top of page

GET INVOLVED

M.A.R.E. is a non-profit organization that serves over 50 riders each week and has 13 horses that require daily care.  This can be difficult to manage with a small staff.  Therefore, many of the daily needs for our riders’ lessons and horse care are provided by a committed group of volunteers who donate time to sidewalk, lead horses, clean stalls, and assist with facility care. You do not need to have horse experience; we will train you.

M.A.R.E. welcomes those who are interested in donating their time on a consistent basis.  We understand that your life is busy and that it can be difficult to give time on a consistent basis, but that is precisely what M.A.R.E. needs!  As you assist the riders, they get to know YOU and look forward to seeing YOU and having YOU work with them.

If you are, or know someone who is, interested in volunteering, please call us at 661.589.1877 or email Volunteer@MAREridingcenter.com to have your questions answered.

 

MARE is currently looking for volunteers for our  2022 Winter & Spring sessions beginning January 3rd-May 21st.  We are looking for those who can commit to a consistent day(s) during the week (or every-other-week) Monday thru Saturday, any time between 8am-6pm.

​

Next Volunteer Training: 2/19/2022

​

To sign up email: Volunteer@MareRidingCenter.com

​​​​

We currently have a small number of experienced volunteers to minimize COVID-19 risks.  For questions or concerns contact our office, send an email Volunteer@MareRidingCenter.com​ or fill out the online application. 

 

Call the office 661-589-1877 to reserve your place! 

Volunteer

How to Become a Volunteer:

    • Read this Volunteer Page in full.

    • Download and complete the Volunteer Application at the link below.  Volunteers are accepted year-round.

    • Call M.A.R.E. at 661.589.1877 to schedule your place for Volunteer Training.

    • Come to Volunteer Training; bring your completed Application.  You will watch videos about equine-assisted therapies, tour the facility, and be trained in stall cleaning, safety protocols, and sidewalking.  (Allow 2+ hours and wear appropriate shoes and clothes that can get dirty.)

    • Sign up and get started!

Qualifications:

    • Be a minimum of 14 years old.

    • Must like children, horses, and all things associated with the outdoors.

    • Be able to tolerate temperatures ranging from 30 to 108 degrees F.

    • Be physically able to sweep, pick up manure, & lift up to 30 lbs. 

    • Be physically able to maintain a steady walk for 30 minutes while walking alongside a horse in sandy footing.

    • Be willing to learn and follow M.A.R.E. procedures and safety protocols.

    • Be able to accept constructive feedback.

    • Be able to follow directions and act as a silent (most of the time) helper.

    • Possess the ability to remain calm in an emergency.

Volunteer of the Year
Gene .png

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

​

M.A.R.E. is pleased to recognize Gene McClure as our 2020 volunteer of the year.

 

Gene has been a regular volunteer for nearly four years.  He has mucked stalls in the summer heat with dirt and flies and in the winter in cold, rain and mud. He happily walks laps as a sidewalker with our riders.  Gene even remained calm when there was a fire next door to the barn and got our horses to safety. Gene has faithfully donated each month to support MARE.  

 

He has maintained a commitment to serve and a dedication to the horses, riders and the M.A.R.E. program.  We are thankful and grateful for all he has done.  

 

Congratulations Gene.  We appreciate all that you do for us!

 

masked-horse-thumbs-up.png

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Arrive when scheduled or notify the M.A.R.E. staff by phone, 661.589.1877, or reply to the reminder email to, volunteer@MAREridingcenter.com, if you are unable to work your scheduled shift.

  • Come appropriately dressed and be prepared to perform a variety of tasks which could include: cleaning stalls, arena set up or take down, horse grooming, sidewalking, cleaning offices, cleaning tack, gardening, washing brushes and buckets, sweeping, watering, dusting . . .

Dress Code:

  • Appropriate clothing: nothing revealing or low cut, no low-cut tank tops or tops with spaghetti straps.

  • Long pants, jeans, or riding breeches are best.  No sagging pants; no ripped or torn jeans.

  • Shorts may be worn in the summer but must be modest.

  • Dangle earrings, other jewelry and scarves are worn at your own risk.  

  • Long hair is recommended to be pulled back or up.

  • Closed-toed shoes that do not flop are required.  Boots or shoes with socks that cover your ankles are preferred.

  • Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended.

  • NO cell phones while volunteering.  We have a place for you to keep your phones and keys.

Application

Either click “2019 Volunteer App” link below (yes, this version is still current), print, complete, and bring it when you come for training.  If you are under 18 years old complete pages 1 & 2, then have a parent read and sign-off on pages 3 & 4, the liability and release portions of the application.

 

Printable PDF 2019_Volunteer App

​

Or you can apply online below

bottom of page