Volunteer with Us: Be the Heart of the Mission

At Celestial Equine Connections, our volunteers are more than just helpers—they are the heartbeat of our programs. We believe that it takes a community to foster healing and hope, and we invite you to join us in making the life-changing bond of the horse accessible to those who need it most.

Whether you are an experienced equestrian or have never stepped foot in a barn, there is a place for you here. Your time and heart can be the catalyst for a rider's breakthrough.

How You Can Make a Difference

We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities designed to match your unique interests, skills, and schedule. At Celestial, volunteering is about more than just tasks; it is about becoming part of a supportive team dedicated to safety, compassion, and community service.

Whether you are interested in working directly with our riders and horses, helping maintain the peaceful environment of our facility, or sharing your professional talents behind the scenes, your contribution is vital. No prior horse experience is required for many of our roles, as we provide comprehensive training to ensure every volunteer feels confident and prepared. From supporting our therapeutic lessons and senior outreach to assisting with event planning and barn management, there are countless ways to help our mission thrive.

Why Volunteer at CEC?

While our volunteers give so much to our students, they often find they receive even more in return.

  • Find Your Center: Spending time in the rhythmic environment of the barn is a powerful way to reduce your own stress and find mindfulness.

  • Build Skills: Gain hands-on experience in equine care, therapeutic techniques, and non-profit operations.

  • Join a Community: Become part of a supportive, passionate group of individuals dedicated to making a difference.

  • See the Impact: There is no feeling quite like watching a child with ADHD find focus or seeing a senior's eyes light up when they touch a horse for the first time.

Getting Started: The Onboarding Process

To ensure the safety of our horses and participants, all volunteers go through a standardized onboarding process:

  1. Application: Fill out our online volunteer application form.

  2. Orientation: Attend a 1-hour "Intro to CEC" session to learn about our mission, safety protocols, and core values.

  3. Training: Complete hands-on training for your specific role (e.g., side-walking, horse leading, feeding, etc.).

  4. Background Check: Required for all volunteers working directly with children or vulnerable populations.

Volunteer Requirements

  • Age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

  • Commitment: We value consistency for our riders. While we have one-time event opportunities, we prioritize volunteers who can commit to a weekly or bi-weekly shift for at least one lesson block or feed shift (6-8 weeks).

  • Physicality: Program roles (side-walking) require the ability to walk on uneven surfaces (sand/grass) for up to 45 minutes at a time.

  • Attire and Safety Gear (Mandatory): For your safety, all volunteers must adhere to the following dress code:

    • Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are required at all times. Sturdy boots (paddock boots or work boots) are highly recommended. Sneakers are acceptable for side-walking, but sandals, flip-flops, or thin canvas shoes are strictly prohibited.

    • Clothing: Comfortable, modest clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Long pants (jeans or breeches) are preferred to protect your legs. Please avoid loose, baggy clothing or dangling jewelry that could get caught on equipment.

    • Weather Prep: We operate in various weather conditions. Please dress in layers and bring a rain jacket or sun protection as needed.

Ready to Join the Herd?

We can’t wait to meet you! Your hands and heart are the missing piece of our mission.

Click here to fill out the Volunteer Application. *Will be available soon. In the meantime, you can reach out to us directly if you are interested in learning more.