We want you to volunteer with us!
As a non-profit, STAR relies on volunteers to assist in every facet of our programs. With the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, we can continue to provide life-changing experiences for our participants.
With over 100 potential participants still on our wait list, we are getting creative with ways we can serve these individuals. Starting in the Spring 2024 session, we are increasing our number of lessons by utilizing both arenas at the same time and overlapping classes. This means we have an urgent need for more lesson volunteers!
Individuals must be dependable and possess a willingness to help others, and no horse experience is required! Most volunteer tasks require physical ability such as jogging and lifting, but we have other opportunities available as well. We provide training for all volunteer roles at STAR and only ask for a minimum of one hour per week commitment.
For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator by calling our office (865) 988-4711 or sending an email to [email protected]
To view the STAR Calendar for training opportunities, click here.
With over 100 potential participants still on our wait list, we are getting creative with ways we can serve these individuals. Starting in the Spring 2024 session, we are increasing our number of lessons by utilizing both arenas at the same time and overlapping classes. This means we have an urgent need for more lesson volunteers!
Individuals must be dependable and possess a willingness to help others, and no horse experience is required! Most volunteer tasks require physical ability such as jogging and lifting, but we have other opportunities available as well. We provide training for all volunteer roles at STAR and only ask for a minimum of one hour per week commitment.
For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator by calling our office (865) 988-4711 or sending an email to [email protected]
To view the STAR Calendar for training opportunities, click here.
volunteer opportunities
Junior Volunteers (10-12 years old)
Junior Volunteers help with preparing the tack (equipment) for lessons and assists with barn chores. They are not directly involved with the lessons until age 13. STAR provides training for our Junior Vols prior to the start of every session. Parents must stay with their child during Junior Vol training, but are not required to stay during Junior Vol's scheduled volunteer time.
Lesson Volunteers (13 years and older)
STAR’s Lesson Vols work directly with riders and horses during lessons. They assist participants with grooming and tacking; then sidewalk beside the rider during the mounted portion of each lesson. Minimum time requirement of 1 hour per week at the same day and time for the entire session.
Horse Leaders (13 years and older)
STAR Horse Leaders provide our equine partners with consistent handling and direct commands. This is essential in providing a safe environment for our riders, volunteers, and horses. The horse leader helps guide the horse during the mounted portion of the lesson while being respectful of its needs. To become a STAR Horse Leader, you must volunteer for at least one session, attend our Horse Leaders Workshop, and pass a certification test. Horse Leader Workshops & Certifications will be held towards the end of every session.
Minis in Motion Volunteers (13 years and older)
Minis in Motion volunteers partner with our miniature equines on visits to memory care units, rehab facilities, and other community events to promote personal development and emotional well-being. These vols are responsible for grooming the minis prior to the visit, loading them on the trailer, and then getting them ready at the site by putting their diapers and shoes on! This opportunity has a separate training and is more flexible for those who cannot commit to a set day or time. The majority of visits with the minis happen in the morning or early afternoons.
Barn Helpers (13 years and older)
Get “up close and personal” with our equine partners! Assist with their bring-in and turn-out, feeding, and stall cleaning. No weekly commitment is needed. This opportunity is very flexible for those who cannot commit to a set day/time. Additional training is required.
Facility Team (13 years and older)
Facility Vols help maintain 63 acres of fields and structures, flower beds, fences, put up hay, help with equipment upkeep, and much more.
STRIDES (18 years and older)
Volunteers help in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) classes where the focus is life skill development.
Heroes & Horses (Veterans Required)
Horse leading and side-walking for Veterans with physical disabilities and/or mental and emotional challenges.
STAR Guild
Great for adult volunteers who require a more flexible schedule or those who have physical limitations. Man booths at fairs, help with concessions, cleaning, etc.
Work Days
STAR gladly welcomes corporations, large or small groups, community organizations, church groups, etc. to assist with special projects or events, and to help maintain both our Lenoir City and South Knoxville farms.
Other
Equine Advocate, Equine Committee, Equine Support Crew. These roles require prerequisites, additional training, and testing for proficiency.
Junior Volunteers help with preparing the tack (equipment) for lessons and assists with barn chores. They are not directly involved with the lessons until age 13. STAR provides training for our Junior Vols prior to the start of every session. Parents must stay with their child during Junior Vol training, but are not required to stay during Junior Vol's scheduled volunteer time.
Lesson Volunteers (13 years and older)
STAR’s Lesson Vols work directly with riders and horses during lessons. They assist participants with grooming and tacking; then sidewalk beside the rider during the mounted portion of each lesson. Minimum time requirement of 1 hour per week at the same day and time for the entire session.
Horse Leaders (13 years and older)
STAR Horse Leaders provide our equine partners with consistent handling and direct commands. This is essential in providing a safe environment for our riders, volunteers, and horses. The horse leader helps guide the horse during the mounted portion of the lesson while being respectful of its needs. To become a STAR Horse Leader, you must volunteer for at least one session, attend our Horse Leaders Workshop, and pass a certification test. Horse Leader Workshops & Certifications will be held towards the end of every session.
Minis in Motion Volunteers (13 years and older)
Minis in Motion volunteers partner with our miniature equines on visits to memory care units, rehab facilities, and other community events to promote personal development and emotional well-being. These vols are responsible for grooming the minis prior to the visit, loading them on the trailer, and then getting them ready at the site by putting their diapers and shoes on! This opportunity has a separate training and is more flexible for those who cannot commit to a set day or time. The majority of visits with the minis happen in the morning or early afternoons.
Barn Helpers (13 years and older)
Get “up close and personal” with our equine partners! Assist with their bring-in and turn-out, feeding, and stall cleaning. No weekly commitment is needed. This opportunity is very flexible for those who cannot commit to a set day/time. Additional training is required.
Facility Team (13 years and older)
Facility Vols help maintain 63 acres of fields and structures, flower beds, fences, put up hay, help with equipment upkeep, and much more.
STRIDES (18 years and older)
Volunteers help in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) classes where the focus is life skill development.
Heroes & Horses (Veterans Required)
Horse leading and side-walking for Veterans with physical disabilities and/or mental and emotional challenges.
STAR Guild
Great for adult volunteers who require a more flexible schedule or those who have physical limitations. Man booths at fairs, help with concessions, cleaning, etc.
Work Days
STAR gladly welcomes corporations, large or small groups, community organizations, church groups, etc. to assist with special projects or events, and to help maintain both our Lenoir City and South Knoxville farms.
Other
Equine Advocate, Equine Committee, Equine Support Crew. These roles require prerequisites, additional training, and testing for proficiency.
Ready to become part of the STAR family?
You're only a couple steps away from becoming a STAR Volunteer!
1) Fill out the Volunteer Form (linked below)
2) Attend an upcoming volunteer training
If you have any questions about becoming a STAR volunteer, please call our office (865) 988-4711 to speak with our Volunteer Coordinator or send an email to [email protected]
Thank you for your interest in STAR! We hope to see you at the next training!!
1) Fill out the Volunteer Form (linked below)
- All volunteers are required to complete STAR’s Volunteer Information & Release Forms. These forms must be updated annually.
- Volunteer forms are accepted via email, mail, drop off, or by bringing it with you to the next volunteer training.
2) Attend an upcoming volunteer training
- Dates for upcoming volunteer trainings can be found on our STAR calendar.
If you have any questions about becoming a STAR volunteer, please call our office (865) 988-4711 to speak with our Volunteer Coordinator or send an email to [email protected]
Thank you for your interest in STAR! We hope to see you at the next training!!
