Volunteers…The Heart of MVHR

NEW VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

Mountain Valley Horse Rescue could not exist without our dedicated volunteers. Our goal is to provide each volunteer with an experience that connects you to our rescue horses and keeps you coming back. And best of all, no horse experience is needed! MVHR provides introductory and ongoing training to help you develop a variety of horsemanship skills, allowing you to spend time with the horses in a variety of roles based on your interests. We want your experience at MVHR to be meaningful and fulfilling.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER DAYS AND VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Saturday, February 15, 9:30am-12:30pm &
Saturday, March 15, 9:30am-12:30pm

Bring your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to our upcoming Community Volunteer Days and Volunteer Training! All ages are welcome and no horse experience is needed. We’ll start the day with a FREE pancake breakfast at 9:30, then we’ll take a tour of the ranch and move into the corrals to scoop poop, fill water troughs, and meet the horses. No need to RSVP, just come on out!

After attending the Volunteer Training, you’ll be able to return to the Rescue as your schedule permits to help with chores and spend time with the horses.

Bring a refillable water bottle, snack/lunch, sunscreen, hat, jacket, gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes that can get dusty and dirty.

THANK YOU to everyone who has participated in our Community Volunteer Days and to those who have already returned to visit the horses and help with chores. If you haven’t had a chance to return yet, we hope to see you soon, and if you would like a refresher or have someone there when you do come back, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to support you on your return to the Rescue.

Click HERE to complete a volunteer application. This will ensure you receive the exclusive Volunteer Scoop email each month.

MVHR Volunteer levels:

Level One ~ Certified Volunteer ~ become a valued member of our Volunteer team by attending a Volunteer training session during our monthly Community Volunteer Days (see above) or by appointment (email volunteer@mvhr.net).  Learn the basics of mucking corrals, filling water troughs, horse safety and ranch protocols as you work in the corrals and meet the horses. After completing this training, you are welcome to return to the ranch whenever your schedule allows to assist with these chores.   (Training takes approximately 2.5 hours)

Level Two ~ Grooming Guru ~ After spending 10+ hours as a Volunteer at the Rescue you are now eligible to receive training to become a "Grooming Guru." During this training you will learn how to properly groom a horse and gain access to the tack room where you will find supplies including grooming kits for the horses designated for this program. Once trained, you can then conclude your chore shift with some one-on-one grooming time with a sweet rescue horse. The physical and emotional benefits of grooming a horse are many, for both horse and human.  Email volunteer@mvhr.net to sign up for this training. (Training takes approximately 1.5 hours)

Level Three ~ Hopeful Hearts ~ This volunteer level is for those Volunteers who have completed 10+ hours of Volunteer time and are able to come to the Rescue once per week to work with “your” horse on ground training exercises. During your Hopeful Hearts training session you will learn to catch, halter, and lead a horse, and then be matched with an adoptable horse who can greatly benefit from frequent handling and groundwork training. You will be instructed on best groundwork exercises for your specific horse. Your work with these horses will play a key role in leading them to adoption and their forever family.  Email marissa@mvhr.net to learn how to take the next step as a Hopeful Hearts participant. (Training takes approximately 3 hours)

VOLUNTEER FAQ’S

• When is the Rescue “open” for me to come out and volunteer?
  Once you have completed your Volunteer Training, you are welcome to come during daylight hours on any day.

• How do I get into the gate?

  When you approach the gate to enter, pull up next to the keypad on your right. Enter the code as instructed there. When leaving the Rescue, pull up slowly and allow enough room for the gate to automatically open towards you.

• Can I feed the horses treats (carrots, apples, etc.)?

  Please do not feed treats to the horses as many members of our rescue herd have dietary restrictions related to their recovery and/or training. We ask that you show them your love through kind words and gentle scratches rather than with food.

• How do I scoop poop in the winter?

  Scooping frozen poop is difficult and can result in broken rakes, so just focus on the shelters of each corral when you come out. Be careful to only fill buckets half full as they can be very heavy when frozen. Lift with your legs!! :)

• How do I know how many hours I have volunteered in order to qualify for Volunteer incentives and advanced training?

  We keep track of each volunteer’s hours based on you signing in and out on the computer, so just send us an email at volunteer@mvhr.net and we’ll let you know your current totals.

• What should I do when I come out to Volunteer?

  The primary needs are mucking corrals, filling water troughs, and spending time with the horses. Additionally, we ask that you do horse checks and facility checks and let a staff member know if you encounter anything that looks concerning. Sweeping of Robin’s Nest Stall alley is always helpful or raking up loose hay in front of the corrals, pushing it under the fence for horses to eat or if very dirty putting it in a muck bucket. Not sure what else needs to be done? Just ask a staff member!

OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER:

• Maintenance Assistants - the ranch, facilities, and equipment are always in need of maintenance,  repairs, and improvements.  Lend a hand to Harald, our Director of Maintenance, in keeping everything running smoothly!

• Program Assistants - help program staff introduce groups who visit the rescue to horses, chores, the work that MVHR does and the reasons behind it!

• Special Events - spread the word about MVHR and act as an ambassador for the horses at events at the ranch and in the community.

• Administrative Help - filing, data entry, editing, design, and communications (most could be done from home!) 

• Fundraising and Development - helping MVHR continue to help horses by garnering financial support from our communities.

• Spreading MVHR’s Mission - one of the easiest things to do as a volunteer is to spend time talking to people in your circle and community about why you volunteer at MVHR, what the organization means to you, and what your friends & family can do to help too. Bring them out to visits the ranch, or volunteer with you when they visit or run a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser, like asking for donations to the horses on your birthday, or asking them to come to an MVHR Event. The more people who become equine advocates, more horses are helped find a safe place to land.

Volunteer Appreciation Program

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Our Volunteer Appreciation Program provides exclusive perks and programs just for our Volunteers as a way to express our appreciation. As you volunteer hours and work your way up the Volunteer Milestones ladder, we’ll show our gratitude with special gifts including MVHR Volunteer t-shirts, gift certificates for MVHR gear, your name on our Volunteer Honor Plaque, and more.  If you choose to participate in our Hopeful Hearts Program, you will have the opportunity to be matched with a Rescue horse that you will nurture and work with on their Journey of Hope to help move them toward adoption.  As a Pass It On Partner, you will receive a very special gift each time you bring a friend to the Rescue who completes volunteer orientation and volunteers 10+ hours. Let us know when you’ve brought us a new volunteer!

VOLUNTEER TIPS:

• Be prepared for changing weather and the mud and dirt that come with a horse ranch.

• Bring a jacket, hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and snacks.

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, and clothes that can get dirty.

• Be ready for a fun and fulfilling day with the horses!