Volunteer

Current Volunteer Openings

  • Horse Barn: Morning Chores (weekly or biweekly position); see below for FAQs
  • Facilities Maintenance
  • Grant Writer

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Barn Chores

How old do you have to be?  

Minimum age to volunteer is 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult.  We need all volunteers to be able to follow instructions, follow the barn rules, contribute independently once they have been provided instruction, and complete the tasks we are working on that day.  

When are volunteers needed?

We are accepting new volunteers for 7 days a week, 8:30 am to around 11:00 am.  In order to ensure we have adequate and dependable help, it is critical that all volunteers maintain a consistent schedule.  We ask that volunteers complete at least two shifts per month in order to stay engaged.  More is welcome! 🙂 

What will we do?

Things you’ll do while volunteering will include: cleaning stalls, filling water buckets, scrubbing water troughs and filling them, helping maintain the barn and indoor riding arena, helping clear paddocks of rocks to create a safe space for the horses, etc.  Depending on what’s going on, it could also include helping out on property cleanup and gardening type activities, organizing equipment and gear, etc.

Can I just do feeding or grooming?  I really just want to hang out with the animals.

We totally get it! However, taking care of over 100 animals at a sanctuary is hard work.  We need volunteers who can be flexible in helping with what the greatest need is for that day, and that is not necessarily doing things directly with the animals but rather doing things that help support their overall care and keep the sanctuary going.  Moreover, there are 34 horses on the horse side of the farm that need care. It takes a significant amount of time to get to know each horse, their special diet, and their personality to be able to work with them. Working directly with the horses is an opportunity that may be available once a volunteer has spent enough time volunteering for this progression to be possible and depending on their previous experience working with horses.

What do I need to bring?

For attire, please make sure you dress for the occasion wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty in; work boots and gloves are preferred and absolutely no heels or open-toe shoes!  You should also bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and anything else you’d need to be prepared for the weather. 

For More Information

Please email: locketsmeadowvolunteers@gmail.com