Lou Dillon and Volunteer Susan
Our weekly volunteer program at Hanaeleh is for individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once per week.
Please read all of the following information so you can decide if volunteering at Hanaeleh is right for you.
Our weekly program is designed to equip our volunteers with the knowledge and skills to help support the work of our rescue and to provide continuity of care for our horses.
Our trained volunteers come out every Saturday morning from 8:30 am to noon and specific times during the week. Advanced notice is needed if you cannot make it for your scheduled time.
We are currently scheduling volunteers for mornings Monday through Saturday. Volunteers as young as 16 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Andromeda and Volunteer Erin
What you’ll be doing:
Our volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. We muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers. We rake up hay around each stall and generally clean up all the ranch areas. After that we help with chores around the ranch and feed the horses.
NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are:
- Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (we cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items)
- You will be on your feet for four hours. We have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet.
- There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care.
- We do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch.
NOTE: Volunteers do not ride the horses, however you will get to shower them with love and help feed them grain and hay.
Venus and Volunteer Eric
Required attire:
- Jeans or long pants
- Boots (preferred) or closed-toe shoes (please no sandals – open toe shoes and horses don’t mix well and can be hazardous.
- Shirts should be long enough to cover the stomach
- Sun care
- A hat is recommended (baseball cap style or wide brim)
While we understand it can get really hot out at the ranch during the summer months, we require these items to help protect our volunteers from nature (e.g. intense sun, snakes, bees, spiders, etc.). It’s essential to protect your feet when working around horses. If it has been raining, we definitely recommend muck boots or rain boots with thick socks!
- We provide water but please feel free to bring your own water and snacks!
- You can also bring carrots and apples for the horses, they will never complain.
NOTE: All volunteer hours are scheduled and appointments are required ahead of time for any visits outside of regular hours.
Sign up for our Saturday volunteer orientation training by completing the form below.
Charlotte, our Volunteer Coordinator will respond back to you to confirm your registration and provide directions to the ranch. We do not publish our location for the safety of our horses.
We look forward to hearing from you!
