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Volunteer with Horses

Volunteering with horses is the perfect way to work with your favorite animals and do something meaningful at the same time...

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Horse Rescue Programs

Whether you’re a horse lover or in need to reconnect, engaging with the equine may prove to be the best therapeutic experience. Travel around the world to some of the most remote places and join the daily activities of a sanctuary, ranch or rescue center. Contribute to the healing process of injured animals and witness the positive effects the experience may have on you. Research has proven that horse therapy can help those who are struggling with mental health issues, for example. Whether you’re excited about an exhilarating gallop in nature, you want to learn how to gain back the trust of injured or abandoned horses or enjoy the process of grooming them, there are so many opportunities for volunteers all around the world.

We don’t need much of an introduction when it comes to horses. For thousands of years, they have been man’s best friend, standing by loyally even during battle. Over the years, it’s become increasingly obvious why humans and equine animals have become so close. They have a lot in common and horses have proven to have quite a therapeutic effect. Before we go into more depth on this matter, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about horses. You may even learn a thing or two:

  • Horses are able to see almost 360 degrees and have the largest eyes of all mammals.
  • Males have more teeth than females and you can tell their age by them.
  • Their ears, eyes, and nostrils express their mood.
  • A horse’s brain is about half the size of a human brain.
  • Their ears point to where they are looking.
  • Horses are social animals, lonely when kept alone and will mourn when a companion passes.
  • Horses can run shortly after being born.
  • The only species of truly wild horses is called Przewalski's or Dzungarian horse. This species has never been domesticated by humans.
  • Feral horses roam around free in the wild but are of domesticated ancestry. Examples of feral horses are Mustang, Namib Desert horse, and the Brumby.
  • Semi-Feral horses such as the Camargue horse or the Pottok live freely in herds but are owned by a horse breeder.

🐴 Horse Conservation Status 2023

There are certain domesticated breeds that are slowly becoming extinct because they are no longer bred. The reason for that is mostly a lack of demand. There is only one species that is truly wild and has never been domesticated: the Przewalski's Horse. The Przewalski species was extinct from the wild at one point in time but and thanks to conservation efforts, they are among us again today and roaming the plains of Mongolia.

Most volunteer projects for horse conservation are focused on nurturing neglected rescue horses who have been saved from situations where they have been ill-treated. Each sanctuary focuses on taking care of these animals and working toward providing them with a safe and happy environment. Most centers will focus on training them in a sustainable way while respecting each horse’s true temperament. This approach allows equine animals that don’t wish to be tamed, to remain wild at heart.

Since the mission of most horse volunteer projects is to end all equine suffering, you might not just find horses at your chosen volunteer project. You might find yourself working with all of the following animals:

  • Horses
  • Donkeys
  • Zebras
  • Lamas

Volunteers who love being around equine animals and have a desire to rescue and care for them will feel right at home at a program in a sanctuary or rescue center where they can work in a team alongside others who are equally passionate and willing to donate some of their precious time. There several projects available around the world that will give you the necessary training and, be in contact with horses and learn new things.

🌍 Where can I volunteer with horses?

There are horse sanctuary projects available across the world. Equine volunteer opportunities will bring you to remote places where you will be able to embrace nature. A volunteer program with horses will usually take place somewhere on a ranch in the middle of nowhere where you’re surrounded with lots of nature and, of course, horses. Projects will take you almost anywhere around the world. Each program will allow you to experience the exquisite nature the area has to offer while getting to know the magnificent equine creatures you will work with. Your focus will be on working with horses and being a part of the caretaking team. Here are a few possible locations that a volunteer program with horses may take you to: