Volunteering at Giant Steps
“I was drawn to Giant Steps because I can work alongside like-minded and spirited individuals seeking to make a difference.”
—Giant Steps Volunteer
Volunteers at Giant Steps do more than give their time and energy, they help our clients reach their goals. These like-minded individuals make lifelong friends and become a part of a larger community keen on making a difference. Volunteers assist riders during their weekly lessons, groom horses, help maintain the facility, assist with special events, and so much more. If you’re interested in contributing your talents (all horse experiences welcome) to a great cause, we welcome you to join us!
Please note, GPS may not get you to the right location, so use the link below for directions. Look for the Sonoma Horse Park sign on Lakeville Highway.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@giantstepsriding.org with any questions.
Volunteer Today
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to have horse experience to become a volunteer?
A: No! We do not require our volunteers to have previous horse experience. If you do, that is great, and if you don’t, we will teach you what you need to know!
Q: What does the commitment look like?
A: We ask our volunteers to commit to at least one consistent class per week. Consistency helps build connection for our clients and betters the overall experience of therapeutic riding and equine activities. If you are able to do more, that is great!
Q: If I can’t commit to weekly classes are there other opportunities for me to get involved?
A: While our greatest need is for weekly volunteers, we do also rely on substitute volunteers to fill in when a volunteer is absent, and we may have other opportunities for single-day volunteer projects. Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, to see what opportunities we have. Email volunteer@giantstepsriding.org for more information.
Q: Why do I need to come to orientation?
A: Orientation provides an opportunity for us to take new volunteers through how we do things at Giant Steps. This includes safety precautions, emergency procedures, and other training to help prepare everyone for classes. It is a great opportunity to meet our staff and other volunteers and allows us to come together to create the best possible environment for our clients.
Q: Is there an age requirement for volunteers?
A: Our minimum age to help in classes is 14 years old.
