Fueled by Volunteers,
Driven by Heart
Volunteering at Hearts & Horses is more than lending a helping hand
Volunteers play an essential role in our programs, helping create safe, encouraging, and meaningful experiences that allow our mission to thrive.
Whether you’re looking to give back, build connections, or spend time around horses, there’s a place for you here. We look forward to welcoming you into our Hearts & Horses family.
We Love Our Volunteers!
Weston Pease
2024 Volunteer of the Year!
Weston has been part of the Hearts & Horses family for over 20 years, trading New York City life for barn aisles, muddy boots, and horse time. Now the proud owner of two horses, his steady presence, dedication, and love for the farm have shaped our community in countless ways.
Deb Holtorf
Deb is our oldest but youngest-at-heart volunteer, a former nurse whose time with the Peace Corps shaped her calm, compassionate presence. She adores her Icelandic horse, Haldor, and generously spends her time leading horses and side-walking during therapeutic lessons. She is looking forward to another year of Special Olympics.
Jenni June
JenniJune feels deeply aligned with the mission of Hearts & Horses, guided by her belief in kindness, connection, and the healing power of horses. She’s our resident tech support, keeping website and social media humming, while supporting therapy rides, offering horses energy work, and always showing up with a smile. She also provides equine assisted life-coaching.
Amanda Balch
Amanda is a massage therapist and mom of two who showed up at the barn one day and never left. Our newest volunteer, she jumped right in unloading hay, cleaning stalls, assisting therapy lessons, and escorting horses to weddings! She is always eager to learn, help, and support our mission.
Nancy Renton
Nancy has been volunteering with Hearts & Horses for four years after first arriving as a boarder and she’s been in motion ever since as a volunteer. Always up for a challenge, armed with contagious humor, and rarely standing still, she’s a natural with both horses and kids and brings nonstop energy to the barn.
Liz O'Connor
Liz has been volunteering with Hearts & Horses for over 10 years and brings a smile everywhere she goes, especially when talking about her grandchild. Even as her mobility has changed through the years, her dedication hasn’t, and you’ll still find her happily cleaning paddocks, sweeping, and helping wherever she can.
The 'Barn Rats'
A term lovingly coined by the teens who make Hearts & Horses their second home.
We have a great group of teens who volunteer with us every week.
Many take lessons here, some board their horses at the farm, and all generously dedicate their time to helping keep the barn running! Their commitment, kindness, and passion for horses help shape the warm, supportive community that makes Hearts & Horses feel like home, and we are incredibly grateful for the energy and laughter they bring to the barn every day.
