Carriage Hill Riding Center Programming - Volunteer Training
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Carriage Hill Riding Center volunteer. As a programming volunteer, you'll help community members enjoy our parks on horseback through a variety high-quality equestrian programming!
The Riding Center offers a variety of programs that benefit from the many helping hands of volunteers just like you including: Lessons and Camps in the Arena, Pony Rides, guided Trail Rides. These volunteer opportunities all require volunteers to be Barn Aide qualified in addition to completing required training. It typically takes around 8 -10 shifts or 20 volunteer hours to become qualified as a Barn Aide.
Additionally, all Carriage Hill Riding Center volunteers are asked to commit to at least 8 volunteer shifts per year.
Equestrian Arena Assistant - GET STARTED!
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? This opportunity is open to individual long-term volunteers ages 14 and up, who have qualified as Barn Aides, completed their volunteer onboarding qualifications (Volunteer Handbook Signature, Completed Volunteer Profile), and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least 8 shifts per year, 5 of which should be Equestrian Arena shifts. New to MetroParks volunteering?
Step 1: Learn more about the role of an Equestrian Arean Assistant here.
Step 2: Read the Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer Training document here.
Step 3: Attend the in-person Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer Training.
Once you have completed the steps above, you will be invited to attend the New Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer Training. In-person trainings are offered annually in late winter before spring lessons begin. Visit the Training and Events page to view upcoming dates and RSVP.
Once you have completed both your online and in-person training, you will be eligible to sign up for Shadow Experience shifts for the Equestrian Arena Assistant. During your in-person shadow experience, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn expectations of the role, practice and demonstrate required tasks, and get comfortable working alongside volunteers and staff. Take a look at our Arena Assistant Volunteer Check Off here to review what skills you will be working toward mastering.
Pony Ride Assistant - GET STARTED!
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? This opportunity is open to individual long-term volunteers ages 14 and up, who have qualified as Barn Aides, completed their volunteer onboarding qualifications (Volunteer Handbook Signature, Completed Volunteer Profile),and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least 8 shifts per year. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer!
Step 1: Learn more about serving in as a Pony Ride Assistant here.
Step 2: Read the Pony Ride Assistant Volunteer Training document here.
Step 3: Attend the in-person Pony Ride Assistant Volunteer Training.
Once you have completed the steps above, you will be invited to attend the New Pony Ride Assistant Volunteer Training. In-person trainings are offered annually in May before summer pony rides begin. Visit the Training and Events page to view upcoming dates and RSVP.
Once you have completed both your online and in-person training, you will be eligible to sign up for Shadow Experience shifts for the Pony Ride Assistant. During your in-person shadow experience, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn expectations of the role, practice and demonstrate required tasks, and get comfortable working alongside volunteers and staff. Take a look at our Pony Ride Assistant Volunteer Check-Off here to review what skills you will be working toward mastering.
Equestrian Trail Guide - GET STARTED!
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? This opportunity is open to individual long-term volunteers ages 16 and up, who have qualified as Barn Aides, completed their volunteer onboarding qualifications (Volunteer Handbook Signature, Completed Volunteer Profile), and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least 8 shifts per year. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer!
Step 1: Learn more about serving as an Equestrian Trail Guide volunteer here.
Step 2: Review the Equestrian Trail Guide Volunteer Training document here.
Step 3: Attend the in-person Equestrian Trail Guide Volunteer Training.
Once you have completed the steps above, you will be invited to attend the New Equestrian Trail Guide Volunteer Training. In-person trainings are offered annually in May before summer trail rides begin. Visit the Training and Events page to view upcoming dates and RSVP.
Once you have completed both your online and in-person training, you will be eligible to sign up for Shadow Experience shifts for the Trail Guide. During your in-person shadow experience, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn expectations of the role, practice and demonstrate required tasks, and get comfortable working alongside volunteers and staff.
Once your Carriage Hill Riding Center Programming qualifications are complete, you can begin signing up for opportunities!
Want to Branch Out?
Want to explore other ways to get involved? There are many volunteer opportunities across MetroParks that offer similar experiences, skills, or ways to make an impact.
Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks!
Have questions?
Reach out to the Volunteer Services team at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or 937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator. You can also join us at a Volunteer Open House, an in-person opportunity to learn more about volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks.
Welcome to the Team!
