In order to participate in our riding lessons, all volunteers must attend our new volunteer training and orientation session, held approximately once monthly. You may register for our next training by calling us at (916) 685-7433 or by emailing volunteer@projectride.org. Please note that volunteers who will be performing stable duties, work days, fundraisers, community events and other non-lesson related activities are not required to attend this training.

What to Bring

Please download and complete our Volunteer Application. If you are under 18, make sure to get your parents’ signature on the bottom of each page. If you have a copy of your TB clearance within two years, bring that to attach to your file. It is also helpful to bring your personal calendaring device as we will be discussing scheduling at this meeting.

How to Get Here

Take Hwy. 99 to Elk Grove Blvd. Go East to Elk Grove-Florin Rd. and turn right, then an immediate right onto Southside Ave. When the street dead-ends turn left and look for our volunteer parking sign. We are at the southernmost end of the parking lot in the large gray warehouse-type building with our logo on the side.

What to Wear

Our dress code is “barn casual!” We will be working in the arena with the horses walking in a deeply plowed earthen arena, so choose footwear accordingly. Barn boots, work boots, riding boots, hiking boots or high-top sneakers are recommended. Flip-flops and other open sandals, high heels, low moccasins or slippers and the like are unsuitable for this environment and open toe or open back shoes will not be allowed in the arena at all. Our environment is covered but sometimes open to the outside, so please wear layered clothing to accommodate differences in climate you may experience. Please refer to our volunteer application for more details on our dress code.

When to Come

The program begins promptly at 4:30 and will last until at least 7:30. Please do your best to arrive on time and plan to stay for the entire time, and 10-15 minutes longer if you are interested in being evaluated for the Leader position. The entire training is important, and we have a lot of information to cover. The trainings are generally offered once per month. Occasionally we are able to offer individual or small group training sessions by special request from potential volunteers who intend to commit a significant amount of time to our organization.

When You Arrive

Please sign in, make yourself a name tag and make yourself comfortable in our classroom. If you arrive more than a half-hour early, please be advised that staff may not be available to assist you until 30 minutes prior to the orientation time. You are welcome to visit the horses before orientation begins but please do not feed or pet them without a staff person present.

Next Steps

• Download our Volunteer Application(minors don’t forget to get parents’ signatures!)
• Schedule a TB test with your medical provider if you have not had one in two years or more
• Register with our Volunteer Coordinator