Volunteer
GallopNYC is one of New York City’s most rewarding and unique volunteering experiences.
You'll spend your time outdoors, alongside our horses, helping children, adults with disabilities, veterans and seniors do things they've been told they couldn't do. Walk. Speak. Find their balance. Build trust.
No riding experience or horse background needed — we train you when you arrive. All you bring is your time and your willingness to show up.
We rely on hundreds of volunteers each season to support lessons, care for our herd, and keep the barn welcoming. Whether you can come weekly or just occasionally, there's a role for you.
Get Started
Already a GallopNYC Volunteer?
Sign in to view the calendar, pick up shifts and log your hours.
New to GallopNYC?
Sign up, complete a short orientation and be ready for your first shift.
Most volunteer opportunities take place at Sunrise Stables in Howard Beach, Queens, our home for therapeutic horsemanship and the heart of everything we do. We also offer some opportunities at Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
Wear closed-toed shoes or boots (no sandals, crocs, Uggs or ballet flats) and long pants. Dress for the weather in layers for the cold. Plan to be on your feet. Bring water.
Where You’ll Volunteer
Volunteer Roles
-
This is where almost everyone begins, and no experience is needed. You walk alongside a rider during their therapeutic riding session, offering steady support and encouragement and helping them follow the instructor’s directions.
Help prepare riders for their lessons.
Support riders during mounting and dismounting.
Walk, and sometimes briefly jog, beside the rider throughout the class, providing physical support as needed.
Encourage the rider to follow the instructor’s cues.
-
Keep the barn running and our herd comfortable. This role is more physical and may involve lifting up to 30 pounds.
Clean and fill water buckets; clean feed pans.
Fill hay nets, sweep, and tidy common areas.
Muck stalls and paddocks.
Feed the ducks and chickens and clean their coops.
-
Once you have completed at least one Lesson Support or Barn work shift, you can train to lead horses during therapeutic classes. After attending a training, a staff member will let you know if you’ve been approved to sign up for lead-walking shifts.
Lead an assigned horse during class while staying in sync with the side-walking team.
Follow the instructor’s direction throughout the session, keeping your focus on the horse.
Bring horses in and out of the arena.
Our volunteer community is as diverse as the city we serve, and that includes volunteers with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to volunteer with us, tell us when you register or email us. We will work with you. Questions? Email volunteer@gallopnyc.org.
-
Age 16 or older — or ages 13–15 with instructor permission.
Able to stand and walk for 30+ minutes at a time.
Able to briefly jog alongside a horse and rider during lessons.
Who Can Volunteer?
Questions?
Corporate Volunteering
Corporate groups can spend a day at Sunrise Stables supporting our riders and our herd while building real connections across a team. Past partners include Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, Moody’s, and Deloitte. A corporate volunteer day combines a horse safety and education session, a guided tour, and hands-on volunteering, and your contribution directly supports our therapeutic programming.
To plan a corporate day, email development@gallopnyc.org with your preferred date and approximate group size.
Other Ways to Help
GallopNYC welcomes pro bono professional services that help us deliver effective, affordable programming. If your firm or practice can contribute its expertise, email volunteer@gallopnyc.org.