Get Involved

Make a difference, one ride at a time.

Iron Horse could not run smoothly without our weekly team of weekly volunteers plus those who provide volunteer hours during service days and events. Our team of volunteers from our community assist with day-to-day operations at the farm, including sidewalking for therapy sessions, horse assisting in preparation of sessions, weekend property care & a barn buddy program that matches volunteers to our herd to create a special bond with a therapy animal. Volunteering extends opportunities for our community to join our mission in serving our special needs population across Colorado!

Volunteer With Us

For a full role description, please click the titles of each volunteer role.

Sidewalker

The Sidewalker assists therapists with rider safety during mounting, riding and dismounting over the course of a 45 min therapy session. The Sidewalker assists therapists with set up and clean up of the environment and safety items before/after sessions.

Horse Assistant

The Horse Assistant brings equines to the grooming area, follows the grooming protocol and tacks prior to therapeutic sessions and advocates for the horses’ needs before/after the session. The Horse Assistant removes tack and returns equines to their assigned stall after sessions are done.

Weekend Care

Weekend Care volunteers assist with property maintenance, gardening & animal care on Saturdays & Sundays. They assist with animal feeding, mucking, and spreading manure in pasture.

Barn Buddies

Barn buddies are paired up with one animal from our herd. They are responsible for grooming, mucking and spending quality time with their barn buddy on a regular basis.

Lease Horses

Lease horse owners provide our farm with their horses to continue serving patients across Northern Colorado. In return, Iron Horse covers routine farrier, vet, feed & board costs while ensuring your horse is loved and cared for.

Students

Partnered with IPTA, Iron Horse is a non-traditional, outdoor clinical site for capstone, fieldwork & intern students furthering their studies in the field of occupational therapy. All student placements are completed through IPTA.

What Our Volunteers Are Saying

Christina G.

"Iron Horse is such a welcoming environment where I come to re-energize and relax from my daily routines of grad school and work. I love the people and the animals as they are all so sweet. It truly is a magical place for everyone involved."