We are so excited you wil be joining us at the barn. Whatever your duties are, from pulling weeds to walking alongside our clients, your time and presence are a treasure to us! Below are some helpful thoughts for each role we have here at Eloheh but please ask if you have any questions. On-site training will cover details of your specific duties.
Volunteers should arrive at the barn at least 15 minutes before a session begins or 5 minutes if doing barn or grounds work.
When you arrive, please sign in and check the barn sheet on the tack room bulletin board. You may find messages there for the day to guide you if we are unavailable when you arrive.
If you have questions, concerns, new ideas, or thoughts about your client or duties, please do not hesitate to talk with the instructor. Communication between volunteers and the instructor is not only encouraged, it is vital. :)
Guidelines for Specific Roles:
Feeder
Set up feed and hay for horses (details are above feed area in tack room)
Lead horses in and out of their stalls for feeding.
Muck out stalls and paddock area.
Gate to pasture - close in the evening, open in the morning.
Teaching Assistant/Leader - these will depend on the client but you will need to be ready to do any of the following:
Assists instructor during class.
Learn about each client and special needs before they come
Maintain control of the horse for the mount and dismount
Lead and keep the horse quiet and focused during the session
Teach a portion of the lesson as necessary
Sidewalker - From the time the client arrives until he or she leaves, the sidewalker is responsible for the client and for the client's safety.
Greet your client when she arrives
Watch your client carefully when working around the horse.
Assist the instructor ONLY if asked during the mounting or dismounting.
The instructor or teaching assistant will check the tack and adjust the length of the client's stirrups before and during the lesson.
Encourage clients to complete each task. If you have questions about the client's riding goals, ask the instructor
Be aware of the client at all times. Anticipate balance problems and be prepared to assist your client. Provide enough assistance to maintain safety, but don't take the challenge out of the lesson for your client. When in doubt, always consult the instructor
Treat adults as people, not as a diagnosis. See the whole person, their strengths, personality, and dignity, not just their condition
Ask before assisting. When assisting a person with a disability or illness, always ask how you can help rather than assuming.
Respect processing time. Some individuals may need extra time to process information. Be patient and allow space for a response.
Practice active listening. When someone is speaking, allow them to finish before responding. Listen to understand, not to reply.
Avoid assumptions. Do not assume what a person can or cannot do based on appearance, diagnosis, or past experience.
Support independence. Allow the person to attempt tasks on their own before offering help. Empowerment builds confidence.
Honor personal space and boundaries. Always be mindful of physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries. Ask permission before any physical contact, including assisting on/off a horse (except in emergency situations).
Be trauma-aware and gentle in approach. Many clients may carry emotional or physical trauma. Approach situations calmly and prioritize creating a sense of safety and peace.
Stay present and attentive. Avoid distractions (phones, side conversations). Your presence communicates value and care.
Know your role and limits. Volunteers are not therapists or medical providers. Always defer to instructors or staff when unsure.
Communicate with the team. Share observations or concerns with staff, especially if something seems unsafe or out of the ordinary.
At Eloheh Equine, we serve with compassion, humility, and respect, meeting each person where they are and honoring the unique journey they are walking. These are great guidelines for working with anyone, not just clients here on the ranch :).