Volunteers + Interns
The generosity of volunteers allows us to elevate the care of our facility and animals; and implement, create and grow our educational and therapeutic programs.
We welcome individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering weekly/ongoing or one-time!
Please review the guidelines and available opportunities below. We thank you for your patience as we are a small team who wear many “hats”! We will respond to all inquiries as soon as possible.
2024 VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS + ORIENTATIONS
Sat February 24 • Sat April 13 • Sat June 22 • Sat Aug 03 • Sat Sept 14
Join us for open volunteer project workdays (no training/orientation needed) and help with projects such as trail cleaning, animal habitat make-overs, creative projects and much more!
On these same days, we will also be holding Volunteer Orientation and Training sessions for all those who wish to join us on a more regular basis assisting with animal care and/or client sessions. An Orientation and Training is REQUIRED for all volunteers who would like to come regularly. {*These will be the only orientation dates offered in 2024.}
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR 2024 VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS + TRAININGS (registration is required)
A note about internships: Each year we offer a limited number of internships to students interested in learning more about the world of equine and animal assisted therapies, sensory education development and ranch management. Past students have included undergraduate Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Equine Management, Filmmaking and Sustainable Development majors; and graduate students in departments of Education, Social Work, Counseling and Psychology. We are happy to work with you to determine whether the farm will meet the requirements as a field site within your program.
Volunteer Guidelines
• Volunteers MUST complete an application.
• Volunteers should be at least 13 years of age, unless working with a larger group {scouts, school, etc.}
• Most volunteer opportunities are during normal business hours, Monday through Saturday.
• Volunteering involves physical activity; if you have any concerns or restrictions on the physical activity you are able to do, please contact us. We have a job for everyone!
• Previous experience with animals is not required for all jobs.
• A background check will be conducted on all volunteers, ages 18 and over, if working with clients.
• All barn and facility rules must be adhered to at all times.
Equuvation Inc. {both at Rocky Creek and Cross Creek} and The Discovery Trail at Rocky Creek reserve the right to make the final determination as to the appropriateness of volunteers for our organization.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• Horse Care + Management (mucking stalls, feeding, preparing meals, cleaning barns + tack, etc)
• Other Animal Care (cats, goats, donkeys, hens/ducks - Statesville center only)
• Trail Work (clean-up, blazing, weeding, gardening)
• Building, Repairs + Maintenance (mowing, weed-eating, tractor work, painting, fencing and fence repair, etc)
• Adopt-A-Trail Station – a great option for families/groups! (The Discovery Trail - Statesville center only)
• Working with Clients (session prep, leading, side-walking and more!) [*requires additional training]
• Special Projects (creative projects, building projects, Eagle Scout projects, hay production, etc)
• Educational Projects (donation of time to lead workshops, presentations, clinics, lessons and more)
• Internships [for high school and college students; must complete an application - see link below]