Opportunities From: Equest

Spring 2026 Semester

This Private class is part of our Hooves for Heroes program.  It is a10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21. No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 28.

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 11:15am

Spring 2026 Semester

This Hooves for Heroes Equine Assisted Learning class features veterans working with the instructor and volunteers on unmounted activities with the horses. This is an introductory class for the clients and the number of participants and their abilities will vary from week to week. 

It is a 10-week commitment from February 11 through April 22. No Class March 18 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 29.

Arrive at 8:45am for a daily briefing round table with the instructor in the Commons, assist in class as directed, help take care of horses and equipment after class, finish approx. 10:30pm.

Volunteers 18 years of age or older are preferred.

Volunteer Process

*Program Volunteer opportunities are available for those 14 and older.

* If you are age 12 or 13, you can work in the barn, but you must have a parent or guardian come work with you initially. It is not required, but it is encouraged that you attend training. Both you and your parent or guardian must complete applications and call to schedule a brief orientation and volunteer times. If you are 13 and very horse-experienced, you may be able to volunteer on your own as a Program Volunteer with a written letter of recommendation from your trainer or barn manager.

NOTE: Please park ONLY in the Equest parking areas - NOT the first lot closer to River Ranch. See map below. 

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class features veterans as part of our Hooves for Heroes program. It is a 9-week commitment from February 9 through April 20. No class February 16 (Presidents' Day Holiday) and March 16 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 27.

Arrive at 5:30pm to assist in class as directed by the instructor. Volunteers will help riders pull tack and groom horses, assist in the arena according to each rider's abilities and skills, and then help groom and untack, finish approx. 7:30pm.

Volunteers 18 years of age or older are preferred.

Volunteers for this class MUST be certified Blue Star or Gold Star leaders

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class features veterans as part of our Hooves for Heroes program.  It is a10-week commitment from February 12 through April 23. No class March 19 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 30.

Arrive at 4:45pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 6:45pm.

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This is an unmounted PT/OT class, and it is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13. No Class March 18 (Spring Break).

The volunteer(s) will assist as directed by the instructor in various activities with the client(s) and therapist(s). These activities may occur in different settings around the Equest facility. Arrive at 12:45pm and finish approx. 2:00pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Equine Assisted Learning class is an UNMOUNTED class, and volunteers will assist the instructor and clients in working with the horses. It is a 10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21.  No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April28.

If you are fluent in Spanish - Please consider joining this class!

Arrive at 4pm to assist in class as directed, finish approx. 5:00pm.

This is second of two leading-specific training opportunities for Equest Volunteers who have completed the initial program training.

Gold Star Leader Training builds upon the skills acquired in the Blue Star training and gives the attendees practice in leading our more challenging equine personalities. 

Prerequisite: Complete Blue Star Leader training.

Requirements: Attend practice trainings until leading skills are confirmed. Practice trainings are offered on Tuesdays (4pm to 5pm) and Saturdays (3pm to 4pm); the number of practices needed are dependent upon the trainee's comfort and skill level.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class features veterans as part of our Hooves for Heroes program.  It is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 29 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 11:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Carriage Driving class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 11:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 1:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This class may be a private or a semi-private class. It is an 10-week commitment from February 11 through April 22. No Class March 18 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed will be April 29.

Arrive at 3:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 5:15pm

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21. No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 28.

Arrive at 8:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 10:15am

** Please note that this opportunity was updated on 1/8/26 to reflect a time change **

Spring 2026 Semester

This Equine Assisted Learning class is an UNMOUNTED class, and volunteers will assist the instructor and clients to work with the horses. It is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 25 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2,

Spanish speaking proficiency is a bonus for this opportunity and if you are a tall, male volunteer, this is a great choice!

Arrive at 10am to assist in class as directed, finish approx. 11:00am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Private class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) or April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 7:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 9:15am.

Sprin 2026 Semester

This is a 10-week commitment from February12 through April 23. No Class March 19 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 30.

