Be the difference you would like to see...
Volunteer Packet

Volunteers are essential to making our programs available. We are always looking for passionate committed volunteers that contribute to changing the lives of our clients. Volunteering at Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch makes a difference in the lives of our students and theirs families; it also makes a difference in the lives of our volunteers as well. Volunteering is...

• A great way to meet new people
• A healthy, physical activity
• A positive bonding activity for families or civic, corporate or church groups
• A safe extra-curricular activity for teens
• A great community service hours opportunity for teens
• Fun!

Volunteer Opportunities

All volunteers must be at least 15 years old and able to walk at least 45 minutes.

• Sidewalkers ensure the success of a student’s session by interacting with them, aiding the therapist or instructor in lesson activities, motivating the student and helping to keep them safe with they ride
• Horse Prep volunteers groom and tack horses prior to lessons
• Special projects at the farm, such as painting or building and refurbishing equipment
• Horse Handlers work with our horses to lead them during lessons
• Administrators/Data Entry which can be done from home
• Committee Member opportunities exist on projects assisting in Communications, Special Events, etc..

Volunteer FAQ’s

How old do I have to be to volunteer at the ranch?

You must be 15 years old in order to volunteer.

Do I have to have experience with horses in order to volunteer?

No. You will attend training before you serve and then shadow experienced volunteers until both you and the instructor are comfortable with your ability.

What qualifications do I need in order to volunteer?

Mostly you just need the willingness and the time commitment to show up each week for your shift. Along with that we ask that you are able to answer yes to the following questions:

Side Walker 1:

• I can walk for 30-45 minutes
• I can pick up 20 pounds
• I can work outside in the weather all year

Side Walker 2:

• I can walk for 30-45 minutes
• I can jog slowly for 10 minutes
• I can pick up 40 pounds
• I can stretch hands in all directions
• I can work outside in the weather all year

Horse Tack:

• I can walk for 30-45 minutes
• I can pick up 20 pounds
• I can halter a horse
• I can read a horses behavior
• I can work outside in the weather all year

Horse Leader:

• I can walk for 30-45 minutes
• I can pick up 20 pounds
• I can lead a horse with correct positioning
• I can read a horses behavior
• I can control a horse in an emergency
• I can work outside in the weather all year

Are there other opportunities to volunteer that are not with the horses or kids?

Yes. We have many volunteer opportunities with Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch such as clean up, repairs on the ranch, administrative (some can be done from home), event planning, special awareness events and fundraising committees

What will I be doing if I volunteer at the ranch?

We have many jobs. For each rider we need 3 volunteers to assist in the ring; 2 side walkers and 1 lead. We also need people to help prepare the horses for riders. The instructor does the teaching and most of the interacting with the clients.

Can I just show up when I have some extra time?

We ask that the volunteers who are in the arena with the clients commit to 2 hours a week at the same time each week for an 8-week session. We could not do what we do without our amazing team of committed volunteers who show up each week. The clients need the consistency of the same hours, horse and volunteers. When a volunteer misses a session it can put the session in jeopardy of not happening.

If I cannot find a babysitter, can I just bring my child to the ranch with me?

We are sorry, but the ranch is not a good place for kids or pets to be running around on their own. We will need your undivided attention on the client for their safety so we ask that you make sure your children have other care provided for them when you are volunteering at the ranch.

What are the times that I can volunteers at the ranch?

Our hours of operations are:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 8:00-6:00
Wednesday from 1:00-6:00
Hours may vary in the summer

Can I ride while I am at the ranch?

No. We are committed to helping as many special needs clients as we can. In order to do this we do not allow volunteers or siblings of clients to ride. We do however; have many places that we can recommend to you for riding lessons

Is there a fee to get started?

Because we are a 501(c)3 organization, we do ask that each volunteer pay a $25.00 processing fee. This fee will cover the cost of a background check and provide you a t-shirt.

Are there other ways that I can help the ranch?

Yes. Many employees offer matching donation and volunteer hour matching programs for employees and spouses. Please check with your or your spouse’s employer and let them know you are volunteers for us to see if they have one of these programs. We have received checks that have covered the cost of sponsoring a child for an entire session from these programs. It is worth checking into.

How do I get started?

Download the Volunteer Packet. Fill this out then email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we can set up a training date for you. Please feel free to email this address if you have other questions as well.

Tours

We frequently give individuals and group tours of our property. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in learning more about our programs.