Volunteer at EQUI-KIDS!

The inspirational dedication and devotion of our EQUI-KIDS volunteers enable us to deliver our mission every single day and we are grateful for each and every one of our volunteers who selflessly offer their service to support our therapeutic riding program. With more than 400 volunteers delivering 14,000 hours of service each year, our programs offer numerous ways you can help.

EQUI-KIDS provides all the necessary training to help set you up for success in your volunteer role, and no prior experience is necessary. We offer three main trainings to help you get acquainted with our program

  • Orientation and Sidewalking * required for all volunteers
  • Groom and Tack * required for those volunteers interested in learning how to groom, tack, and prepare our horses for lessons
  • Horse Leading * required for those volunteers interested in learning how to become a horse leader and take the lead in our lessons
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Volunteer Opportunities

builds trust

Sidewalkers

Sidewalkers provide direct support to the participant during lessons. They act as the “safety squad” and cheerleaders for each participant to help them meet their lesson goals.

horse strengthens emotional bonds

Horse Leaders

Horse leaders assist with grooming and tacking our horses to get them ready for their lessons as well as leading the horse during the lesson. 

physical and mental healing

Barn Volunteers

Barn volunteers assist with barn shifts (mucking, feeding), cleaning tack and other equipment, and helping with other related barn chores.

retired veterans

Office & Special Event Volunteers

Administrative and special event volunteers are needed to help with fundraising events, assist with administrative projects in the office, and greet participants and guests at the reception desk.

horse strengthens emotional bonds

Facility Volunteers

Facility volunteers assist with various maintenance projects around the farm – mowing, repairs, construction projects, etc.

builds trust

Volunteer Groups

We love welcoming groups from local clubs, businesses, and other organizations.

Program Volunteer Qualifications

  • All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older
    (21+ to support our veterans program)
  • All volunteers must pre-register and attend an orientation (held every month)
  • Barn and facility volunteers are encouraged to maintain a consistent shift schedule to ensure adequate coverage. Morning, afternoon, and early evening shifts are available Monday through Sunday
  • Volunteers must be able to adhere to safety standards, follow the directions of program staff and provide services as needed for their role

For more information about our volunteer program or to register for an orientation training date, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 757.721.7350 or via email.

Sponsor a Horse

Thank you for your generous contribution.

    (The sponsor name listed above will be used for the stall plaque and custom halter plate)

    (Please note that horse sponsorship requests will be honored in the order donations are received and are subject to change due to the retirement of a horse or other circumstances, which we will do our best to communicate to you in real time)

    CheckCredit Card (one-time payment of $5,000)Credit Card (monthly installments of $416.67)

    YesNoN/A

    If you have opted to pay by check, please mail it to:

    EQUI-KIDS Horse Sponsorship Program
    Attention: Victoria Arboneaux

    2626 Heritage Park Drive

    Virginia Beach, VA 23456

    We will be in touch soon to confirm your payment method and other sponsorship details.