Hundreds of horse rescues throughout the United States and beyond offer protection to horses and other equine animals. Some work with law enforcement officers to investigate reports of neglect and abuse and then get help to needy horses. Others find horses in jeopardy of going to slaughter and find them new homes. Some retrain race horses as riding and show horses, and others focus on finding homes for unwanted horses.
All of these organizations exist thanks to the efforts of volunteers. Most have no paid staff, so even their president or director is a volunteer. Volunteers help care for the horses, investigate neglect reports, check out potential new homes and fundraise. Volunteers may accompany law enforcement officers to remove starving horses and may testify in court cases. They advertise horses for adoption, plan and run fundraisers and promote the rescue to recruit new volunteers and adopters.
Many rescue volunteers say they get a lot out of their time spent with the rescue. They learn about diseases and lameness problems because starved horses are more prone to these. They learn how to handle behavioral problems and retrain abused or distrusting horses. They also learn about business practices as a good rescue is just like a business: it must run with an eye on the bottom line, with solid policies and good business practices.
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to find a local rescue. This can be done by talking to veterinarians' officers, local animal control officers and animal shelters. They can recommend rescues they've worked with and also may be willing to disclose rescues that are a problem.
Potential volunteers then need to check out the rescue themselves. They should give them a call or drop them an email to inquire about their volunteer needs. It is also a good idea to ask about how their organization runs: where do the horses come from? Where do their funds come from? Can they provide a copy of their most recent financial statement? What do they do with the horses once they arrive? Do they adopt them out or keep them forever? If they adopt them out, what is their adoption rate? If the volunteer plans to donate money or items, they also need to ask for a copy of the organization's IRS Determination letter. This letter will state that the organization is a 501c3 organizations and that donations are tax-deductible.
Volunteers should be up front with the organization about their commitment level. If they are only available for an hour a week, they need to let the rescue know and work to find a job that fits their availability. If they're available for longer periods or willing to take on more responsibility, they should let the rescue know that, too. A good rescue is going to work hard to find the right fit for each volunteer.
Before making a commitment to volunteer, it is also a good idea to talk to other volunteers with the organization. Find out how long they've been volunteering and ask if they have had any problems with the rescue. Ask if they like their volunteer jobs and why they volunteer.
Once volunteering, if the volunteer cannot keep his or her commitment, he needs to be honest with the rescue. The rescue might be disappointed if the volunteer cannot do his volunteer job, but they'll appreciate the heads up so they can fill his spot.
Volunteering with a horse rescue is a wonderful way to learn more about horses and give back to horses who have had a rough life. Volunteers also often learn new skills and may make lifelong friends through their volunteer experience.
Jennifer Williams - Dr. Williams is an established freelance writer with publications in EQUUS, Young Rider, Cat Fancy, Dog Fancy, Image Magazine, and many ...
