Ready to volunteer? Check out the opportunities at these organizations.
American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) – Established in the early 1970s, the AYHC was founded by breed organizations and extension specialists to support groups of youngsters involved in horses, as well as their adult leaders. The organization provides educational materials, training opportunities and a forum for discussions.
EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) – Founded in July 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization developed to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. Creating a more professional field and promoting it to the general public is a large task. EAGALA strives to educate the public that EAP/L is more than horsemanship and riding classes.
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation (KHP) – The Kentucky Horse Park’s world-class show facilities welcome more than 15,000 competition horses at shows each year. Headquarters and offices of many national equine associations and organizations are located in the National Horse Center on these same grounds that generate an millions in economic impact and many jobs. Along with strong state support, gifts to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation from the private sector – both individual and corporate – help the park build and maintain show facilities, conduct special research initiatives, complete landscaping projects, and host special art exhibits.
NARHA – a 501c3, NARHA was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Its mission is to promote equine assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. In 800 member centers in North America and around the globe, 42,000 adults find physical and mental well-being plus a sense of independence through involvement with equines. More than 30,000 volunteers and thousands of contributors are involved.
National 4-H Council – A 1902 youth agriculture program in Ohio is considered the genesis of 4-H, which now encompasses 6 million young members in clubs all over the world. The four Hs are head, heart, hands and health, all part of the personal growth achieved through work on individual and club projects.
National FFA Organization – Founded as the Future Farmers of America, the FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
U.S. Pony Clubs, Inc. – The mission of the U.S. Pony Clubs is “to provide a program for youth that teaches riding, mounted sports, and the care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self-confidence.” The USPC has produced countless well-rounded horsemen and women, including Olympic and international stars.
U.S. Dressage Federation – The United States Dressage Federation is the only national membership organization dedicated to dressage. Committed to education, the recognition of achievement and promotion of dressage, USDF is a tax-exempt 501(c)3organization with more than 30 different educational programs, 125 affiliate local or regional clubs and more than 2000 annual awards for excellence in competition. The national levels, Training Level through Fourth Level, are governed by the United States Equestrian Federation. The international levels are governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).
