Ivy Hill Therapeutic

Equestrian Center

1999-2013Celebrating 14 years of service in the Community!

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Location: 1 Highpoint Road
Mailing: PO Box 394
Perkasie, PA 18944
ph: 215-822-2515
info@ivyhillequestrian.org

Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in lending a hand with Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. We are actively seeking volunteers to help with lessons, horse care, fundraising, and other organizational tasks.

You do not need to have any experience with horses to help out. We will provide the necessary training for you to be a growing part of our organization. We provide services all year round to most of our clients. We ask that you try and commit to volunteering on a regular basis so our riders and staff have as much consistency as possible. We will also take “subs” in case someone is unable to make a scheduled time.

In following our mission, Ivy Hill is committed to establishing, maintaining and delivering professional programs designed to enhance the lives of those individuals with physical, social, educational, or psychological challenges. Ivy Hill provides the highest quality services to the individuals who can benefit from the programs we offer. Our staff members have degrees in areas of Special Education, Physical Therapy, and Psychology, with additional specialized training and certification in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy.

Our goal is to help individuals succeed and miracles to happen! We have many individuals of all ages that have “special challenges” ranging from those with physical, intellectual, emotional, and social needs, along with those who have suffered from a trauma or are recovering from injury. We work with individuals and their families to provide the best services possible. All your help is greatly appreciated in enriching the lives of others through horses and humans.

Qualifications:

Reliability
Patience
Comfortable around horses
Ability to establish rapport and gain confidence of rider
Ability to take and follow directions

Responsibilities:

Comfort and safety of the rider
Walk beside the rider providing physical support as needed
Reinforce instructor’s directions
Be constantly alert to the possible need for instantaneous help

Volunteer Opportunities: (minimum age for volunteering in the barn is 11 years old)

Leading a horse in a lesson (leader)
Assisting a student in lessons (sideaid)
Grooming/ Tacking a horse for a lesson
Stable chores/ Horse care (feedings)
Public Relations
Fundraising
Volunteer Recruitment
Photography and Video
Board Member
Committee Member
Facility Maintenance
Gardening
Group Projects - Eagle Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church Groups, Community Service

General Volunteer Times Needed:

** Ivy Hill is always in need of volunteer to assist with the barn and lesson please contact us to find out more**

Monday through Friday afternoons from 3-6:30 to help with Horse care
Saturday and Sundays all day 8-5 to help with horse care
Monday through Friday at various times to assist with lessons: 9am-7pm

All other volunteer days and times can be arranged according to the no horse/lesson volunteer need.

What are our volunteers saying?

Written By, Amy H:

I discovered Ivy Hill online last year after searing on the internet for a volunteer opportunity. I knew it was the perfect job for me because of my love of animals and children. In the past I have done a lot of volunteering in schools as well as being a mentor for a few years. I had also been quite interested in horses the last few years although I don't know how to ride.

Then before i contacted Ivy Hill something happened that had a huge impact on my life. In February 2008 my father passed away unexpectedly. My parents had lived with me and my family since 1998. My dad was such a big part of my life that it was like losing not only a father but really one of my best friends. i was devastated b this loss and along with that I was trying to help my mother cope as well. After being married of 59 years it has been a struggle and was a life changing time for her as well.

In May I finally contacted Ivy Hill because I new it was time for me to help someone else. One of my missions in life is to help people and it always seems to me you get back more than you give when you help someone.

Since I have started to work at Ivy Hill I have learned more about horses and I have been amazed and inspired by the children. Words cannot really express how gratefu I am for this opportunity. When I am there I leave all my troubles behind and I stay in the moment. The grieving process can be a long process when you lose someone who is dear to you. i know that working at Ivy Hill has really helped me cpe with my grief.

I also know it was meant to be. A few months before my father passed away he came home one day with a present for me. It was a silver chain with a little horse charm on it. I loved it then but cherish it now because it was the last present he gave to me. My father lifted his life with passion and was such a great inspiration to me. I can only hope to life my life with the same passion he had and someday be an inspiration to others.

How to become a volunteer?

To become a volunteer click to download the volunteer packet or call to set up a time to meet with our staff and get a tour of the barn.

2013 Chagnes:

Due to new insurance restrictions, all volunteers must be at least 12. You must have a completed criminal record clearance before attending a volunteer orientation, and a completed child abuse clearance before working with our clients.

Child Abuse Clearances- click for PDF link

Criminal Background Check- click for online form

Download Volunteer Application: Check to download PDF

Printed Copies can be made available

upon request

Please Sign back page of volunteer Packet