Help in Other Ways!
Education Programs
Special workshops offered throughout the year are taught and assisted by volunteers. You will help to educate the next generation of horse and animal lovers onsite.
Special Events, Outreach Programs & Fundraising
Each month, VF has a special event or outreach program to encourage the public to visit, meet the animals and to help support the mission of VF by becoming donors. Special events include Open Houses, Holiday Events, Seasonal Gatherings in the Cabin and Skill Classes
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Social Media & Administrative Programs
VF is in need of a few volunteers to help improve VF online presence through social media. There are also opportunities to assist with administrative organization such as computerized recordkeeping, organizing the volunteer information sheets and volunteer service reports and animal medical/dental/farrier records.
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in being part of the VF family? Volunteers make our mission possible!
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Saving the lives of equines and farm animals would not be possible without the dedication and selfless actions of our volunteers. There are many opportunities to help with and something for everyone. Volunteers of all ages*, abilities, and experience levels are welcomed. Whether you are interested in hands-on time with the animals or want to contribute in another capacity, we have a variety of positions and needs in our volunteer programs. We would love to have you be a part of our VF family!
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Independent volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
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Youth volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18 are required to volunteer with a parent or guardian
*Volunteers must be at least 18 years old; however, 15- to-17-year-olds will be considered following a meeting with a parent or legal guardian.
Equine Programs
Volunteers don't ride the horses. Most of our horses are inexperienced or come from situations that have left them with emotional or behavioral issues. Volunteers do not handle the horses (bring in and take out the horses) until they have been at Varlebena for two months and have been trained on how to handle a horse.
Day-to-Day operations require volunteers to be physically able to do light lifting and walk on uneven sand/dirt surfaces, able to be outdoors (usually in the sun and heat) for several hours, and willing to get dirty. You may start off filling water troughs and cleaning stalls, but you can advance to feeding, leading, grooming, assisting instructors, and more!)
Needs include:
Feeding and Daily Care of the Animals
Bathing Horses/Cattle
Grooming Horses/Donkeys/Cattle
Halter Leading the Horses/Donkeys/Cattle
Spending Time with All Animals
Mucking and Maintenance of Stalls, Paddock Areas, Loafing Sheds, Chicken and Pig Houses
Landscape Maintenance
You will learn how the horse thinks and why they behave or react in certain ways. You will learn to handle horses and utilize groundwork using Monty Roberts’ methods and Natural Horsemanship principles.
The one and only, Monty Roberts, with his star pupil and our founder, Karen Donathen.
You will Learn how to use bodywork to help build trust with the horses at Varlebena Farms.
Years of accumulated stress and stiffness can often be alleviated within a few sessions. This is achieved by addressing and relieving built-up tension in core muscles and key junctions of the body that impact the horse’s performance. This method involves recognizing and utilizing the horse's responses to identify and release tension. Unlike traditional massage, it interacts with the horse’s nervous system, requiring the horse's active participation. This approach is performed in collaboration with the horse rather than on the horse.
Volunteer as a Group!
Looking for a fun, engaging activity for your community group or company? Come to the farm for a day and join our team! There are always opportunities to lend a hand at the farm and spend time with the animals. Activities can be tailored to meet the capabilities and time limit of your group.
To learn more, please call (314) 930-6400.