FAQs
(Volunteering)

What do volunteers do?

From caring for program horses, to assisting youth and adult participants, to providing support to instructors during lessons, our volunteers become experts at a variety of tasks.

Sidewalkers (Level 1) assist instructors in lessons by providing varying levels of support to riders. Horse Leaders (Level 2) are responsible for grooming and tacking up horses for lessons, as well as leading horses during sessions. Horse Handlers (Level 3) manage the bringing in and turning out of horses to and from pastures, and provide basic care. Other opportunities include assisting with Field Trips, unmounted (non-riding) sessions, and Special Events.

How much does it cost?

There is no fee to volunteer at Haku Baldwin Center.

Do I need to be physically fit? Is it hard work?

Working with horses involves hard and often dirty work, but it is also highly rewarding! Volunteers assisting with adaptive riding lessons must be physically fit and capable of walking or jogging alongside riders during lessons. Expect to be active outdoors for 2-4 hours at a time with some breaks.

Will I get to ride horses?

Volunteers should not expect to ride our horses, as ride time is reserved for our program participants. If you are interested in riding, we suggest seeking lessons at other local barns or stables.

What’s the minimum age to volunteer?

Given the sensitive nature of our therapeutic programs, we do not accept program volunteers under the age of 16. Volunteers aged 16-17 are considered Junior Volunteers with additional safety and supervision requirements. For roles such as Horse Handler and Horse Leader, volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Do I need to make an appointment to visit? Can I just stop by and watch?

All visits require an appointment. Unannounced visitors will be directed to contact our office to schedule a suitable time to visit or arrange a call with a staff member. We value the privacy and confidentiality of our program participants and clients, and all sessions are private.

Is a criminal background check required?

All volunteers must consent to random background checks as part of the application process.

How long is the waiting list?

The waiting list is due to a typically high volume of interest in our volunteer opportunities. As positions become available, we will contact those who have completed the Wait List Form first. Currently, we cannot estimate wait times, but you are welcome to check in if you have questions.

What does training look like?

New volunteers begin with Level 1 training as sidewalkers. To become a Horse Leader, volunteers must advance to and complete Level 2 training. Those aiming to be Horse Handlers are required to undergo Level 3 training. Volunteers assisting with alternative programs such as Equine-Assisted Learning or assisting with Field Trips and Special Events receive specific training on the day of the event as needed.

Safety is our primary concern. Training levels help us determine the safest and most appropriate roles for each volunteer, allowing us to provide the best experience possible for participants and clients.

Mahalo for your interest in improving our community through volunteering.

Ready to sign up? Complete the Wait List Form or contact us with any questions.