$H$ “Barn Bucks” and Volunteering

Why volunteer?

Every Stable needs Rats and Cats! Ours is the human kind and an integral part of the success of our programs. Our Seaton Hackney volunteers not only earn valuable Barn Bucks (we call these $H$) but also are able to improve their horsemanship and leadership skills, acquire a sense of responsibility and  have a great time interacting with their peers and favorite critters in a healthy and supportive environment at Seaton Hackney Stables. Their parents know that they can entrust them to us for a few hours while running their errands and other family pursuits.

What does it take to become one?

To become a RAT and, ultimately a CAT, you must, demonstrate a love of horses and a willingness to help others. While we make an occasional exception, the minimum age for volunteering is 12yo (RAT) and 13yo (CAT). Before becoming a CAT, you will need to have proven yourself as a RAT, and that will take time. Also, because your ability to perform your tasks properly and succeed in your job as a Volunteer is very important to us, we offer specific Volunteer Training and make it compulsory. Once the training is completed and you have successfully passed the final test you will be able to fill out a volunteer Card and start earning $H$ Barn Bucks. The office will contact you regularly and schedule you for one or two (consecutive) 3-hr shifts. Until then, as part of your learning process, you will be asked to shadow other RATs or CATs.

What should I wear when volunteering?

It is absolutely essential to clearly show that you are a volunteer while working your shift at Seaton Hackney Stables. Staff and customers depend on you, may have questions, may need your help and they have to be able to locate you without having to ask around. SHS will have some kind of apparel for you to wear, sometimes charging a small $H$ token fee for it or including it in your Training Fees. YOU CANNOT come for a shift without that piece of apparel that clearly states that you are a volunteer.

Schedule

Session I Grooming and Haltering
Session II Tacking – English and Western
Session III Mounting Riders for trails / lessons and Pony Rides
Session IV Mini Cart & HARNESSING
Session V Interacting with Clients and Office + Horse Body Language
Session VI Proactive Behavior and Practice
Session VII Rat Test **1.5 hour session***
Session VIII Make Up Class/Q & A’s/Practice

Every Stables needs Rats and Cats! Ours are the human kind and an integral part of the success of our programs.