Interactive vaulting is an activity in which participants work together to perform movements on and around the horse while it is stationary as well as in motion. Some work may be done on a vaulting barrel as well. Volunteers may participate at times in the activities with the clients and should be comfortable energetically walking or running during class. 

This class is in the arena for approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes. Arrive at 3:30pm to help prepare the horse and the arena for class, assist in class as directed, help take care of the horse and equipment after class, finish approx. 6:00pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

The Interactive Vaulting class is a 10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21. No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 28.

Interactive vaulting is an activity in which participants work together to perform movements on and around the horse while it is stationary as well as in motion. Some work may be done on a vaulting barrel as well. Volunteers may participate at times in the activities with the clients and should be comfortable energetically walking or running during class. 

Arrive at 8:30am to help prepare the horse and the arena for class, assist in class as directed, help take care of the horse and equipment after class, finish approx. 10:30am.

Volunteers 21 years of age or older are preferred.

Spring 2026 Spring Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13. No Class March 18 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 3:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 5:15pm.

This opportunity is for all the gardeners and landscaping lovers! If you want to help maintain our flower beds and/or help with tree trimming, lawn/pasture mowing, and other landscaping tasks, this is the perfect choice for you.

Outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, work gloves, and footwear appropriate for the environment (eg., work boots for lawn mowing, sneakers for the flower beds.) Bring your sunscreen, bug repellant, and water bottle. 

Seasoned volunteers who help with volunteer training can record hours under this opportunity. This includes scheduled volunteer training events as well as individually scheduled make-up trainings.

Special events include fund raising events, our Annul Gala, the WAUX luncheon, and any other community focused event. 

Volunteers help with riders/clients and horses at a variety of competitions both on-site at Equest and off-site at regional and national locations. This includes (but is not limited to) Chisholm Challenge, Special Olympics Equestrian Games, and the Annual Spring Horse Show. 

Individually scheduled help with office tasks such as data entry, mailings, filing, etc.

This includes randomly scheduled program-related activities that are not classes.

This is the first of two leading-specific training opportunities for Equest Volunteers who have completed the initial Volunteer Training.

Blue Star Leader Training introduces you to the skills needed to lead our horses successfully in lessons. The initial training is approximately 2 hours and follow up sessions are approximately 1 hour each to allow you to practice on the variety of equine personalities in our herd. Blue Star leading skills include leading the horse at the walk and trot, standing square, leading through the mounting block, emergency situations, etc.

Prerequisite: Complete the initial volunteer training

Requirements: Attend the introductory meeting which is the first date on the schedule. Then attend 3 to 4 of the scheduled follow up trainings to practice and confirm your skills. Follow up trainings are offered on Tuesdays (4pm to 5pm) and Saturdays (3pm to 4pm).

Spring 2026 Spring Semester and Maymester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 10 through May 12. No class March 17 (Spring Break).

 Arrive at 3:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 5:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 1:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 3:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 12:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 2:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 11:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 1:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 10:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 12:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Carriage Driving class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 11:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2,

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 11:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

There are two classes scheduled for this time - one is a Group class, and one is a Private class. Both classes are a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Springl Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up classes, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 8:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 10:15am.

If you have a preference as to which class you want to join, please email Ellie at egrant@equest.org or text her at 214-538-5393.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 9-week commitment from February 14 through April 25.  No class March 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 2.

Arrive at 7:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 9:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 3:45pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 5:45pm.

Fall 2025 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 3:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 5:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 12:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 2:15pm.

Fall 2025 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 11:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx.1:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 10:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx12:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Private class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 11:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 9-week commitment from February 13 through April 24. No class March 20 (Spring Break) and April 3 (Easter Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be May 1.

Arrive at 8:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 10:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 10-week commitment from February 12 through April 23. No class March 19 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if necessary, will be April 30.

Arrive at 6:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. :15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

Two classes are scheduled for this time, and each is a 10-week commitment from February 12 through Aapril 23. No class March 19 (Spring Break). Make-up classes, if necessary, will be April 30.

