Welcome to Lone Oak!
We are so happy you're here. As a 100% volunteer organization, you are an invaluable part of everything we do. Thank you for sharing your time, energy, and skills with our herd and community.
The following will walk you through our policies and procedures so you're confident and prepared while volunteering at Lone Oak. It doesn't cover every scenario, so please don't hesitate to ask staff or a seasoned volunteer if you have questions along the way.
There are roles for all kinds of people and schedules, whether you're joining us regularly or just for a day. Some involve horses; some don't. Most don't require any special skills and we'll provide guidance and supervision to make sure your experience is safe, meaningful, and enjoyable.
Who We Are
Our Mission
To make services accessible that promote healing and well-being through relationships with nature, animals, and other diverse community members.
Our Vision
To establish a compassionate, just, and inclusive community that fosters attunement or connectedness across its members. Strength through compassion, justice through education, wellness through connection.
Our Philosophy
We believe that to grow and heal, we must provide a safe environment for authentic connection for individuals and groups to create the branches of our community. The lessons we learn from our equine partners teach us about relationships, community care, and collaborative leadership.
How You Can Help
Before you Begin
Required Clearances
All volunteers must present proof of the following clearances before participating in any activities:
No exceptions.
If you have questions about how to obtain clearances, please contact Sarah Primak.
Your First Day
Check-in with the volunteer coordinator at the location and time established during your initial phone call. We'll take it from there!
Attendance Logs
Please sign-in every time you volunteer. If you need verification of your hours for taxes, school, court, or scholarships, your sign-in record is how we track that.
No sign-in = no credit.
Dress Code
Lone Oak is a working horse farm, expect to get dirty and work in all kinds of weather. We ask that your clothing be safe (nothing baggy), tasteful (no offensive graphics or sayings), and weather-appropriate.
Do wear
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Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty, appropriate for the season
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Sneakers or boots (closed toe required)
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Sunscreen, bug repellent, sunglasses, and a hat or visor when needed
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Long hair tied back
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Long pants (not too baggy or tight)
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Shorts of appropriate length
Don't wear
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Dangling jewelry
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Excessively tight or baggy clothing
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Bare midriffs, see-through tops, or revealing clothing
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Short shorts
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Clothing with inappropriate slogans or graphics
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Open-toe shoes, sandals, clogs, or flip flops
A note on personal items
Please leave cell phones, purses, and valuables in your locked vehicle. If you must bring your phone, keep it on vibrate or silent. Lone Oak is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Ask a staff member if you need a secure spot for your keys.
Policies
No Employment Relationship
Volunteering with Lone Oak does not constitute an employment relationship on any form. Signing the Volunteer Procedure and Policy Policy page does not intend to be, nor does it represent and indication of an employment relationship.
Confidentiality
We take the privacy of our clients very seriously. Names, diagnoses, financial information, and personal details about clients, volunteers, or staff are strictly confidential, no exceptions.
This policy extends to donors and volunteers as outlined in the required confidentiality agreement.
Breaching this policy will result in removal from the program.
Photos & Social Media
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No photographs or video of clients and therapy sessions.
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Photograph other volunteers only with their permission.
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Before posting images or audio on social media, obtain permission from anyone who appears or be identified by voice.
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The farm, horses, and our sign are always safe to photograph
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When in doubt, ask first.
Conduct & Behaviors
All volunteers are expected to treat people, horses, and property, with respect and kindness at all times.
Harassment, bullying, aggression, or abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.
If you witness or experience unsafe or inappropriate behavior, report it to a staff member or Executive Committee member immediately.
Do not approach the individual yourself.
Discriminatory Harassment Policy
Lone Oak strongly believes that discriminatory harassment is unacceptable conduct in any setting and will not be tolerated. Lone Oak is committed to providing an environment free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment for both staff and clients. This policy applies to acts or expressions of discriminatory harassment occurring both within and outside the workplace.
Discriminatory harassment includes sexual harassment and any harassment based on personal characteristics, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.
