Volunteer Levels and Expectations

Thank you for considering volunteering at Lang’s.  Our volunteer program is for those 12 years and older.  For children under 12 years, exceptions can be made if a parent is willing to volunteer along side of them.

Our volunteer program is not to take the place of a regular riding lesson program.  Our volunteers get the benefit of spending more time around horses, tack, and our farm.  Our volunteers do not, however, get the benefit of one on one riding instruction.  We are expecting the volunteers to advance their riding and horsemanship skills through riding lessons.

The volunteer program allows children and adults to have more hands-on time with our horses and ponies.  They also get to see the working side of the farm.  They will come to see how much work and commitment are required in caring for horses.

Our volunteer program runs year-round.  We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping at the farm for the long-term.  We are not interested in having a volunteer come once a year.

 

To get started as a volunteer:

*Make an appointment to come to the farm and meet with Lola Lang or staff

*Pick up and fill out all required forms

*Sign up and attend the volunteer training day, or schedule a private volunteer lesson

(See upcoming events page for scheduled volunteer training days)

*Set up a meeting with Lola Lang and your parent to schedule your volunteer hours

*Be sure to log your hours in your file at the office

 

LEVEL 1

Level 1 volunteers will be helping to groom ponies, lead them to the mounting block, walk with a pony on a ride, scoop manure from around the rails and farm, clean stalls with assistance, and assist with other farm chores.    

In order to move to level 2, you must complete 50 hours of volunteering, receive a positive assessment by a staff, and complete the Level 2 Training.

 

LEVEL 2

Level 2 volunteers will be able to help catch, groom, and saddle.  They will assist riders in mounting, adjusting stirrups, leading ponies on rides, and eventually riding at the back of trail rides if Lola Lang sees them as a benefit to the lead trail guide.

Level 2 volunteers will be able to clean stalls without supervision, assisting staff with feeding and watering horses and ponies, help clean up manure at the rails and around the farm including the pony trails.  Volunteers at this level will also assist with the week-long camp programs. 

In order to move to level 3, you must complete an additional 100 hours of volunteering, receive a positive assessment by a staff, and complete the Level 3 Training.

 

LEVEL 3

Level 3 volunteers are one step away from being a staff member.  They are very capable of handling multiple horses while catching and leading. They must be able to groom, saddle, and bridle without any assistance.  They must be able to tack up a horse both English and western style.  Level 3 volunteers must be able to guide a 15 minute or 30 minute pony ride.  They will be expected to start teaching and or assisting with classes for children.  Level 3 volunteers must be able to speak to our customers in a professional manner.  They must be able to give a riding safety class, leading safety class, and fit helmets.

 

Level 3 volunteers will be expected to ride at the back of large group rides and assist in keeping the riders safe.

 

This level is all about preparing for the transition to paid staff member.  Volunteers at this level must be 14 years to adult, have a thorough working knowledge of horses, and a mature confident attitude.

 

 

Summer Sleepover volunteers:

Volunteers who are over 12 years and are volunteering at level 2 or 3, may be asked to stay at our farm during summer camps.  These volunteers will get the benefit of living at the farm for a week while helping with the horse camp during the day. 

Spaces for this type of volunteering are limited and the volunteer will be charged a weekly rate for meals and showers.  Please check with Lola Lang if you are interested in this program.