Volunteer Hub
Welcome to HorseSpeak — we’re really glad you’re here.
This page is your go-to guide for volunteering with us, with everything you need to feel prepared, informed, and supported as you begin.
HorseSpeak Heart Guide
Before you begin, we invite you to read the HorseSpeak Heart Guide.
It shares the values and intention behind the work here — and helps you understand what makes HorseSpeak different.
A simple place to start.
Click the image below.
Staying Connected
Stay connected with what’s happening on the ranch and
let us know when you’re coming in.
📆 Ranch Schedule
This shows what’s happening day-to-day on the ranch
Our Team & Contacts
Office 📞 +1 (209) 772 3871
Contact Us
YOLI MCDONALD
Volunteer Coordinator
(your main contact)
📱 +1 (209) 612 6336
For day-to-day communication,
please use Google Chat.
For urgent matters, you’re welcome to call or text.
HorseSpeak is supported by a small, dedicated team — each bringing care, experience, and a shared commitment to the work.
If you’d like to learn more about the people and animals who make up HorseSpeak, you can visit:
Meet the Team & Herd →Volunteer Chat
We use Google Chat to stay connected.
You’ll receive an invite once you’re onboarded.
Our Google Chat Space is called HS- Volunteers.
👉 Please download Google Chat from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
If you’re unsure how it works, no worries — we’ll walk you through it on your Orientation Day.
Optional tutorials (if you’d like a quick look):
THE TIME CLOCK
We use a TimeClock system — and it isn't about monitoring your hours. It's a health and safety register, so that at any moment we know exactly who is on the ranch.
In an emergency or an evacuation, that list is how we make sure everyone is accounted for. It also lets us keep proper records of the volunteers who support our programs, such as Adaptive Riding.
It's simple: clock in as soon as you arrive, clock out when you leave.
At orientation you'll be given the TimeClock link — save it to your phone, set up your own PIN, and from then on it's yours to manage. Signing in and out each visit is your responsibility, and it genuinely helps keep everyone safe.
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Open the link, tap the Share button (the square with an arrow), scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen, then tap Add.
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Open the link, tap the menu (three dots, top right), then tap Add to Home screen and confirm.
Getting Here
RANCH ADDRESS
HORSESPEAK
Cowgirl Up Ranch
11568 Arapaho Way
Burson, California 95225
⚠️ Important Driving Note
Please do not take Cobb Lane when navigating to the ranch.
Some GPS systems may suggest it, but the road is not suitable for access.
Instead, please follow directions via:
Lake Camanche Lane → Arapaho Way
This will bring you safely to the ranch entrance.
Weather at the Ranch
The ranch sits in the Sierra foothills, where days are often warm and sunny and evenings can be cooler, especially in spring and fall.
We recommend wearing comfortable outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes when visiting the ranch.
Before traveling, you may wish to check the local forecast for the Burson / Valley Springs area.
We ask every volunteer to complete a Live Scan background check. It's a standard fingerprinting step that helps us keep everyone in our care safe, and it only takes a few minutes.
Here's all you need to do:
Download and print our pre-filled form: BCIA 8016. We've already filled in HorseSpeak's details — you just add your own information at the top.Take it to any Live Scan location, along with a valid photo ID.
Have your fingerprints taken. Your results come straight to us, so there's nothing to send back.
One tip: let the location know it's for a non-profit — some sites will waive their rolling fee.
If you have any questions, let us know.
BACKGROUND CHECK:LIVE SCAN FORM
Frequently Asked Questions
You can also view our Common Questions for more details.
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No experience is needed.
We’ll guide you and show you what to do — just come willing to learn. -
That’s completely normal.
Take your time, go at your own pace, and let someone know — we’re here to support you. -
Most volunteer work involves helping with the day-to-day care of the ranch.
This can include cleaning stalls, filling water troughs, feeding animals, grooming horses, cleaning the tack room, cleaning tack and saddles, and helping with general repairs such as fences.
With training, you may also assist with sessions — including leading horses during adaptive riding.
You’ll be guided on the day — no prior experience needed.
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No — volunteers support the running of the ranch rather than riding.
You may be involved with horses on the ground, and with training, assist during sessions such as leading horses.
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Wear comfortable, practical clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Layers are a good idea, as the weather can change throughout the day.
Closed-toe shoes or boots are essential, and we recommend bringing work gloves. -
Please bring your own water, drinks, and any snacks you may need during your time at the ranch.
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We have morning volunteer sessions from 9:00–11:00am and afternoon sessions from 3:00–5:00pm.
We recommend arriving about 10 minutes early so you have time to park and get settled.
From there, we’ll start together and walk you through the day.If you’re volunteering for an event, your event coordinator will let you know what time to arrive.
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We have a designated parking area on the ranch. We’ll point that out at your Orientation.
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Yes — all volunteers will be guided through an orientation when they begin.
We’ll walk you through the space, introduce you to the animals, and show you how things work so you feel comfortable and prepared.
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You’re welcome to come as you’re able.
Some volunteers come regularly, others help when they can. -
There will always be a senior staff member on hand to guide you — just ask.
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Please let us know in the HS-Volunteers Google Chat space as soon as you can, so we’re aware and others may be able to step in if needed.
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Not without prior arrangement with the HorseSpeak team.
Everyone who comes to the ranch must sign liability waivers before they come through our gates.
Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have any questions we’re always happy to help.
You can also explore more about HorseSpeak and the ranch before you arrive.