Hundreds of volunteers and partners make Hoofbeats possible by contributing time, finances, supplies, and many skills. Everything we do is a team effort – and there is a spot on our team for you!
GIVE
Will you consider partnering with us financially? Your tax-deductible contribution provides directly for horse care, daily operation costs, and for scholarships – which make therapeutic riding accessible for every family regardless of financial situation.
Learn how to Give Now, online or by check.
Items and Horses
You can also make a donation of items or equipment. Our needs include: gently used tack, horse care items, riding apparel (we make horse shows accessible for all our riders by providing a free “store” of apparel), feed store coupons, and office supplies. Interested in donating any of your extra stuff? Contact the office at info@hoof-beats.com to learn what needs there are.
There are occasionally openings for a new therapy horse to join our equine family. If you have a horse or pony you think might be suitable, please learn more here.
Volunteer
Volunteers contribute in many ways. We always need people to assist with horse care, barn upkeep, and lessons. Horse experience is a bonus but not a requirement. Many of our volunteers are retirees, working professionals, and high school and college students. We value every unique experience and skill that a volunteer brings through our door. Get creative! Do you have carpentry experience or a real fix-it attitude? Help with minor construction or repair projects. Interested in getting grant writing experience? Help lead our fundraising. Are you always snapping pictures? Help us tell quality visual stories. Do you have a restaurant or hospitality background? Help make our riders feel like kings and queens at our special events and banquets. We believe in education through hands-on service. Our program director often refers to the center as a kind of laboratory – where people can experiment and leverage their interests to make a difference in our community.
What do our volunteers do? Here are some examples:
- Lead or sidewalk horses, or spot riders during lessons and horse shows
- Assist with barn chores and the care of horses, before and after lessons
- Photograph or take videos of lessons or special events
- Set up the riding ring for games or other special lesson activities
- Operate sound equipment for music during lessons or horse shows
- Assist with clerical chores: file maintenance, inventory of supplies, or computer tasks (such as formatting documents, making posters, organizing pictures, creating PowerPoint presentations)
- Provide minor carpentry assistance; help repair equipment and facilities
- Assist with fund raising projects; write grants
- Sew costumes for riders participating in costume classes or drill team exhibitions
- Lend your special skills, such as signing, to assist special needs riders
Hoofbeats welcomes adult volunteers, and teens 16 years of age and older. (Younger children who want to volunteer, should ask their parents to inquire about the Hoofbeats “Barn Rats” program.)
How do you learn more about volunteering at Hoofbeats? Contact the office to schedule a time to come in and talk with the Program Director. You will be under no obligation if you decide after all that Hoofbeats is not a “good fit” for you. The Program Director will ask you to talk about your experience, interests, and goals, and will welcome your questions. Request a copy of Hoofbeats Volunteer Handbook. The Program Director will suggest possible work assignments, discuss schedule options, and introduce you to the other staff. You will also have a chance to tour the Hoofbeats facilities, and meet the horses!
To become a Hoofbeats volunteer you will need to fill out and turn in the three forms which can be found on our forms page. Complete the forms in full, and be sure to sign and date in all the appropriate places. Hoofbeats looks forward to welcoming you on board!
Want to learn more about volunteering? Please contact the Hoofbeats office at info@hoof-beats.com or call 540-464-3337. Schedule a time to visit the center and talk about your goals, interests, experiences and decide whether Hoofbeats is a good fit for you.
How to Find Us
Hoofbeats is located off of Route 11 near scenic Lexington, Va. From I-81, take exit is 195 and turn north on U.S. Route 11. Once you pass the Maple Hall Inn, Mt. Atlas Road will be the first left once you top the hill. On Mt. Atlas Road, proceed for about 1.5 miles and our center will be on the right side of the the road just after Swink’s Body Shop.
Click here for our location: Map