Introduction

Thank you for serving as a volunteer. This program would not be possible without your assistance. This information booklet should answer some questions. However, always feel free to ask for clarification of a policy, or procedure.

For some of you, this will be your first time around a horse. AHAR has established guidelines and standards to provide for the safety and comfort of both volunteers and the horses in our care.

These guidelines and standards will be followed precisely, and fully. It has become necessary to provide these guidelines for the volunteers in order to ensure safety for the horses as well as the volunteers. In order to maintain the integrity and safety of the facility we will and do maintain a policy of one verbal warning if there is an infraction of the guidelines/rules. After that, any other infraction will result in being asked not to return to the facility, when new here, Please ask before going anywhere on the property so that staff may escort you. Do not pet or approach a horse until staff have told you that it is ok and you have completed a basic orientation.

If you leave the property at any time please notify a staff member or the facility Manager. Your managers are Cian, Mark, If they are not available only then approach Suzanne the founder so that they know you are no longer on the property or are leaving (as in not doing so they could be mistaken for thinking a job has been completed when it actually has not been, a stable, a kennel not cleaned and animal not fed, walked etc.) This is also to ensure all volunteers are accounted for. All volunteers are asked to sign in and out in the volunteer diary.

We appreciate you wanting to give something to the horses. If you would like to assist or give something ask a staff member what is the best idea or approach IE: bring bag of grain that they can eat, etc. We do not hand feed treats, Treats if and when given, are placed in their food bowl.

NOTE TO PARENTS.

While we love having your children here to learn about horses, we must ask that you be responsible for their conduct and behaviour. Watch your child at all time, and be aware of where they are. Please pick up after them, whether it is brushes or water bottles, food or trash.

Volunteering

  1. We need plenty of volunteers that are able to help and come to work. If you are unable to come at the time you have scheduled please call to let us know. Some chores or projects may be put on hold until enough people are there to help, and if it is dependent on your being there, we will need to reschedule or find someone to replace you for that time. We are all a team here so please remember that. Please fill out the volunteer information form before reporting to help. We have ZERO tolerance for drugs, alcohol, knives, weapons (unless law enforcement, military or authorized) or any abusive behaviour whether of horse, animal or person. You will be removed from the property and appropriate charges will be filed if necessary.
  2. Sometimes help is needed in areas other than dealing with horses (cleaning the barn, fencing, events, unloading supplies, fundraising events, etc.) there may also be time variations as to when we do these chores or projects.
  3. Volunteers are to be aware of the rules and to help to enforce them. If you are aware of someone not following the guidelines, Please notify someone in charge.
  4. Volunteers need to stay calm, patient, understanding and tactful as well as upbeat and supportive in some situations. Appropriate language and respect of others is mandatory. Please remember we have children on the premises and act accordingly. Anyone who is not following the rules will be warned (depending on circumstances) once and will be asked to leave the property if deemed necessary.
  5. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and contribute in whatever way possible. Other volunteer opportunities include participation in annual events, fundraising, and yard sales, collecting items for fundraisers, passing out brochures and posting flyers.
  6. All volunteers when first starting will not be allowed to interact with the horses such as leading, etc. until approved by staff. We will gradually train those who are interested over time. During this time we will evaluate your abilities to work around the horses. Please do not be offended. This procedure is to ensure your safety and protection. You will be allowed to groom, feed and clean areas where horses are.
  7. Smoking: There are appropriate areas where smokers can go. No smoking in the barn, around hay bales or in the main house. Please remember to NOT smoke around children or others who do not. Do NOT throw your cigarette butts on the ground. Please dispose of them in the smoking cans or after extinguishing, put them in the trash can.
  8. Community Service: For schools we have forms here that can be completed to track your hours. If court ordered, you are responsible for bringing your forms to be filled in and signed. Any inappropriate conduct will be reported to your probation / Parole officer. Court ordered Community Service volunteers may not have their cell phones on while volunteering.
  9. PLEASE do not use your cell phones when working around or with horses. If it is an emergency, Please leave the barn area to talk on the phone. Ringers on phones should be muted and turned to vibrate only when around the horses.

Facilities

There is a restroom in the barn for your use as well as a wash sink. Please be sure to clean up after yourself. Toilet paper and soap are always in the cabinet in there if there is none on the shelf/roll. Hand sanitizer is provided for your use also and we would encourage you to use them after leaving any animal with an infection so as not to spread to other animals.

Dress Code.

Footwear: You will want to wear footwear that is comfortable. Closed toe shoes such as tennis shoes, hiking boots, cowboy boots or riding boots. No open toe shoes, sandals or shoes with heels. Steel toe boots are up to you. But they sometimes can cause more damage than protection if a horse steps on your toe pushing the toe downwards (best guidelines to approaching a horse will be covered further in this handbook).

Gloves: It is always good to have a pair of gloves with you, for protection or cold weather. Leather or synthetic gloves are the best, but any kind will be fine. We have some on hand if you need to borrow a pair, but please return them before leaving. Cotton gloves with liners are better in cold weather, as leather gets very cold and stiff.

Clothes: Wear something comfortable you can move around in and remember to dress for the weather. No revealing clothes No “gang” clothing, Insignias, “colours” or anything with drug paraphernalia or alcohol on it.

Appropriate clothing additions: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and sweatshirts.

Accessory Wear:

Belts: No need for the big shiny belt buckles. They can get hooked on something and we give no awards here.

Jewellery:

Please be conservative when working around horses. Large earrings, hoop earrings in ears, lips or eyebrows can get caught on things. Please only wear studs. Necklaces should be tucked in or thin enough to break if there was an accident. Rings should not be too large, nor stick out too far on your finger. They can get caught on tack, etc. hurting you, or cut the horses.

Hair: Long hair should be worn so that it does not interfere with your vision when working around the horses and should be tied so as not to get caught on objects.

AHAR has a refrigerator that we stock with water so please remember to hydrate while working. The water is there for volunteers. Please be considerate and do not leave half empty bottles lying around. We welcome donations of cases to replace the water if you feel so inclined when coming back.

Please turn off or leave mobile phones in your car. There is an awful lot of work to be done and we would appreciate if you do need to make a call or text that you would do so during the allocated breaks. Permission must be sought from the centre managers for anyone wishing to take pictures of the animals, volunteers, or facilities in and around the centre.

Please take your breaks at the designated time as everyone else. If you have to take a break outside of these times please inform a manager so appropriate cover can be given in the area you have vacated.

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