M.A.R.E. welcomes those who are interested in donating their time on a consistent basis.  While your life is busy, commitment is precisely what M.A.R.E. riders and horses need!  

 

M.A.R.E. is currently looking for volunteers for our 2026 sessions. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to a specific day and time during weekdays, Monday thru Friday, for a few of hours between 8am and 5:30pm.​

 

M.A.R.E. is a non-profit organization that serves over 85 riders each week and has a herd of 15 horses that require daily care.  Many of the daily needs for our riders’ lessons and horse care are provided by a committed group of volunteers. You do not need to have horse experience; we will train you.

 

If you are, or know someone who is, interested in volunteering, please email: Volunteer@MareRidingCenter.com 

OR call 661.589.1877 to have your questions answered.

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TO APPLY:

• Read this Volunteer Page in full.

• Complete the online application through the link below OR print and complete the pdf application.  Volunteers are accepted year-round.

• Reserve your place for Volunteer Training.

• Come to Volunteer Training; 18110 Johnson Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93314. You will view and discuss videos about equine-assisted therapy and horse behavior, tour the facility, and be trained in stall cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and sidewalking.  (Allow 2+ hours and dress appropriately.

 

Email the Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer@MareRidingCenter.com to sign up for training.   

 

Qualifications:

• Be a minimum of 14 years old.

• Must like children, horses, and all things associated with the outdoors (including flies and temperatures ranging from 30 to 115 degrees F).

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

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

• Be able to accept constructive feedback.

• Be willing to perform any of 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 . . .

• Possess the ability to remain calm in the event of an emergency.

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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 needs 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 encouraged.

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

 

Click “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.

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https://www.mareridingcenter.com/volunteer-application​

 

OR you can apply online using this link

Printable PDF 2025_Volunteer App

 

Thank you for your desire to assist M.A.R.E.  I look forward to meeting you.

 

Amber Jenkins

Volunteer  Coordinator