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Stepping Stones Riding Program

FAQ

How big is our program?

We currently have 12 horses and 2 ponies. During the summer we provide community riding lessons 7 days a week

How many hours can I volunteer?

Our program consists of all activities required to maintain healthy horses; consequently, we can accommodate as many hours as each volunteer wishes to donate.

What do I wear when volunteering?

Volunteers should be dressed appropriately to be around horses. Please wear close-toed shoes and long pants.

How much experience do I need to become a volunteer?

Basic horse handling experience is desirable though not required. Each volunteer will be assessed by our head trainer who will assign you to an area she feels best suits your skill level.

What other information do I need to know?

You will be required to sign a release of liability form.
SSRP Waiver
If you are unable to attend your chosen hour(s), you are expected to call the Head Trainer as soon as possible to enable her to schedule another volunteer to take your place.

Stepping Stones Riding Program fully complies with Ventura County Covid-19 business guidelines. Our Protocols and Procedures may be viewed here.

Building SSRP

Stepping Stones was founded by volunteers and continues to run successfully because of our dedicated and selfless volunteers. Volunteers assist with all the functions on the ranch including feeding, cleaning, exercising the horses, helping during lessons, performing ranch maintenance, and fundraising. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, though those under 12 must be accompanied by a parent.

The Role You Play

Our volunteers continue to be the foundation of our equine program and assist in many different ways. As a volunteer you will be taught the proper and safe way to maintain our active and friendly herd of horses. In addition you will assist our instructors during their lessons to assure the safety and maximum enjoyment of our students. You will learn and perform such rewarding activities as:

Volunteer with horse

Grooming and tacking of lesson horses

Leading and side walking with students during lessons and trail rides

General horse care

Stall/pasture cleaning/maintenance

Feeding of all animals (horses and cats)

Assisting with fundraising

Assisting at birthday parties held at the ranch including crafts supervision and horse preparation

Building a fence at the Y We all pitch in We all haul hay 3 bums

Depending upon your desires and experiences you may be asked to help construct and/or repair ranch facilities; repair fences; install new structures of all kinds, etc.

Basic Requirements

While not required, it is desirable to have some basic horse handling experience. Safety is paramount to us, both on and off the horse. In addition to knowing and understanding basic horsemanship, it is important for all volunteers to be aware of additional precautions needed when working with both horse and rider. Our head trainer will work closely with you to ensure all areas of safety are covered prior to assisting with lessons.

Youth Leaders

Around the world, amazing people and organizations are doing amazing work in the area of leadership development. Often, what starts as an idea in many schools and organizations blossoms into a full-fledged program, book, outreach effort, or organization. If you find yourself (your staff, your students, your community, etc.) pondering ways to enrich youth leadership experiences, come see what Stepping stones has to offer.

Thank you for your interest in our program, we hope you will become an integral part of our team. You can contact us by email at steppingstonesridingprogram@gmail.com to arrange a convenient time to visit us.

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