Volunteer at Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center
The Importance of Our Volunteers
Volunteers are our hands and heart. Every year over 150 volunteers donate more than 12,000 hours of their time to our organization; we would not be able to operate without our volunteers.
We serve children and adults with special needs and provide the opportunity for them to learn riding and horsemanship skills and gain the benefits that come with the equine-human partnership. Riding helps improve balance, coordination, endurance, strength, social relationships, and self-esteem. Volunteers make this experience possible and have the chance to make a huge difference in the lives of our participants.
Our volunteers find serving our participants and horses to be remarkably rewarding. Whether you are an enthusiast with many years of equine experience, or someone with no experience but a desire to make a difference, you will gain many personal benefits, opportunities to learn, and the chance to share in our participants’ joys and triumphs.
Volunteers assist in every aspect of our program and are provided training opportunities for each role:
- Program Volunteers
- Barn Volunteers
- Professional Volunteers
- Volunteer Facility Assistants
There are other volunteer opportunities at GMTRC, too. Contact us to learn about all that’s available.
Expect This Time Commitment as a Volunteer
GMTRC is proud to provide volunteers with the flexibility to create a volunteer experience that fits both their interests and unique scheduling needs. Our primary openings for volunteers include helping with programs and with barn duty. Many of the volunteers who help with these roles enjoy committing to a consistent schedule, often 1-3 hours on a weekly basis, but there are also many openings for substitutes which do not require a weekly commitment. We also have opportunities for volunteers to help with special events, fundraising, facilities and ground maintenance, and other areas which are scheduled as needed. If you are interested in helping in any of these areas, please apply! Our team is happy to discuss volunteer options with you and answer any questions you may have!
Become a Volunteer at Greystone Manor TRC
No prior horse experience is necessary; we will provide all the training.
- Review our Volunteer Handbook for Volunteer Program Information and Requirements (We welcome volunteers 14 years of age and older).
- Complete our online application through our Volunteer Portal (button below). This is a two-part process.
- Part 1 is a screening to help us determine if your availability and interests fit our program.
- Part 2 will ask for the full information we need to register you as a volunteer. (You will receive the link for this via email once our staff has reviewed Part 1 of your Volunteer Application.)
- Sign up for a New Volunteer Orientation (NVO) session (This training is required for all new volunteers).
- Once you have completed NVO, you will be able to start volunteering! We will provide you with information about available time slots and show you how to sign up.
Two signature forms must be completed and submitted with your online application:
All volunteers 18 years of age and older and must obtain the following clearances:
- Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- FBI Criminal History Clearance (required if you have not been a PA resident for 10 consecutive years)
- Site for all three Clearances
Single-day and special-event volunteers do not need to submit clearances unless working directly with clients/participants.
Have Questions? Contact Our Volunteer Coordinator!
Our team is happy to help guide you through the volunteer process, provide additional information on important tasks, and answer any questions you might have. Contact us today.