Volunteer
Our Volunteers Make it Happen!
Volunteers are the “manpower” behind the “horsepower.” They are truly the lifeblood of our program. Fresh air, new friends, horses and exercise are just a few of the perks of being a volunteer. Volunteers (age 14 and up) are trained to help during lessons by leading and side-walking with our riders, and caring for the horses. In addition, they help with fundraising efforts, special projects, and maintenance on the farm. Local businesses, schools, and companies participate in volunteer work days.
Volunteers often say that they “get more than they give” because they make new friends, help others in their community and help bring joy to the lives of our riders and their families.
Contact us today to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Make a Difference
There are so many volunteer opportunities at Lift Me Up! Most of our volunteers help with our lesson program, which includes grooming and tacking up horses, leading horse during a riding lesson, or assisting a rider as a side-walker. Lesson volunteers are very active and should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and doing some light jogging. All volunteers are trained and must be capable of executing an "emergency dismount."
You can also make a difference by helping us with a number of important administrative activities such as grant writing, fundraising, and helping with events. If you are interested in lending a hand in this capacity, please inquire below to discuss potential projects.
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Barn Volunteers - help care for our horses!
Beyond volunteering for riding lessons and horsemanship programs, there are opportunities in the barn for volunteers to care for our horses and keep the property in good condition. No prior horse experience required!
The types of jobs a Barn Volunteer can expect to assist the Barn Manager in doing: feeding & watering, mucking stalls, bringing horses to and from fields and other chores around the property.
All training is on-site and activities can be tailored to your comfort level.
Volunteer Qualifications
- Minimum age requirement: 14 years
- All volunteers must complete the online Volunteer Application Form (link below).
- Lesson volunteers are asked to sign up for a minimum of one lesson per week for one session.
- Volunteers must be able to adhere to safety standards, follow directions of program staff, and perform duties independently and consistent with the particular volunteer function.
- Training: You DO NOT need to be a “horsey” person to help out. We provide on-the-job training as needed and host quarterly formal trainings.
Corporate and Group Volunteer Projects
Throughout the year, LiftMeUp! hosts corporate group give-back days for companies who have employees willing to donate their time and talent by providing hands-on work at our facilities. Local organizations including SalesForce, AARP, The Potomac School, Exxon/Mobil, CST, Equifax, and Gordon Baker and friends have visited us to paint, repair, regrade, and perform other various maintenance related projects. Lift Me Up! has a long-standing relationship with the Madeira School and has hosted two of their students for a year-long service project.
Local Girl Scout Troops and Eagle Scouts generously donate their time and energy around our farm, completing landscaping and beautification projects which are enjoyed by our students and their families plus our staff.
Our annual Volunteer Appreciation dinners, galas and benefit dinners are hosted by volunteer committees and year-long planning for these amazing and important events are wonderful ways for volunteers who do not have equine experience to get involved at LiftMeUp!