Question 1

Who can volunteer at Ryerss Farm?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with a love for horses and a desire to help is welcome to volunteer. Volunteers come from all walks of life and can be of any age, shape, or size. Retirees, students, and working professionals are all encouraged to apply.

Question 2

How can I become a Ryerss volunteer?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to fill out a Volunteer Application and submit it to our office. For your convenience, you can download and print a PDF copy of the Volunteer Application & Rules, along with the Photo Release Form (both available above). 
 
Please read the Volunteer Guidelines, fill out pages 7 – 9, sign, and return them to Ryerss in any of the following ways:
(1) Copy filled out form and attach to an email to ryerssfarm@Verizon.net. 
 
(2) Return it in person or by postal mail to: Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, 1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA  19465-8806, Attention: Office Manager 
 
(3) Fax it to us at 610-469-0537.  
 
You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
 
Once your application is reviewed by our office, you will get a call from Ryerss to set up an appointment for an interview. If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will be contacted about when to begin.

Note: While we are still accepting and reviewing applications, volunteer onboarding and scheduling are paused during our Main Barn renovation and will resume once construction is complete. See the update at the top of this page for details.

Question 3

How much time does a volunteer need to give?

Accepted Answer

There are a few volunteers who come and help several times a week, faithfully, all year long. There are several volunteers who are able to give us one or two days a week, and many who can offer to be here at least twice a month. All are valuable and appreciated for the time they are willing to give!

Question 4

What sort of tasks do Ryerss volunteers do?

Accepted Answer

Ryerss Farm uses its volunteers for many different tasks. Some volunteer in the administrative office and gift shop doing work on the mailing lists, selling items in the shop, making some of the hand-crafted items we sell, answering phones and doing general office duties.
 
Other volunteers work in the barn and outdoor areas doing things such as: cleaning and mucking stalls, spreading straw, lime, shavings and hay in stalls, cleaning and filling water pails and troughs, cleaning feed buckets, cob-webbing, re-placing salt licks, painting stall numbers, painting gates and other barn areas, cleaning and sweeping, filling feed buckets, grooming horses, bringing horses in and turning out of the barn, gardening, giving tours, decorating the barn for holiday events and helping with those events (i.e., Open House in December, Yard Sale and Blessing of the Animals).
 
This may be an incomplete list, but know that everything at Ryerss is done with the welfare of the horses in mind. After all, our mission statement is “The care and shelter of aged and abused horses,” and that is our ultimate goal.

Question 5

Is a background check required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a background check is required for all volunteers. The $22 fee is waived for Ryerss Farm volunteers.

Question 6

How can I complete the background check?

Accepted Answer

You have two options:
Complete the background check online (recommended for faster processing, taking just a few minutes).
Download and fill out the form by hand, then mail it to the Pennsylvania State Police in Harrisburg. This option takes 4–6 weeks.

Question 7

What should I do with my background check results?

Accepted Answer

Attach the completed background check document to your volunteer application before submitting it.

Question 8

Are there any costs associated with volunteering?

Accepted Answer

There are no costs to volunteer. The $22 background check fee is waived for Ryerss Farm volunteers.

Question 9

Can I volunteer with my family?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Families are encouraged to volunteer together. It’s a great way to bond while supporting a worthy cause.

Question 10

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

Accepted Answer

Yes, groups are welcome to volunteer. Please contact Ryerss Farm in advance to coordinate group activities.

Question 11

Will I receive training as a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all volunteers will receive training to ensure they are comfortable and confident in their roles.

Question 12

I have no experience around horses. Can I still become a Ryerss volunteer?

Accepted Answer

It is not necessary to have experience with horses, only to love them!  There are many chores to be done around Ryerss Farm that do not involve direct contact with the horses (see list above).  If you eventually would like to do more hands-on work with our horses, this is possible as you gain experience and training from our helpful and capable staff and fellow volunteers.

Question 13

Are there any physical requirements for volunteering?

Accepted Answer

Some tasks, such as cleaning stalls or lifting supplies, may require physical activity. If you have any limitations, let the staff know, and they will assign you to tasks that suit your abilities.

Question 14

Are there age requirements for volunteering?

Accepted Answer

While volunteers of all ages are welcome, those under 18 may need a parent or guardian to accompany them or provide consent. Please check with Ryerss Farm for specific guidelines.

Question 15

What should I wear when volunteering?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes or boots suitable for working around horses.

Question 16

Can I volunteer for a short-term project or event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, short-term opportunities are available for specific events or projects. Contact the office to learn more.

Question 17

Whom should I contact if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

Contact Ryerss Farm at (610) 469-0533 for more information.

DonatE NOW!

Open weekends only, Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM to 4 PM, July through September during our Main Barn renovation.

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM!

Required Background Check

NEW: Junior Volunteer Program (Ages 16–17)

Volunteer Update: BARN Renovation (July–September)

Registered Volunteer? Schedule Your Time with Shift

Frequently asked questions