All staff and volunteers must be aware of the types of conduct or comments that may cause or contribute to discrimination or discriminatory harassment. While sexual harassment is one of the most common forms, all other forms of discriminatory harassment are taken equally seriously.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, demands for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
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Unwelcome sexual advances or propositions
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Preferential or derogatory treatment based on gender
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Unnecessary or unwanted touching
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Graphic verbal comments about an individual's body
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Display of sexually suggestive materials or images
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Explicit or offensive comments or jokes of a sexual nature or based on gender
All board members, staff, and volunteers are prohibited from engaging in any conduct that may constitute sexual harassment. Any staff member or volunteer who commits or condones sexual harassment will be subject to dismissal.
Other Forms of Discriminatory Harassment
Harassment based on a person's race, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. These traits are personal in nature, and Lone Oak prohibits all forms of harassing conduct based upon them. No one at Lone Oak should be subjected to harassment or discrimination because of their membership in a protected group.
Examples of conduct that may constitute discriminatory harassment include, but are not limited to:
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Preferential or derogatory treatment based on protected characteristics
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Using insulting or degrading language that would reasonably offend members of any protected group, including those defined by race, religion, age, national origin, or disability
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Distributing or displaying written or graphic material offensive to members of any protected group
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Using racial, religious, or ethnic slurs or epithets
Lone Oak is committed to eliminating all forms of discriminatory harassment from our organization. While discriminatory stereotypes and prejudices may still exist in broader society, no one at Lone Oak may express or act on such beliefs — whether inside or outside the organization. Any staff member or volunteer who commits or condones discriminatory harassment will be subject to dismissal.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Lone Oak is committed to ensuring that its staff and volunteers are free from substance and alcohol abuse. The goal of this policy is to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free environment and to reduce the risk of unnecessary accidents and injuries. We have an obligation to our clients and to one another to take necessary and reasonable steps to ensure safety throughout our organization.
The use of drugs and alcohol poses a serious threat to that safety, and Lone Oak is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all. This policy applies to all staff and volunteers.
Under this policy, the following conduct is prohibited:
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Staff and volunteers may not possess, use, purchase, sell, or transfer alcohol on Lone Oak property (including parking areas) or while conducting Lone Oak business.
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Staff and volunteers may not consume alcohol on the premises.
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Staff and volunteers may not manufacture, possess, use, purchase, sell, or transfer illegal drugs or controlled substances on Lone Oak property (including parking areas) or while conducting Lone Oak business. This includes:
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Substances that cannot be legally obtained, including controlled dangerous substances and controlled substance analogues
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Legal drugs that have been illegally obtained or used outside of their prescribed purpose (e.g., amphetamines or barbiturates not used as prescribed)
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Marijuana, regardless of whether it has been legally obtained for medicinal purposes or is permitted under state law
Examples of prohibited illegal drugs include marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, morphine, phencyclidine (PCP), hallucinogens, methamphetamine, and other narcotics.
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Staff and volunteers may not be on Lone Oak property or conduct Lone Oak business while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances. Any staff member or volunteer suspected of being under the influence will be asked to leave the premises immediately and will be subject to dismissal.
Dismissal of Volunteers
A volunteer may be dismissed at the sole discretion of Lone Oak for any of the following reasons:
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Disruptive, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior
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Threatening the safety of others, animals, or Lone Oak property
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Failure to comply with the Lone Oak Confidentiality Policy
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Failure to comply with the Lone Oak Dress Code
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Failure to comply with the Lone Oak Discriminatory Harassment Policy
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Failure to comply with the Lone Oak Drug and Alcohol Policy
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Failure to comply with the Barn Rules
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Failure to comply with the Farm Rules
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Failure to comply with required clearances
Day-to-Day Reminders
Attendance
If you can't make your shift, let us know as soon as possible by email, text, or phone as soon as possible. We understand emergencies happen, just communicate so we can arrange coverage.
If you anticipate an upcoming absence, please notify us as soon as possible so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Repeated absences without notice may result in removal from the schedule.
Think: safety, courtesy, respect, and kindness.
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Speak softly, therapy may be in session.
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Do not feed the horses unless directed. Treats must be approved and placed in a feeding dish, never hand-fed.
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Do not halter a horse over a stall door or gate.
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Do not tie a horse unless directed by staff. Not all horses are trained to be tied.
