Volunteering with STAR Riders
STAR Riders is 100% volunteer based. Volunteers are from local colleges, high schools, the military, and the local community — and without their help, the STAR Riders program simply could not exist.
Why Volunteer With Us
- Make it happen. We are grateful to all who give their time to support the STAR Riders program and the community it has created. Every lesson depends on side-walkers, horse handlers, and helpers behind the scenes.
- Earn community service credit. Volunteering with STAR Riders satisfies the community service graduation requirement for all high schools in the Monterey–Salinas area.
- Learn real skills. Work beside experienced instructors, learn horse handling and barn management, and discover what it takes to run a NARHA-style therapeutic riding program.
- Change lives — including yours. Some of our volunteers have gone on to careers with animals and even police mounted units. Read Lottie's story.
University & School Partnerships
Christine Marie's STAR Riders works with California State University at Monterey Bay on two programs:
Adaptive PE Minor On-Site Program
We are a site for CSUMB's Adaptive Physical Education minor on-site program, giving university students hands-on experience working with our special children.
Service Learning Site
We are a Service Learning Site for students' community service graduation requirement — one of the most rewarding placements on the Monterey Bay.
Volunteer Roles
Side-Walkers
Walk beside the rider during lessons, offering balance, encouragement, and safety as directed by the instructor.
Horse Handlers
Lead and care for the therapy horses — grooming, tacking, and guiding horses during lessons.
Facility & Fundraising
Barn and arena upkeep, community outreach, recruitment, training, and grant writing — all done by volunteers.
Ready to join us? Please print and fill out the STAR Riders volunteer consent form (RTF) or use the volunteer consent form (PDF), then contact Program Director Linda Martin to get started.