Side-Walking
Walk beside the horse for an entire session (30 minutes). Primary job is to maintain the safety of the client at all times. Side-walkers are integral members of our treatment teams. Experience with horses or people with disabilities is not necessary — just enthusiasm, strong backs, and the stamina to keep up with our clients and horses!

Qualifications:

• Volunteers must be 16+ years of age. Documentation is available for school credit or work.
• Ability to walk continuously for 60 minutes and jog for short distances on uneven ground.
• Bend, twist, and raise arms to shoulder height.
• Assist a child or adult from horseback to the ground.
• Two schedule options available: (1) consistent weekly commitment (1-2 hours per week); or (2) or flexible shifts.
• Volunteer training/orientation required.

Barn Helper
Barn helpers assist with the care of our horses and support daily barn operations. Tasks vary depending on volunteer experience and staff needs, but can include assisting with daily horse care (feed, water, and grooming), helping with general barn chores (tack cleaning, organizing, and basic upkeep), and supporting our staff by preparing horses and equipment for sessions.

Qualifications:

• Barn volunteers must be 14+ years of age.
• Horse experience and comfortability working independently with horses is required.
• Able to perform moderate physical activity such as lifting, walking, and bending.
• Must meet with a member of the barn staff to verify the role is a good fit. Training/orientation will be provided.
• Consistent weekly commitment (1-2 hours per week).

Mental Health and Resilience Program Volunteer
Mental Health & Resilience Volunteers assist with groups, including school groups, youth groups, and youth camps. Volunteers do not assist with individual sessions. Horse experience is preferred but not required. Limited opportunities available throughout the year.

Special Education School Group Volunteer
NCEFT partners with local special education classes, providing participants the opportunity to interact with horses, learn horsemanship skills, and participate in creative and engaging activities on our property. Volunteers help run activities and support the participants and NCEFT staff. Experience working with children with disabilities is preferred but not required. Experience with horses is preferred but not required.

Facilities / Grounds Keeping
Help us keep our 12-acre facility looking beautiful and welcoming! By maintaining a clean and pleasing facility, we provide a feeling of respite and retreat for our clients as well as their families and caregivers. The simple act of sweeping the walkways and barn corridors is truly an act of kindness for our clients as well as safety for our staff and horses. This opportunity is ideal for those who enjoy being outdoors and around people and animals.

Special Events and Office Help
Throughout the year, we need help with special events. We welcome volunteers to help wrap presents, help with set up and tear down, crafts, photography, and more! If you are tech-savvy, we might be able to use your help in the office with graphic design, PowerPoint presentations, film-making, and more! Also, marketing, grant writing, event planning, and fundraising.