There will be one group class, and one private Equine Assisted Learning class.  The private EAL class will be an unmounted class in the arena.  If you have a preference, please email Ellie at egrant@equest.org.

For both the group and the private class, arrive at 5:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 7:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 10-week commitment from February 12 through April 23. No class March 19 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if necessary, will be April 30.

Arrive at 4:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 6:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is a 10-week commitment from February 12 through April 23. NO CLASS March 19 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if necessary, will be April 30.

Arrive at 10:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 12:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

There are 2 classes scheduled for this time - one is a private class, and one is a semi-private class. Each class is a 10-week commitment from February 12 through April 23. No class March 19 (Spring Break). Make-up classes, if necessary, will be April 30.

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 11:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This youth outreach class partners with the Dallas Police Department. Equest volunteers work with the kids to groom and tack their horses, assist as directed in class and help the kids take care of their horses and tack afterwards. This is a10-week commitment from February 11 through April 22. No class March 18 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 29.

Arrive at 5:30pm to assist in class as directed, help groom and tack/untack, finish approx. 7:30pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Carriage Driving class is an 10-week commitment from February 11 through April 22. No Class March 18 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 29.

Arrive at 2:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 4:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13. No Class March 18 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 2:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 4:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13. No Class March 18 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 1:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 3:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13. No Class March 18 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 11:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 1:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Hooves for Heroes Equine Assisted Learning class features veterans working with the instructor and volunteers on unmounted activities with the horses. It is a 10-week commitment from February 11 through April 22. No Class March 18 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 29.

Arrive at 10:45am for a daily briefing round table with the instructor in the tack room, assist in class as directed, help take care of horses and equipment after class, finish approx. 12:30pm.

Volunteers 21 years of age or older are preferred.

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13 No class March 18 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 10:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 12:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Semi-Private class is an 10-week commitment from February 11 through April 22. No class March 18 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 29.

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 11:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13. No class March 18 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 9:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 11:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 11 through May 13. No class March 18 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 8:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 10:15am.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Private class is a 10-week commitment from February 11 through April 22. No class March 18 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 29.

Arrive at 7:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 9:15am. 

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21.  No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 28.

Arrive at 6:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 8:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

There are 2 group classes at this time, of different skill levels. These classes are a10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21. No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 28.

Arrive at 5:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack, finish approx. 7:15pm.

Spring 2026 Semester

This Group class is a 10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21. No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 28.

Arrive at 4:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 6:15pm

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 10 through May 12. No class March 17 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 1:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 3:15pm

Spring 2026 Semester and MayMester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 10 through May 12.  No class March 17 (Spring Break).

Arrive at 2:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 4:15pm

Spring 2026 Semester and Maymester

This PT/OT class is a 13-week commitment from February 10 through May 12. No class March 17 (Spring Break.)

Arrive at 11:15am to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 1:15pm

Spring 2026 Semester

This Carriage Driving class is a 10-week commitment from February 10 through April 21. No class March 17 (Spring Break). Make-up class, if needed, will be April 28.

Arrive at 12:15pm to groom and tack, assist in class as directed, help groom and untack and finish approx. 2:15pm

Barn help involves maintaining the cleanliness, orderliness, and function of the barn as well as individual horse stalls, paddocks, and arenas.

Activities include mucking stalls, cleaning water buckets, feeding and haying the therapy horse herd, sweeping the barn aisles, cleaning out the cross ties and wash stalls, turning out and bringing in the horses from paddocks, and assisting the facilities manager with subsequent projects or tasks.

This role is perfect for those with varying schedules, or prefer taking care of the horses.

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Barn helpers are needed seven days a week, especially on holidays. Each day, barn work begins at 7am, and continues until the lunch break at noon. Work continues at 1pm and ends around 3pm, depending on what needs to be finished. Come help in the morning or all day!

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Barn helpers do not need to schedule work hours, but are welcome to help when their schedule permits.