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Do not leave a haltered horse unattended.
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Never turn out a horse without staff permission or with a halter on, unless directed otherwise.
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Leave all gates the way you found them, closed and wires above reconnected.
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Put your phone away when working with a horse.
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Never panic, scream, or run.
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Never leave tools or foreign objects (wheelbarrow, mucking fork, brush, halters, etc.) in a stall or paddock unattended.
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Grooming procedures, like clipping or cutting manes/tails, are done by staff only.
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Check the whiteboard daily for horse-specific notes (blankets, fly spray, medications, etc.). Ask if you're unsure.
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Return all tack to its proper place.
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Exercising, lunging, or training horses is only for approved individuals.
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Assume all fence wires are live and will shock on contact.
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Read any additional posted rules around the farm, they're there for good reason.
Treat every person and horse respectfully. Help each other and have fun!
Weather & Emergency Protocols
Severe Weather
Sessions will be canceled during severe thunderstorms, lightning, extremely high winds, or tornado threats.
However, the horses still need care! Please follow the cancellation procedure if you can't attend due to weather.
Winter Weather
In the event of inclement weather, including snow or other winter conditions, sessions and programs will be canceled. However, the horses will still require care. If you are unable to attend your volunteer shift due to weather, please refer to the cancellation procedure. Note that chores may look different during this time.
During freezing temperatures and winter weather conditions:
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Animals will require fresh water every two hours, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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Volunteer shift times will be adjusted to accommodate the animals' needs.
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Additional outreach may occur to fill extra shifts. As adults, we ask that you use your own judgment regarding your comfort, safety, and ability to accommodate schedule changes in winter weather.
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Please check in for any updates to chores affected by winter conditions.
Emergency Procedures
At Lone Oak, an emergency is any unexpected situation creating a real or potential safety hazard that demands immediate attention.
Know the location of:
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A cell phone with emergency numbers saved
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The emergency contact list posted in the tack room
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The human first aid kit (tack room)
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The horse first aid kit (tack room)
If 911 is called, notify operators to turn off sirens and lights once they reach the farm lane.
Universal Health Precautions
To minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens (such as Hepatitis B or HIV), follow these guidelines:
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Only licensed medical personnel should aid an injured person or come into contact with bodily fluids.
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Wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves when hand contact with bodily fluids is likely.
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Use protective clothing or aprons when clothing may be soiled.
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Wear masks and/or eye protection when splashing is possible.
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Wash hands thoroughly after any contact with a client, paying attention to fingernails and between fingers, even if gloves were worn.
Working with Horses
Understanding a horse's basic instincts and senses improves your ability to predict behavior and communicate effectively with them. This understanding is the foundation for managing risks, preventing accidents, and building a quality relationship with the horses in your care.
Smell
Horses are thought to have a very acute sense of smell, which allows them to recognize other horses and people and to evaluate their surroundings.
Why this is important:
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Horses use smell to familiarize themselves with new objects, people, and other horses. Always allow them time to sniff new things.
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Horses can smell treats through clothing, so we recommend not carrying treats on your person. Do not offer treats without permission.
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To avoid conflict between horses, volunteers are discouraged from eating or bringing food into the horse areas.
Hearing
Horses are also thought to have a very acute sense of hearing, their ears are the most mobile of any domestic animal, and they can detect higher frequencies than humans. Together, their hearing and sight help them process new or unfamiliar experiences. However, hearing a frightening sound without being able to see its source often triggers a fight-or-flight response.
Ear position is a key indicator of a horse's mood and attention:
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Ears moving quickly back and forth may signal that the horse has picked up an unfamiliar sound.
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Ears laid or pinned back may indicate aggression or distress.
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Soft, drooping ears typically indicate relaxation.
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Ears pointed in two different directions suggests the horse is focused on two things at once.
Why this is important:
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Ear position signals both a horse's attention and intention, always take note of it.
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There is no need to shout or speak loudly around horses given their sensitive hearing.
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Speak to horses in a calm, quiet manner to help reassure them.
