Be a part of the magic! Volunteering as a Pony Ride Assistant is a fun way to support the Carriage Hill Riding Center on the weekends. For many of our riders, a Pony Ride is their first experience with a horse or pony, and that experience creates a lasting memory.
Pony Ride Assistants support the pony ride programming at the Carriage Hill Riding Center leading ponies by hand while the children ride, serving as a spotter, or walking alongside the pony during the ride.
Impact
Volunteers help ensure a safe experience and provide personal attention to each rider and their family. This support allows us to offer a direct connection to large animals and nature through programming.
Tasks
- Groom and tack ponies to prepare for the rides
- Assist riders with helmet
- Re-check saddle before mounting each rider
- Assist rider onto pony (may involve lifting)
- One person leads the pony; second person watches the child to ensure a centered position (this can be a customer)
- Escort the child to and from the pony
- Keep ponies watered and un-tacked during downtime
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth Volunteers ages 14 and up who have qualified as Barn Aides and have qualified as Pony Ride Assistant Volunteers.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature), and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Barn Aide and Pony Ride Assistant Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting instructions: Meet near the office inside the first barn or find a staff member.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at #937-689-6939.
- Dress: Please wear long pants, and sturdy closed toe shoes (no steel toe boots). Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel while volunteering.
- Environment & Physical Demands:
- Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions, year-round.
- In this work environment, volunteers will be exposed to cat and horse dander, dust, and other environmental allergens.
- Volunteers can expect to assist with lifting children onto the ponies, lifting anywhere from 35-50 pounds. Anticipate long periods of walking, standing and lifting.
- If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.
See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.
