Q: What should I wear to volunteer at the ranch? 

• Closed-toed shoes only. Boots are preferred but not required (absolutely no Crocs or slip-on cloth shoes). 
• Long pants (such as jeans or similar sturdy materials) and weather-appropriate clothing are also required. 
• Avoid loose jewelry, scarves, or anything that could catch on equipment or startle horses.

When working with horses or during mounted activities, you must wear an ASTM/SEI-approved safety helmet, which we provide. We recommend layers for weather changes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

Q: What should I bring with me? Bring a positive attitude, water bottle (especially during warm weather), sunscreen, and any personal medications you might need. You may want to bring a small bag for personal items, but keep it minimal and secure it in designated areas.

Q: Where should I park? Volunteer parking is available in the designated area near the main barn. Look for signs marking "Volunteer Parking." Please do not park in spaces reserved for clients, staff, or emergency vehicles. If you're unsure, ask any staff member on your first day, and they'll show you the appropriate area.

Q: What time should I arrive? Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled volunteer time to allow for check-in, equipment preparation, and any last-minute briefings. This buffer time ensures that programs can start on schedule and that you feel prepared for your volunteer duties.

Q: Do I need any special experience or qualifications? A: No prior experience with horses is required! We provide basic training on everything you need to know. Most of our training is hands-on learning. What we value most is enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine desire to help others. Our training program will teach you everything you need to know about horse safety, handling procedures, and your specific volunteer role.

Q: Is a LiveScan background check required? 
When volunteers are considered "regular volunteers" under California AB 506 and volunteer 16+ hours/month or 32+/year with youth.

Q: How often am I expected to volunteer? Volunteer commitments vary depending on your role and availability. We work with your schedule. Many volunteers find the work so rewarding that they increase their commitment over time. 

Q: What if I need to track volunteer hours for a requirement?
If you're volunteering to fulfill required service hours, we kindly ask that all hours be tracked and reported with honesty and integrity.
 
Q: Can I change my volunteer schedule? Yes, we understand that life circumstances change. Please use the POINTapp.org system to request schedule changes, or contact our volunteer coordinator at least 48 hours in advance when possible. For emergency schedule changes, call the ranch directly at (559) 297-7100.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad? Safety is our top priority. Activities may be modified or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions, including temperatures above 90°F, lightning, storms, or high winds (25+ mph). We will notify you as early as possible about weather-related changes via text.

Q: Are there age requirements for volunteers? Volunteers must be at least 16 years old for most positions. Volunteers under 18 require parental consent and may have additional supervision requirements. Some specialized roles may require volunteers to be 18 or older due to safety considerations or legal requirements.

Q: How long is the training process?  A key part of your onboarding includes shadowing experienced volunteers during live sessions—this hands-on experience helps you build confidence and ensures you're well-prepared before stepping into your role independently.

Q: What if I'm afraid of horses? It's completely normal to feel nervous around horses initially. Our training program is designed to help you develop confidence and comfort gradually. We'll start with basic horse behavior education and supervised interactions. Many volunteers who were initially nervous become some of our most confident horse handlers.

Q: What safety measures are in place? We maintain comprehensive safety protocols, including required personal protective equipment, trained staff supervision, regular equipment inspections, emergency procedures, and our Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Instructors supervise all activities, and we maintain appropriate volunteer-to-client ratios at all times.


Q: Will I work directly with clients? This depends on your volunteer role and training level. Some volunteers work directly with clients during therapeutic sessions, while others provide support through horse care, facility maintenance, or administrative tasks. All client-facing roles require additional training.

Q: What if a client has a medical emergency? 
All volunteers receive basic emergency response training as part of their onboarding. In the event of a medical emergency:

• Call 911 immediately, then notify the on-site supervisor.
• Guy is the designated leader in all emergency situations. If Guy is unavailable, use your best judgment and follow established emergency protocols.
• Trained first aid personnel are on site, and we have clear emergency procedures in place.
• Your primary role is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to get qualified help as quickly as possible.

If you're certified in First Aid, provide care only within the limits of your training. If you are not trained, do not attempt to assist physically—instead, focus on alerting others and keeping the area safe until help arrives. Attempting actions outside your knowledge or training could unintentionally cause harm.

Q: How do I maintain client confidentiality? Client confidentiality is paramount—NO PHOTOS OR VIDEOS while at the ranch without EXPLICIT PERMISSION. You may not discuss client information, progress, or personal details with anyone outside the immediate program team. This includes family members, friends, and other volunteers not directly involved in that client's care. We provide specific HIPAA training for all volunteers.

Q: Is food available at the ranch? We do not provide meals, but you're welcome to bring snacks and drinks. Please store food items securely and away from horses and other animals. There are designated break areas where you can eat and rest.

Q: Can I bring family members or friends to visit? The ranch is not open for casual visits due to safety and insurance considerations. All individuals on the property must be authorized volunteers, staff, clients, or approved visitors. If family members are interested in volunteering, they're welcome to go through the application process.

Q: What about bathroom facilities? The restroom facility is available and clearly marked. Your site tour will include the location of the restroom.

Q: Is there cell phone service at the ranch? Cell phone coverage is generally good, but we ask that personal phone use be limited during volunteer hours. Phones should be silenced and stored securely during activities to avoid distracting horses or interrupting sessions.

Q: What if I get injured while volunteering? Report any injury immediately to your supervisor. We have incident reporting procedures in place. First aid supplies are available for minor injuries.

Q: What if I need to stop volunteering? We understand that circumstances change. Please provide as much notice as possible and speak with the volunteer coordinator about your situation. We may be able to adjust your role or schedule to accommodate changes in your availability.

Q: Can I volunteer for special events only? Yes, we have opportunities for event-specific volunteers in addition to our regular program volunteers. Special events include fundraisers, community outreach activities, and seasonal celebrations. Contact us to learn about upcoming events that need volunteer support.

Q: How will I know if I'm doing a good job? We provide on-the-spot feedback and support to all volunteers. We also encourage you to ask questions and seek feedback whenever you need it.