Volunteer Orientation
Why Join Our Volunteer Orientation?
- In-Depth Learning: Receive thorough training on horse care, including mucking stalls, preparing feed, grooming, and understanding daily operational tasks.
- Hands-On Experience: Engage directly with our horses and facilities under professional guidance, ensuring a safe and educational environment.
- Community Connection: Build relationships with our dedicated team and other volunteers who share your passion for horses.
- Exclusive Access: Upon completing the orientation, you'll have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our daily operations and earn hours toward discounted services.
- Who Should Attend: All new volunteers interested in horse care and stable management are required to attend this orientation before beginning their volunteer activities.
Experience the Heart and Soul of Horse Care
Windmill Stables is excited to announce our comprehensive Volunteer Orientation Program—a hands-on, immersive experience designed to welcome you into the world of equestrian care and stable management. This orientation is the gateway to becoming an essential member of our community, where you'll gain exclusive insights and practical skills while connecting with fellow horse enthusiasts. Experience the profound satisfaction and sense of wellbeing that comes from working closely with these majestic animals, enriching not just your skills but also your spirit.
Orientation Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions:
- Meet our staff and fellow volunteers
- Learn about Windmill Stables' mission and values
- Volunteer Program Overview
- Understand volunteer expectations and safety protocols
- Get familiar with sign-in/out procedures and task tracking
- Facility Tour
- Explore the stables, arenas, and key operational areas
- Meet our horses and learn about their care routines
- Hands-On Training Sessions
- Stable Maintenance: Learn how to muck stalls and maintain clean living spaces for our horses
- Feeding Practices: Discover how to prepare grain, hay, and ensure fresh water supply
- Grooming Basics: Get introduced to horse grooming techniques and equipment care
- Task Management Introduction
- Learn to navigate our daily task list
- Understand how to mark off completed tasks and contribute efficiently
- Q&A and Next Steps
- Ask any questions you may have
- Learn how to schedule your future volunteer shifts
What to Bring:
- Closed-toe Shoes: waterproof or resistent is best.
- Jeans or long pants.
- Water and a snack.
- Extra change of clothes: Even just petting horses can get you dirty so keep this in mind!
- Hair Tie (if applicable)
Important Information for Volunteers
At Windmill Stables, we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our community, including our volunteers, staff, and horses. Before registering for our Volunteer Orientation Program, please take note of the following important guidelines:
Age Requirement
- Children 13 and Under: All volunteers aged 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during the orientation and any volunteer activities. This ensures a safe and supportive environment for our younger volunteers.
Safety and Conduct
- Commitment to Safety: Your safety is our top priority. We have established comprehensive safety protocols that all volunteers are expected to follow diligently.
- Behavior Expectations: We maintain a respectful and productive environment. Disruptive or unsafe behavior is not tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the orientation and volunteer program. This policy helps us ensure a positive experience for everyone involved
Volunteer Rewards Program
- Earn Discounts Through Volunteering:
- Opportunity to Save: Volunteers can accumulate hours toward discounted riding lessons or trail rides as a thank-you for their valuable contributions.
- Standards of Work Ethic: To qualify for these rewards, volunteers must consistently demonstrate reliability, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.
- Tracking Progress: We keep a record of your volunteer hours. Once you meet the required criteria, you can redeem your earned discounts and enjoy the benefits of your hard work.
Working with horses is a rain or shine activity. However, should we have a serious storm, we will text the number you used for registrations and email all attendees for rescheduling.
In the event that you need to cancel, we kindly ask for prompt notification to allow us to offer your spot to another client on our waitlist. Cancellations made at least 14 days before the start date will result in a full credit that can be applied to a future camp, lessons, or other services within 90 days. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the start date may result in the forfeiture of your fee, and no refund or credit will be issued.
No-Show Policy: Failure to attend without prior notice (no-show) will result in the forfeiture of your fee, and no refund or credit will be issued.
By registering, you acknowledge and agree to our Reschedule, Cancellation, and No-Show policies as outlined above. We reserve the right to make exceptions to these policies in extenuating circumstances