Sight
A horse's eyes are set on the sides of its head, giving it a wide range of peripheral vision. Horses have both binocular and monocular vision, meaning each eye can focus independently or both eyes can work together to view something directly ahead. However, horses a few blind spots: directly behind them by the tail, directly below the nose, along the back near the withers, and directly in front of the forehead.
Why this is important
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Horses may notice new objects or changes on the farm. Allow them the opportunity to look at anything unfamiliar.
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Plan your approach so you are not entering a blind spot. Always speak when approaching a horse.
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A horse may need to investigate a new object with its nose or hoof and may paw at it — this is normal behavior.
Taste
Taste is closely linked to smell and helps horses distinguish palatable foods and other objects.
Why this is important:
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A horse may lick or nibble when becoming familiar with objects or people. Be aware that this behavior can sometimes lead to biting.
Communication
Horses communicate primarily through body language and are highly perceptive to the unconscious messages we send through our own.
Leading a Horse
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With the hand closest to the horse, hold the lead rope about 12 inches from the snap.
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Using your outside hand, fold excess rope in a figure-eight. Never wrap the rope around your hand, shoulder, or any part of your body.
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Maintain your personal space and watch where you're going. Keep the horse in your peripheral vision.
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Keep the horse's throat latch (where the head and neck meet) roughly even with your shoulder.
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Never allow the horse to
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get ahead of you
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fall too far behind
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walk directly behind you
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Helmets
A safety riding helmet is the single most important piece of equipment. All persons mounted on a horse must wear a properly fitted, fastened helmet at all times while on the grounds of Lone Oak/Foxfield Farm. There are no exceptions.
A well-fitted helmet should:
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Sit level on the head, without rocking or shifting
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Feel snug but comfortable when fastened
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Stay securely in place during movement
Overly large helmets are dangerous. They can slip, obscure vision, or fall off entirely. Never ride in a helmet that does not fit correctly.
Color-Coded Horse Handling
Horses are color-coded by the experience level required to handle them:
Your experience level is determined by staff. Please only handle horses in your designated category.
Green
All experience levels welcome
Blue
Moderate horse experience required
Red
Staff or highly qualified volunteers only
On the Ground Rules & Regulations
Lone Oak's rules are designed to maintain a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for both people and horses. Working with horses is a high-risk activity, and the following rules must be followed at all times by all participants, volunteers, staff, and visitors on Lone Oak property.
Barn Rules
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All paperwork must be completed and submitted before entering the farm. This applies to clients, volunteers, staff, board members, and visitors. No exceptions!
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No horseplay: no running, shouting, throwing objects, waving objects, wrestling, fighting, or chasing.
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Closed-toe shoes (boots or sneakers) are required in all horse areas at all times.
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No one enters the barn, pastures, or paddocks without a trained volunteer or staff member present.
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Absolutely no smoking or open flames in the barn or paddock areas.
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No handling, feeding, or petting horses without staff or trained volunteer supervision.
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No hand-feeding anything to horses. Treats go in a bucket, under supervision.
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Close every gate securely behind you.
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If you get it out, put it away.
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In case of fire: get yourself to safety first, then call 911, then notify a supervisor.
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No riding horses unless Heather Girvin, Abigail Wilson, Katie Linebarger, or Sarah Primak are present and have given permission.
Farm Rules
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Children must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
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No one enters a horse pasture without a trained volunteer or staff member.
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Do not touch or feed horses without permission from the owners of that horse.
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No pets allowed.
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No bare feet or sandals near horses, ever.
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No horseplay near the barn or corrals.
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Keep all barn and arena gates closed. Reconnect wires above gates.
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If you're the last to leave, turn off all lights and unplug any fans or heaters.
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In case of fire: get to safety, call 911, notify a supervisor.
Thank You for Being Here
Lone Oak runs because of people like you. You are a valued member of the Lone Oak community and and we're glad you're here.
Never hesitate to ask questions and take advantage of the workshops and educational opportunities we offer. If there's something specific you'd like to learn, just let a Director or staff member know.
We can't wait to work alongside you.
Acknowledgment of Policies
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understood the Lone Oak volunteer procedures, policies, rules, and regulations. I understand that failure to comply may result in removal from the volunteer program.
Volunteers under 18 must also have a parent or guardian signature.