Volunteer Responsibilities + Guidelines

Volunteers must be at least 10 years old to participate as an Operations Volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate as a Lesson Volunteer.  Children 13 and under must co-volunteer with a parent, guardian or designated adult. Age exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis for children with a proven, extensive equine background, or children already in our volunteer program, who have attained the required skills through additional training at our facility.

Paperwork Requirements

All volunteers must complete the following:

• Volunteer Application

• Volunteer Orientation

All volunteers 18 years old or older must also complete:

• PA Child Abuse Clearance

• PA Criminal Background Check

All volunteers who have lived outside of PA in the past 10 years must also complete:

• FBI Fingerprint Clearances

Refresher Training Requirement

All volunteers are required to view training videos and take a short evaluation on a yearly basis. Fulfillment of this requirement is tracked for all volunteers. Drills and safety reviews will also be held at various times during the year. There are activities like operating machinery, lunging horses, and special mounts/dismounts that will require additional training. 

Any volunteer may contact staff at any time to arrange a refresher training or review of a certain procedure

Footwear. No sandals or open toed shoes are allowed in the barn.  Volunteers may wear sneakers or shoes that protect the foot and are comfortable for walking.

Dress. Volunteers should dress suitably for the weather in clothing appropriate for equestrian and barn related activities.  Shirts should not be low cut, and undergarments should not be seen. Wide strapped tank tops are acceptable as long as bra straps and the midriff area are completely covered at all times. Pants need to be cut high enough that when an individual bends over the pants stay in a respectable position. Long pants are only required if your volunteer role involves mounted work with the horses.

Accessories. Clothing, hats or jewelry that restrict movement or vision are considered unsuitable.  If you wear dangling jewelry, you may be asked to remove it, tuck it into a shirt, or tape it against your body. Volunteers are asked to avoid perfumes and other strong scents to support participants and horses with sensitive systems.

Signing In + Out. Volunteers are required to sign in upon arrival on Wranglr. After signing in, volunteers will get their name tag and view their assigned roles on Wranglr.  At the completion of their session, volunteers must notify staff before leaving, and sign out on Wranglr. The tracking of this information is used for insurance and grant writing purposes.

Volunteer Schedules. Volunteers complete an initial availability form to help us determine the most supportive times for volunteering. Your schedule and assigned roles will then be listed in Wranglr. While we do our best to plan ahead, roles may occasionally shift to best support the program. Each week, you’ll receive an email with updates and volunteer needs for the upcoming week.

Our participants and horses count on our volunteers. When a volunteer is unable to attend, it may require us to cancel or adjust programming.

We ask that volunteers cancel scheduled shifts only for emergencies whenever possible. If you need to cancel, please email volunteers@hilltophorizons.org as soon as you can so we have time to find a replacement. If a cancellation is necessary with less than 24 hours’ notice, please text 724-201-1273.

Repeated last-minute cancellations may result in more limited volunteer opportunities. Two (2) missed volunteer shifts without notice may result in removal from volunteer activities.

General Facility Rules

• Hilltop Horizons is a no smoking facility anywhere on the property.

• Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited unless part of an approved event.

• Pets are not allowed on the property.

• Children must be supervised by an adult unless they are approved volunteers (age 14+).

Professional & Participant Safety

• Silence cell phones while assisting with lessons.

• Use a quiet voice in the barn and around horses.

• Do not offer food to participants without guardian permission.

• Volunteers must only perform roles they have been trained for.

• Volunteers should never be alone with a participant. A parent, staff member, or another volunteer must always be present.

Horse Safety

• Do not hand feed horses. Treats may only be given with staff permission and placed in feed buckets.

• Do not enter barns, stalls, paddocks, or pastures without staff permission.

• Do not mount a horse unless directed by an instructor.

• Never kneel while grooming.

• Never leave reins on the ground or wrap ropes/reins around your hands or body.

Arena Safety

• Before opening the arena gate, look for horses and riders, then announce your presence so others are aware.

• Always close gates behind you.

Role Overview:
The Barn Crew supports Hilltop Horizons by helping keep the barn and horses ready for programming. This role ensures horses are prepared safely, equipment is organized, and the barn stays clean and functional. Barn Crew members also assist with smooth transitions between sessions, helping horses and volunteers move efficiently while maintaining safety and calm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support horse handlers in preparing horses for programming (grooming, tacking, safety checks)

• Assist with barn upkeep and chores (clean stalls, organize tack, refill water, sweep aisles)

• Help transition horses and equipment between sessions

• Observe and report any safety concerns with horses, equipment, or barn areas

Why This Role Matters:
Barn Crew keeps the program running smoothly, ensures horse and participant safety, and supports instructors, therapists, and volunteers so sessions can happen efficiently and calmly.

Role Overview:
The Horse Handler supports instructors/therapists and participants by safely managing horses during programming. This role ensures horses are calm, responsive, and properly guided, helping create a safe and positive experience for all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Groom and tack horse for programming

• Lead horses during programming at the direction of the instructor/therapist

• Read horse body language and respond appropriately

• Communicate any horse behavior concerns to the instructor

• Maintain control of the horse in emergency situations

Why This Role Matters:
Horse Handlers play a vital role in our participants receiving the unmatched benefits of equine movement in a safe and effective way.

Role Overview:
Sidewalkers support participants during mounted lessons and groundwork, helping ensure their safety, confidence, and engagement. They work closely with instructors/therapists to provide hands-on assistance and encouragement throughout each session.

Key Responsibilities:

• Walk alongside participants during lessons and groundwork, providing support as directed

• Give prompts or encouragement to participants as directed

• Assist participants during emergency situations if needed

Why This Role Matters:
Sidewalkers help participants stay safe, supported, and engaged. They are an essential part of maintaining a calm, positive, and safe environment for everyone in the arena.