Volunteer Opportunities
Sidewalker Volunteers
Assists student mounted on horse by acting as a spotter. Takes cues from instructor,
observe safety precautions, help set up arena obstacles when asked, brush horses
when asked. Prior horse experience is helpful but not required. A willing attitude
and a kind, courteous manner is essential to working at Equest and interacting
with the students, volunteers and parents. All sidewalkers must attend one Equest
Volunteer Training in order to enter sidewalking program.
If you are 14 years and older and interested in being a sidewalker this season,
please consult the calendar indicating the spring, summer, and fall lesson schedules.
If you have already been through a sidewalker training, you are welcome to join
us for a refresher. Training sessions will include hands-on experiences in simulated
or actual lessons.
Barn Volunteers
If you are 12 years or older and interested in helping out around the barn keeping
horses clean and happy, buckets scrubbed, tack gleaming, you can join a dedicated
barn crew on Monday afternoons. Knowledgeable horse people supervise all activities.
This is a great way to earn your community service hours!
Barn Volunteers will have the opportunity to help plan and assist with the Student
Horse Show. This will include planning and organizing games for sisters and
brothers of riders (maybe parents too!), helping to greet guests, planning and
preparing a simple food “booth” (PBJ, snacks, beverage) and on the
day of the show be present to supervise and assist with all that you have planned.
Equest Staff and adult volunteers will supervise Barn Volunteers.
Barn Volunteer Hour:
Spring: Mondays 3-5 p.m.
Summer: Mondays 2-5 p.m.
Fall: Mondays 3-5 p.m.
Special Events Volunteers
We have several ways for volunteers to help out throughout the season in one-day
events, ongoing activities, or committee work. Most of these functions are fundraising-related
and make a tremendous difference in Equest’s charitable work.
- The Cowboy Ball: The Event! Lots of ways for you to help…we need people
to find items for the silent auction, set up prior to the big night, assistance
during the event and breakdown/clean up afterwards.
- Cowboy Ball Auction Committee: Work to collect goods, arts, crafts and services
to be auctioned at the Cowboy Ball and attend to details of this important
and fun annual auction.
- Equest’s Annual Family Farm Festival: Join the fun with face painting,
pony rides, games, wagon rides, music and entertainment here for a day at
Spring Creek Farm.
- Benefit Trail Ride: The Sprague Family of Spurwink Farm in Cape Elizabeth
will host 100 riders and the day will culminate with a BBQ. To help with this
event, call the Equest office @ 985-0374.
- Annual Equest Fun Show/Horse Show: join the fun! Volunteers can help greet
and register students, help sidewalk riders, or
- Volunteer Appreciation Dinner: Our opportunity to thank our dedicated crew
of volunteers.
Other Opportunities
Other ways that volunteers help Equest is through office projects such as with
mailings, photocopying and filing, videotaping riders’ sessions, painting
and renovation projects at the farm and grounds keeping. Call if you have more
ideas!
The reflections of one volunteer who makes room in her busy work
week for Equest students.
“As a manager of a community bank, Ocean National, I am very aware
of the importance of volunteerism in the community. It is important
for us to give back to the communities that support us. I decided to
help at Equest because I love people and horses. It is very rewarding
to feel that you have made a difference in someone's day. I enjoy the
time spent with the horse handlers, instructors, students, other volunteers,
and of course, I like seeing the horses fulfill their mission as well.
My job at work is helping others and my "volunteer job" is the same.
As a business manager I have been very impressed with how things are
handled at Equest and the professional way the staff interacts with
students, other staff, volunteers, and family and friends of the students.
The barns, office, arena, and grounds are well groomed and well organized.
Everyone is made to feel welcomed and important. I would encourage anyone
to take time to volunteer, you will quickly find yourself looking forward
to that time, however often it is.” ~ Sandra Bisson
|
Volunteer Awards:
Of the hundreds of people who gave time and talent in 2006, there were several
who were stand-outs and deserved an award. They were recognized at Equest’s
annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in November, a well-attended celebratory
event that was sponsored this year by the Timberland Company.
Marilyn Ives, Volunteer Queen, was named for her reliable, responsible and
always-helpful assistance with students, horses, and chores around the barn.
Tim Sweeney, Volunteer King. Whether singing along with the youngest of students
or carefully guiding the most disabled, Tim handled it all with good humor and
dedication.
Austin Brooks, Volunteer Prince, for his service at special events and
for being Nick’s right hand man.
Alyssa Swenson, Volunteer Princess, who’s good cheer and years
of service as a barn and event volunteer earned her this award.
Rachel Ehlers, Barn Volunteer of the Year. Sweeping the barn, washing
water buckets, cleaning tack, and mucking paddocks, this dedicated young lady
did it all with a smile. 
