Volunteering at Cheyne Ranch
1. How Our Helper Program Works
We call our volunteers 🤝 Helpers 🤝.
Most ongoing Helpers at Cheyne Ranch begin by enrolling in one of our student programs. That is where they learn our horses, animals, safety practices, routines, and the way we work together.
As skills, consistency, and judgment grow, some students move into Helper roles with more responsibility. Knowing horses is valuable, but knowing Cheyne Ranch takes time.
3. Other Service Pathways
We also have a few ways to serve that are separate from our regular Helper pathway.
PAY Program
Youth completing community service through the PAY Program can participate through a separate structured pathway.
📎 Learn more about the PAY Program
Group Service Projects
From time to time, we work with established groups on specific projects around the property. A favorite example is our work with The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot from the Oviedo store, who helped build our arena fencing while Cheyne Ranch Helpers supported the project and handled the barn-specific work happening alongside it.
If your 4-H club, business, civic group, or other organization is interested in helping with a project, email Sally.
2. How to Get Started
The first step for both youth and adults is a Family Visit.
We will show you around, learn a little about you, and help you figure out which student program may be the best fit. You can also review our current program options and pricing.
Participation in a student program does not guarantee a future Helper role. Helper opportunities depend on readiness, reliability, interests, and the current needs of Cheyne Ranch.
4. Want to Learn More?
If the Helper pathway is not the right fit for you, you can still support Cheyne Ranch by making a donation. Donations help us care for our animals and provide scholarships for students.
Want to understand more about why our volunteer program works this way?