Currently, most volunteer opportunities are available through our Working Student program. This program is designed for people 18 years of age and over who wish to further their education in specific areas of horsepersonship, but who lack the financial resources to do so by traditional means. 'Student' here refers to being a student of the Horse and not necessarily someone currently enrolled in a university or other school. Please view more information regarding this program below.
If you have a physical condition which prevents you from assisting as a Working Student but are still interested in volunteering, we do occasionally have other projects available which may match your skills.
If you work for a company which encourages employee volunteerism and will allow you time off during business hours to help your community, or will price match your volunteer hours outside of work time, please contact us regarding opportunities for you or a group of your co-workers to come help with a variety of special projects.
Working Student Program
All those who wish to become a part of our Working Student program must first schedule and complete a working interview. These interviews take place on weekday mornings, generally Mondays or Wedensdays, and are two hours in length. The prospective student will be expected to spend this time cleaning stalls and should wear clothing they do not mind getting dirty, and sturdy, close-toed footwear (boots preferred).
The labor involved in the Working Student program is physically demanding, and requires a student to complete tasks in all weather situations. Those who are recovering from an injury or have health issues should consult a physician prior to scheduling a working interview.
All students, regardless of past experience, begin the Working Student program with stall and tack cleaning. As students advance through the program, they may begin to work in other areas of their choice, including grooming, exercising horses and working within the children's programs. A student's work level advances with instructor's permission, based upon a review of her past work, dedication and work ethic.
Students are required to provide their own transportation to the barn. Students must sign up in advance for specific days and times. Students are not required to work a minimum amount of hours per month; however, students who have the largest cumulative number of hours worked receive first choice in times and days.
Students in the Working Student program are able to earn credits toward educational services from Three Treasures Farms, either from our currently available group classes or as individual lessons, in exchange for their labor. Students earn one credit per hour worked. All credit hours must be earned prior to class or lesson time being reserved. Individual one hour lessons require 4.5 credits each. Due to the already discounted rate of group class tuition and the limited number of spaces available, we require that a student have a balance of credits sufficient to cover the cost of a full term of group classes (currently 30 credits) prior to registering for the class. If a working student drops out of the class after the add/drop deadline (after the second class session) any credits remaining out of the 30 will be forfeited.
The horses within our rescue and rehabilitation program rely on us for their well-being. We must be able to rely on our workers, in order to guarantee that the animals' needs are being met. Because of this, if a student fails to show up at her scheduled time without giving 24 hours notice, she will be terminated from the program.