Volunteer

Current Volunteers

At GallopNYC, volunteers enjoy the personal satisfaction of helping children and adults with developmental, emotional, social and physical challenges, all while working with and being around horses, one of nature’s most empathetic animals. We depend on hundreds of volunteers to support lessons, care for our horses and grounds, and create a welcoming space for all. Whether you can volunteer once a week or once in a while, there is always an opportunity to make a difference!

GallopNYC offers programs at Sunrise Stables, Lindenwood,  Queens, and in the Spring and Fall in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.  Both locations are accessible by public transportation.

Explore our volunteer opportunities below.

Come meet our horses and make new friends as you help our riders learn important life skills. No experience is necessary - we train you when you arrive.

Individual

    • Age 16+ or by instructor permission

    • Ability to stand and walk for an extended period (at least 30-minute intervals)

    • Ability to briefly jog with the horse and rider

  • Lesson Support:

    Assist the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions by working directly with the riders. Act as an intermediary between the rider and instructor by assisting the rider in carrying out the instructor’s directions.

    Duties and Expectations:

    • Help prepare riders for lessons.

    • Assist with rider support during mounting and dismounting.

    • Walk (and jog) next to the rider throughout the class and provide physical support as necessary (also known as “side-walking”).

    • Prompt the rider to follow directions given by the instructor.

    • As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles.

    Lead-Walking: if approved by site supervisor or Volunteer coordinator

    Support therapeutic lessons by lead-walking horses and supporting instructors with lesson preparations.

    Duties and Expectations:

    • Lead horses during therapeutic riding classes, working with a group of side-walkers, keeping the primary focus on your assigned horse (and not the rider) while maintaining communication with the team.

    • Executes directions of the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions.

    • Depending on the site, will bring horses in and out of the arena.

    • As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles.

  • Registration:

    Complete the online orientation:

    • After completing orientation you will receive an electronic waiver via Conga Sign. Please make sure to complete before coming on-site. *Volunteers under 18 need to provide a parent/guardian name and email for the waiver*

    Managing your volunteer account:

    • In order to check on your volunteer hours and jobs, report your volunteer hours, update your demographic information, skills and availability you'll enter your name and email address at gallop.nyc/myvolpage and we will email you your unique personal volunteer link to access your volunteer information.

    Volunteer calendar:

    In order to view and sign up for volunteer jobs from a calendar view, click here: gallop.nyc/volcalendar

Whether you’re looking to volunteer with friends, alumni, neighbors or regulars from your morning commute, volunteering as a group is a great way to multiply your impact and improve the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities.

Group

    • Age 16+ or by instructor permission

    • Ability to stand and walk for an extended period (at least 30-minute intervals)

    • Ability to briefly jog with the horse and rider

  • Lesson Support:

    Assist the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions by working directly with the riders. Act as an intermediary between the rider and instructor by assisting the rider in carrying out the instructor’s directions.

    Duties and Expectations:

    • Help prepare riders for lessons.

    • Assist with rider support during mounting and dismounting.

    • Walk (and jog) next to the rider throughout the class and provide physical support as necessary (also known as “side-walking”).

    • Prompt the rider to follow directions given by the instructor.

    • As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles.

    Lead-Walking: if approved by site supervisor or Volunteer coordinator

    Support therapeutic lessons by lead-walking horses and supporting instructors with lesson preparations.

    Duties and Expectations:

    • Lead horses during therapeutic riding classes, working with a group of side-walkers, keeping the primary focus on your assigned horse (and not the rider) while maintaining communication with the team.

    • Executes directions of the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions.

    • Depending on the site, will bring horses in and out of the arena.

    • As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles.

  • GallopNYC operates GallopNYC Lindenwood (Sunrise Stables) under a NYC Park License. Group volunteers can help with special projects around the barn, including painting, construction and maintenance.

    To get started email GallopNYC’s Volunteer Manager, Allyn Young at Allyn.Young@GallopNYC.org including your preferred date of service and the approximate number of volunteers you would like to bring.

A group of five people in bright blue shirts branded Citi are smiling outside in front of trees

Corporate

Working together during our therapeutic programs builds teamwork and presents an opportunity for company teams to get to know one another in a different capacity. We’ve had great groups from Blackstone, Moody’s, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte and so many more.

  • GallopNYC's Corporate Volunteer Program provides two primary package options for businesses looking to engage in meaningful community service at GallopNYC:

    Volunteer All-Stars Day - $2,500: This flagship package offers a comprehensive volunteering experience for up to 10 volunteers. Volunteers participate in a full day of service at one of GallopNYC’s stables. Program includes:

    • Virtual Planning session with
    GallopNYC staff.
    • On-site horse safety and
    education session.
    • Guided tour of one of GallopNYC’s
    stables.
    • 2-4 hours of dedicated
    volunteerism through
    programmatic assistance or
    special on-site projects.
    • GallopNYC volunteer hat and
    water bottle to commemorate the
    day.
    • Corporate recognition with logo
    on the GallopNYC Corporate
    Volunteer Program web page.

    General Volunteer Experience - $500 Suggested Donation: This option offers a condensed volunteering opportunity lasting between two to three hours for up to 10 volunteers. During this time, volunteers engage in meaningful tasks and activities to assist GallopNYC's mission.

    Both packages allow corporate teams to collaborate, engage with the community and support GallopNYC’s therapeutic horsemanship programming. Whether businesses opt to participate in the immersive Volunteer All-Stars Day package or the General Volunteer Experience, they can make a positive impact while supporting GallopNYC's mission.

    For more information contact Development Director, Phoenix Trent at phoenix.trent@gallopnyc.org.

    • Age 16+ or by instructor's permission

    • Ability to stand and walk for an extended period (at least 30-minute intervals)

    • Ability to briefly jog with the horse and rider

  • Lesson Support:

    Assist the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions by working directly with the riders. Act as an intermediary between the rider and instructor by assisting the rider in carrying out the instructor’s directions.

    Duties and Expectations:

    • Help prepare riders for lessons.

    • Assist with rider support during mounting and dismounting.

    • Walk (and jog) next to the rider throughout the class and provide physical support as necessary (also known as “side-walking”).

    • Prompt the rider to follow directions given by the instructor.

    • As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles.

    Lead-Walking: if approved by site supervisor or Volunteer coordinator

    Support therapeutic lessons by lead-walking horses and supporting instructors with lesson preparations.

    Duties and Expectations:

    • Lead horses during therapeutic riding classes, working with a group of side-walkers, keeping the primary focus on your assigned horse (and not the rider) while maintaining communication with the team.

    • Executes directions of the instructor during therapeutic riding sessions.

    • Depending on the site, will bring horses in and out of the arena.

    • As necessary you may be asked to fulfill other important roles.

  • GallopNYC operates GallopNYC Lindenwood (Sunrise Stables) under a NYC Park License. Group volunteers can help with special projects around the barn, including painting, construction and maintenance.

    To get started, email GallopNYC Development Director Phoenix Trent at phoenix.trent@gallopnyc.org,including your preferred date of service, the approximate number of volunteers and your preferred time frame.

Other Ways to Help

Join the Board

As GallopNYC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2005, doing uniquely effective therapeutic work with people with disabilities in New York City, we welcome professional pro bono services. Receiving such services facilitates us in providing effective and affordable therapeutic services. Interested? Email us.

Ready to Volunteer?