Two Strides of Strength volunteers standing in front of hay on the farm in Chester, SC

Be a Part of Our Mission


Your time, support, and generosity help us provide therapeutic care and lifelong sanctuary, one stride at a time.

Become a Volunteer
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Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services depends on a community of volunteers, donors, and supporters who believe in the power of connection between people, nature, and horses. Whether you have an afternoon to give or a gift to share, there's a meaningful way for you to get involved.

Volunteer: Lend a Hand Where It Matters Most

Our volunteers are the heart of daily life at Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services. From serving as a pony pal or side walker during equine therapy sessions to supporting therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs, every volunteer plays a direct role in the care we provide throughout Chester, Lancaster, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Union, SC.

Beyond direct support with equine assisted therapy, volunteers help maintain our sensory garden, staff our annual BBQ fundraiser, build wreaths for our seasonal program, and serve on committees that keep our farm running. Whatever your interests or availability, there's a meaningful way to give your time.

Volunteer walking beside a child riding a horse during a therapy session at Strides of Strength
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Fun Volunteer Opportunities for Horse Lovers

Be a Pony Pal

A Pony Pal supports the horse used in hippotherapy sessions and plays an important role in creating a safe, calm, and welcoming environment for clients and therapists. Pony Pals help ensure the therapy horse is prepared, comfortable, and well-cared-for before, during, and after sessions. 

Be a Side Walker Aide

A Side Walker (also referred to as a Hippotherapy Aide) supports licensed Occupational Therapists (OT), Physical Therapists (PT), and Speech Therapy (SP) during hippotherapy sessions. This role is essential to maintaining rider safety while helping facilitate therapeutic goals through the movement of the horse. 

Two volunteers serving as side walkers while leading a horse during a hippotherapy session
Group of Strides of Strength volunteers posing together in front of balloons

  •  Used in our therapeutic programs and community activities, the Sensory Garden complements occupational, physical, and speech therapy by providing a natural setting for learning and growth. It also offers a peaceful space for families, volunteers, and participants to pause, connect, and recharge.

    Rooted in our mission, the Sensory Garden reflects our commitment to healing through nature, movement, and connection—creating a space where growth feels gentle, accessible, and joyful.  Used in our therapeutic programs and community activities, the Sensory Garden complements occupational, physical, and speech therapy by providing a natural setting for learning and growth. It also offers a peaceful space for families, volunteers, and participants to pause, connect, and recharge.

  • The Volunteer Committee supports the mission of Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services by helping recruit, organize, and engage volunteers who contribute to our programs, events, and farm operations. Committee members serve as ambassadors for the organization and help ensure volunteers feel welcomed, prepared, and appreciated. 

  •  BBQ Fundraiser volunteers help make our fundraiser a success by supporting event setup, food service, guest engagement, and cleanup. This role is a fun, fast-paced way to support our mission, connect with the community, and help raise critical funds for our programs. 

  • Wreath Making volunteers help create beautiful, seasonal wreaths while supporting our mission. This is a hands-on, creative opportunity to connect with others, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and help raise funds for our programs. 

More Ways to Volunteer

Child riding a horse during a therapy session at Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services
Child riding a horse during a therapy session at Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services

Help Us Make Every Stride Possible

Your gift directly supports comprehensive therapeutic care and the lifelong, compassionate stewardship of our senior equines. From a one-time donation to a sponsored brick in our sensory garden, every contribution helps sustain the work we do at Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services.

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