M.A.R.E.

VOLUNTEERS

Victor Mungary 2005
Sara Nilson 2007
Emily & Bethann 2007

*********************************************************************************

M.A.R.E. is an organization that is heavily dependent on its volunteers. With only a full-time staff of 3 and a part-time staff of 4, a caseload of over 90 riders a week can be difficult to manage. Needless to say, the majority of the daily needs of our facility are provided by a generous group of volunteers.

The importance of these dedicated people to the staff and the riders can never be underestimated. Our riders need to be safe whenever they are on the horse and have a skilled leader in charge of the horse, while still keeping costs in mind. Not one of these conditions could be met effectively without our volunteers. An increased volunteer base allows M.A.R.E. to earmark its funds for expanding its programs and ridership.

We are always on the lookout for people who are interested in donating their time and expertise to M.A.R.E. on a consistent basis. We understand that everyone's life is busy, and that it can be difficult to give time on a consistent basis, but that is precisely the challenge that M.A.R.E. faces daily. One does not need to have horse experience to help at M.A.R.E.

We have a number of fundraisers and celebrations of our own that depend upon volunteer assistance -- that only require an afternoon or evening. If you or someone you know is interested in helping at M.A.R.E., please call us at 589-1877 or email Heidi Hays at heidi@mareridingcenter.com and we will be glad to have your help. All are welcome to visit the facility and see the programs in action.

Volunteer Job Description

Qualifications:

Must like children, horses, dust, flies, and sunshine.
Minimum age of 14 years old
Must be physically able to maintain a steady fast paced walk, with arm elevated for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time in sand footing.
Must be able to jog one time around the arena
Be able to tolerate temperatures ranging from 30 to 105 degrees
Must be physically capable of assisting in an emergency dismount and posses the ability to remain calm in an emergency
Must be willing to learn and follow M.A.R.E. procedures
Able to accept constructive feedback
Must be able to follow directions and act as a silent helper most of the time
Able to commit to a consistent volunteer schedule
Dress in appropriate and professional attire.

Responsibilities:

Arrive when scheduled or notify the M.A.R.E. staff at 589-1877 if unable to attend the scheduled lesson.

Assist instructors and therapists by handling horses or acting as a safety aide for M.A.R.E. students.

Assist in pre-lesson preparation such as, grooming, tacking and warming up horses.

Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned by M.A.R.E. staff such as, cleaning stalls, feeding hay or grain, grooming and bathing horses. Other chores as needed are: gardening, washing buckets, sweeping, watering and dusting.

Click here to download the New Volunteer Application Packet

18200 Johnson Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93314 | Tel: 661-589-1877 | Fax: 661-589-2083 | E-mails