Volunteer

There are many ways you can become involved with Seven Gables. You can be a regular volunteer or a part-time, “on-call” volunteer who participates in a hands-on manner. You can assist with the Newsletter, make phone calls, take pictures for us, recruit financial support, and other activities. You don’t need to know a lot about horses. If you have a place in your heart for those individuals who are “special,” then you’re a fit for our program. Without volunteers, we wouldn’t exist. Please feel free to complete the Volunteer’s Information Form at the bottom of this page, or contact Betty Harper at 615-218-4100 to find out where your special talents will fit.

Volunteers are needed to assist in these ways:

Leading the horse
Sidewalking (walking alongside the horse to offer the rider support when needed)
Grooming horses
Tacking up horses
Cooling out horses
Cleaning tack
Helping with fund-raisers
Assisting with administrative duties
Photography
Most centers work with volunteers who are 14 years of age and older. However, children younger than 14 who have a strong horsemanship background are often considered.

By volunteering, you can learn about disabilities and horses. You’ll also have an opportunity to make friends from the equine community. We have an intensive, on-going commitment to education and training. We have a strong alliance with Parelli Training, and you will receive the opportunity to progress to Level 3. In addition, you’ll gain tremendous satisfaction from watching our client riders improve physically, mentally and emotionally. You will be making life brighter for individuals with disabilities, and ultimately your own!

SPECIAL ROLES

Team Leader

One role to consider is that of a Team Leader. A Team Leader takes on the responsibilities of feeding and grooming by supervising a group of volunteers for a specific day of the week. Initially, a Team Leader is mentored by a more experienced Team Leader. There are also specific training videos, books, classes that are required to reach the full status of Team Leader.

Stewardship

For those who have a desire to own a horse, but perhaps not the means, we have a Stewardship Program. The Stewardship Program offers both the volunteer and the horse an opportunity to have a meaningful relationship. It is important that the horse have a balanced life, a relationship with someone who seeks him/her out specifically for stress-free companionship and health. At Seven Gables, you may select a horse you feel you have a special bond with and become his Steward. You become responsible for grooming, exercise, and fun. You also learn equine acupressure and other techniques for detecting sore muscles, stressed backs. You insure that your horse does not become barn or buddy sour, but is able to ride the trails for a stress-free experience. This commitment involves meeting the training requirements of Seven Gables and a commitment of at least one day a week, year round.

Volunteer’s Information Form

Thank you for filling out the Volunteer’s Information Form below. If you have previously filled out this form and did not get a confirmation call please fill out the form again as we had technical difficulties. The difficulty has been resolved and if you are filling out the form and sending it and do not receive a call from Betty Harper within 24 hrs please call us at (615)218-4100. Thank You for your patience.

The field marked with (*) are required fields.

Enter Volunteer’s Name* Enter Volunteer’s Email Address* Enter Volunteer’s Age* Enter Volunteer’s Height* Enter Volunteer’s Weight* Please describe any previous Riding Experience, if any.
What motivates the Volunteer?
Your Name if filling out this form for a volunteer* Address*
Day Time Phone Number* Evening Phone Number* Cell Phone Number Pager Number Please pick your first choice as a volunteer. Please enter your second choice. Please enter your third choice.

Note: Sometimes this form doesn't work. If you don't hear from Betty within a couple of days of submitting this form, please call her. The form will be fixed soon.