is outside of his/her comfort level. WindWalkers operates on the SAFE, SAFER, SAFEST rule always.

 

Please download these forms and either print them to bring with you to your site visit or email the completed forms to: info@windwalkers.org.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION PACKET 2023

How to Submit a Volunteer Application

If you are 18 years or age or older you MUST complete a background screening before you can begin volunteering. Please contact info@windwalkers.org for more information.

By Email

Download the pdf application, fill out and email it to info@windwalkers.org

Snail Mail

Mail a paper application to WindWalkers, PO Box 504, Carbondale, CO 81623. ATT: Volunteer Coordinator

In Person

Bring a completed application to your orientation. Intake/Ranch tours will be set up by phone.