| Getting Involved |
| Horses for Hope Volunteers |
| Become a Volunteer! - no horse experience is necessary! |
| Horses for Hope is primarily a volunteer organization; without volunteers we would not be able to provide so many valuable services to the community. We welcome single and small groups of volunteers, as well as volunteer organizations to work with Horses for Hope. |
| Are you interested in working with horses? |
| There are plenty of activities based on your level of expertise, even if that level is zero! As a volunteer interested in horsemanship, Horses for Hope invests in certification training time to further the volunteer's capabilities. Those volunteers who have completed training within Horses for Hope will assist in activities that directly support the mission. |
| Are there other ways I can help? |
| Other volunteers are needed from time to time and especially now as Horses for Hope moves forward. There is plenty of need with regard to further improving the facilities. From pasture clearing and management, to fencing, to barn and stall building, there's something for everyone. Not all of these needs are met with expertise, however, any facilities experience is a plus. If your profession matches a Horses for Hope major need, please let us know that too. |
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| Setting the example |
| Most importantly, our volunteers set a wonderful example; they are cheerful, warm caring and friendly. Our volunteers create a positive and welcoming environment for all of our clients and campers. Through their attitudes and actions, Horses for Hope volunteers foster an atmosphere that is ripe for growth, progress and enrichment. Here is just a few of the many volunteer tasks: > Groom, lead or sidewalk horses for therapeutic lessons or horse show > Clean the barn and/or decorate for special events > Bake, cook or serve food items for events > Run booths for special events, such as carnivals or horse shows > Help with arts and crafts or share other special talents at our events > Do minor carpentry repairs or build special games or educational equipment > Post flyers for special events, fundraisers, or prepare newsletters for mailing > Distribute merchandise in exchange for donations or man registration booths at events > Photograph or videotape lessons and other special events |
| Donors |
| To support our mission, Horses for Hope needs donors. We need supplies and equipment to help keep our operations running smoothly and efficiently. Horses for Hope accepts personal and corporate donations. We accept monetary contribuitions as well as donated equipment and supplies. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law as Horses for Hope is a 501(c)(3) federally tax-exempt charitable organization. Many thanks go out to all those who have made valuable contributions to Horses for Hope. Visit our Donor Recognition Page to see a list of the many contributions given to us. Horses for Hope believes in continuting recognition for those who have contributed. With the donors approval, Horses for Hope will maintain the donor's name and any other supporting information on this website and in organizational records for the life of the organization. Additionally, the donor may be included in publicity and outreach activities that further the Horses for Hope mission. |
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| Horses for Hope volunteer with "Pree" |
| Volunteer side-walkers and horse leaders help in a therapeutic riding session |
| Since Horses for Hope is in its early stage of development, funding and donations are a top priority. All of our funding is currently managed and disbursed at the board level. Monetary donations may be marked for specific purposes as outlined below, or may be allocated to the general fund. Some of our most important needs are as follows: |
| Facility Repairs and Supplies: Horses for Hope is located on a property where there are currently structures that are in need of repair or replacement. Needs include barn repair, fencing, steptic system, well, ramp, and more. |
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| Stable and Horse Management: Horses for Hope needs funding to support the care of the stables and horses. This encompasses needs from horse feed and supplies to veterinary and emergency care. |
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| Scholarships: Horses for Hope wants to give everyone the opportunity to participate in an equestrian experience, regardless of their financial position. A scholarship fund has been set up specifically for this purpose, and will require ongoing funding to support it. |
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| Property Lease: Horses for Hope has a seven year lease for over 20 acres of land at its current site. Money is needed to fulfill our ongoing lease requirements. |
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| Property Purchase: A long term goal of the Horses for Hope organization is to purchase our own property. |
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| Insurance: It is necessary to maintain insurance in order for Horses for Hope to fulfill its mission. It is our duty to properly protect all of our employees, volunteers and participants. |
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| Marketing: In order to reach out to our community, Horses for Hope needs to promote itself in our surrounding community through horse events, press releases, flyers, stationary, signage, fundraisers, and our website. |
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| Personnel: Although primarily a volunteer organization, Horses for Hope will need to maintain a number of personnel to oversee stable and facilities management, operations, safety, training and business management. |
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| New Structures: New structure additions are needed on the property, to enable Horses for Hope to fulfill its mission. The goal is to acquire three modular buildings, that can be relocated, if necessary, to accommodate an onsite office, fully accessible restrooms, and classroom for year-round programs. Additional structures include a tack shed, arena, and horse stalls for both the standard horses and minis. |
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| Horses for Hope is always looking for monetary sponsors for student fee waivers, therapy horse adoption, horse show ribbons or classes, replacement of worn tack or equipment, etc. If you are interesting in helping Horses for Hope in any way, or if you have questions concerning sponsorship, membership or volunteering, please contact Gwen Grissom, at gwen@horsesforhope.org. |
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| Monetary Donations |
| Horse or Pony Donations |
| Horses for Hope occasionally needs new horses or ponies for its program. Please contact us for our current needs. |
| In general, the horses used in our program must be reasonably sound at the walk, trot, and canter. They should be people-oriented, very gentle, "bombproof", with excellent ground manners, and be relatively, "easy-keepers". They should be able to stay sound with turnout in hilly pastures. We prefer horses that have been ridden by many different riders, have some show or travel experience, and some training in lower level dressage. Horses or ponies for donation are screened by the Head Instructor and taken into the program on a 60-day trial basis. |
| Item Donations |
| Tack: English tack (all-purpose or dressage, all sizes) or adult Western saddles in serviceable, safe condition, or other items such as lead ropes, horse blankets, coolers, etc. in good repair. Clothing: English equestrian clothing (huntstyle or dressage) in serviceable condition, all sizes - boots, paddock boots, breeches, ratcatchers, show jackets. Riding Helmets: Lightweight, ASTM-approved riding helmets, especially small or medium Lexington or Troxel brand; must meet current safety standards. Office Supplies: Stamps, copy or printer paper, ballpoint pens, dry-erase markers, tape, staples, file folders, staplers (heavy-duty or electric), envelopes, string, etc. |
| For a complete wish list of items, click here: HORSES FOR HOPE WISH LIST |
| To donate any of the above items or others that are not on our list, please email us and tell us about the item (if it is large), so that we can discuss mailing, pick-up, etc. Be sure to include your name, mailing address and phone number. For smaller items, mail them or bring them directly to: Horses for Hope, 6105 Ruddington Ct., Willow Spring, NC 27592. An official receipt will be sent promptly upon receiving your donation. |
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| Click here for Volunteer Registration forms or for more information contact us at info@horsesforhope.org |
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