Volunteer At Heart Of A Warrior Farm

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Why Be A Volunteer

Volunteers are truly the backbone of any strong community. They give their time, energy, and heart to support others, often without expecting anything in return. Getting involved not only helps those in need, but also creates connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging that strengthens everyone. At Heart of a Warrior Farm, our volunteers are what make everything we do possible and their impact reaches far beyond the barn.

Here are 10 meaningful reasons and perks of volunteering at Heart of a Warrior Farm, focused on experience and quality of life:

Connection with Horses

Make a Real Impact

Peaceful Environment

Strong Sense of Community

Mental Wellness Boost

Learn New Skills

Be Part of Growth Stories

Unplug & Reset

It Feeds Your Soul

Community Events

Ready to start now?

Contact Us

Volunteer Form
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Meet our current team!

Kristen Setser

Volunteer & Instructor

My name is Kristen Setser. I began instructing at the farm in July of 2025 but have been a member of the team since December of 2024. I have two kids, Brantley and Mila, a horse named Cowboy, and a dog named Dallas.

I have been teaching riding and horse care for 9 years and a horse owner for 17 years.I attended Hocking College for Equine Health and Complementary Therapies as well as Farrier Science and Business. There I also attained certifications for equine massage
and acupressure.

One of my favorite things about Heart of a Warrior Farm is the dedicated team. Watching everyone work so hard for the benefit of the students is truly inspiring. What
motivates me to be an instructor is watching students work through their problems. The joy of seeing them smiling with pride after accomplishing a feat is unmeasurable.

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Molly Wellman

Volunteer & Instructor

Hi, my name is Molly Wellman. I’ve been around horses as long as I can remember. My sister had a friend that taught riding lessons, and I received lessons in 1972 for Christmas. Yes, that was more than 50 years ago.  I started riding on a Trakehner, not a well-known breed in central Ohio at the time. I don’t remember having a choice whether I was riding western or english, but english it was. I was smitten from day one. Over the next 45 years, I did everything imaginable with horses from training, showing, breeding and more. I taught lessons to children and adults alike. Off the track thoroughbreds, (OTTB) are my favorite breed of horses and I have owned a few over the years.
When I sold my farm in 2019, I was without a horse for the first time in my adult life. I moved in just down the street from Heart of a Warrior Farm and stopped by there due to a garage sale sign. When I walked into the garage, I saw an old friend Lisa from Jersey Baptist Church. I told her and her husband, Jim of my love of horses and said I might come back and volunteer if they needed help. I know God led me to this place as here, my love of HIM and horses could work hand in hand.  Fast forward, I am now teaching traditional riding lessons on Monday evening. I have also been on the Board of Directors since 2023.
Seeing my riders grow to love horses and look forward to their Monday night lessons is very special to me.  I have complete confidence that all will learn or discover something new about a horse every week.

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Lee McGee

Volunteer & Instructor

Lee McGee has been with HOAWF for 3 year but has been a PATH International Certified Riding Instructor for more than 12 years. She currently teaches lessons on Tuesdays, where she brings her passion for equestrian education and her dedication to her students into every class.

A graduate of Muskingum University, Lee has combined her love of teaching with her lifelong interests in fitness, gardening, and the outdoors. She finds joy in helping others learn and grow, both in the riding arena and in everyday life. She also works at a local hospital where she manages over 250 volunteers.

The best part about Heart of Warrior Farm is the atmosphere—it truly feels like family. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of belonging, support, and genuine care that makes it such a special place for everyone who walks through the barn.

One of the most meaningful parts of teaching is witnessing the little moments—those quiet breakthroughs and small steps that show how much each rider is growing. I also love the challenge of discovering what works best for each individual rider and finding creative, compassionate ways to help them succeed. Watching their confidence build, both in themselves and with their horse, is incredibly rewarding and fills my heart every day.

Her greatest accomplishment is being the proud mother of her two children, Luke and Zena McGee, who inspire her daily.

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Beth Winegar

Volunteer & Instructor

My Involvement at Heart of a Warrior Farm
Roles and Responsibilities
At Heart of a Warrior Farm, I take on several roles—Instructor, Board Member, and Community Outreach Liaison—each giving me the chance to make a real impact. As an Instructor, I strive to create engaging activities that build riders’ confidence and skills. Watching a rider beam with pride after successfully a new task is very rewarding.
Transition from Public Service
After 33 years in public service, I still wanted to contribute meaningfully.  Since joining Heart of a Warrior Farm as a volunteer in January 2024, I’ve brought my passion for both horses and helping others to every aspect of the organization. As a Board Member, I helped spearhead a capital campaign that raised over $10,000 for farm improvements. My experience also allows me to offer strategic input, helping us expand our therapeutic riding program and reach more families in need.
Community Outreach Initiatives
In my role as Community Outreach Liaison, I actively connect with local special needs groups, organizing visits and information sessions to share the transformative benefits of assisted-equine therapy. One memorable outreach event brought together families who had never experienced horse therapy before. I saw a young boy with autism walk up to a calm mare and, after some encouragement, gently rest his hand on her neck.  The calm connection between them was profound.  These experiences matter to me, as someone who has a special needs brother.
Personal Fulfillment
Being with the horses and witnessing the way special needs individuals connect with them brings me deep joy and fulfillment. Every achievement, whether big or small, strengthens my belief in the healing power of horses and the importance of sharing these moments with others.
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Elise McDaniel

Volunteer & Instructor

Horses have been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I grew up riding and spending every free moment in the barn, and that early passion has shaped the life I’ve built today — as a mom to three amazing horse-loving daughters and owner of For Them Farm and McDaniel Livestock.

In 2023, I joined Heart of a Warrior Farm as a parent and quickly fell in love with its mission and community. By 2024, I stepped into the role of therapeutic riding instructor — a journey that has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Watching students grow in confidence, strength, and skill — not just in the saddle but in their everyday lives — is a gift I’m so grateful for.

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