A typical day starts around 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, depending on the season. During the summer, when the weather is really hot, we start earlier and have more breaks. In the morning, you will be part of morning chores, which includes cleaning the horse pens and cleaning for our dogs, chickens and pigs. We also feed and hay all animals. After this, you will have the opportunity to take care of your assigned project horse, if you are a long term volunteer (at least eight weeks). At this time, you will brush, medicate, walk, and spend time with your project horse according to his or her special needs. Over time, you can have more than one project horse or even a dog, chicken, or pig, if you would like. We have a lunch break between 1-3 hours starting around noon. The length of the break depends on the season and the weather.
After lunch, we do different activities throughout the week. We typically work with the horses (this will be Diane, who owns the center, or the other staff members training the horses, and you will get the chance to learn and also participate the more experienced you get). We sometimes take you for a trail ride. We also have one day where we do a project like clearing, repairing fencing, or other maintenance tasks. Volunteers will clean their living area daily. Of course, we do some outings where we will take you to a restaurant, shopping mall, air boating, the dog beach or the regular beach, etc.
How much you get to do of this depends on the length of your stay. The longer you stay, the more you get to do!
A day at the center includes hard work. We are a rescue center and do everything ourselves, as it is expensive to hire staff. Our schedule has a tendency to change due to our many animals, the weather, and other factors. It is important that you keep an open mind, are flexible to change, and have a happy attitude! If you can do that, you will love working with us at the center!
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