Have some spare time to volunteer?
Hope's is always looking for volunteers to assist with:
Manure pickup
Horse Feeding
Horse Grooming
Yard Work, such as mowing, weed-eating, fence repair, and general maintenance
Fundraising Assistance
Community events - Assist in setting up the booth and speaking to the public about Hope's Legacy, our mission, and our horses
Do you have other skills or professional expertise that you can share? They don't have to be horse related.
Let us know if you are interested in volunteering your time or services and we will find a way that you can help!
Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc Volunteer Position Description Position Title: Feeder
· Purpose:
Feeders work as a team and are essential to Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue’s (HLER) mission of rehabilitating equines. Two different teams of feeders feed 20 or more horses and donkeys at Castle Rock Farm every day, regardless of the weather. Feedings occur roughly from 7AM – 9AM in the morning and 4PM – 7PM in the evening.
· Position Summary:
Feeders must be at least 14 years old. Feeders between the age of 14 and 17 must volunteer with a parent. Feeders fill feed buckets for each individual equine following instructions in the feed barn, and distribute accordingly to the horse and field. Usually requires leading and handling of equines into a pen. After feeding, the team collects the buckets, cleans them and puts them back in the barn. Feeders distribute hay to the various fields per instructions. Gators are provided to haul feed and hay to the fields. Inventory of feed is checked and feed bins refilled as needed. Paddocks are mucked and manure is hauled in the gator to the dump field. Water troughs are checked for water levels and cleanliness. If the trough is clean and needs refilling, feeders drive the water truck to the field and refill. Feeders also provide care for barn cats on the property. Feeders may be the only Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue representatives on the property while feeding; therefore you must report any unusual property or equine happenings to the Executive Director, HLER Leadership Team or WhatsApp Feeders Group ASAP while you are there. You are also working with and around animals that weigh between 350 and 1500 pounds, and can move quickly. Safe, responsible behavior is a must.
· Benefits:
* Increase your knowledge of different breeds of equines and the wide variety of physical conditions they experience.
* 2+ hours of vigorous outdoor physical activity.
* Make new friends – both 2- and 4-legged!
* After feeding you may stay and interact with the animals.
* The opportunity to grow into other volunteer positions/more responsibility at Castle Rock Farm.
* A great sense of accomplishment.
· Requirements: all volunteers must:
* Attend a Volunteer Orientation meeting.
* Complete a volunteer information sheet and Liability Waiver.
* Attend 3 HLER events within 60 days of Orientation: a feeding shift, workday, clinic or special event
* Read and sign the volunteer handbook
* Sign in and out when entering and leaving Castle Rock Farm for volunteer duties.
* In addition, Feeders must:
§ drive a truck and gator.
§ Safely lift 30 to 60 pounds.
§ Treat everyone at Castle Rock Farm with respect.
§ Possess a basic knowledge of equine behavior, and handling of equines.
§ Download the WhatsApp app on their phone to communicate with the Feeders Group. Additionally, Hope’s Legacy publishes a weekly emailed newsletter for volunteers only, which includes helpful tips on equine behavior and handling of equines. Feeders need to read the newsletter to keep up with current events at Castle Rock Farm.
. Training:
All new volunteers will be considered at a “Beginner” level and will be allowed to help on a probationary basis, regardless of previous horse experience. New feeders are paired with at least one experienced feeder to help train you in your position. Hope’s Legacy provides additional training tools such as a weekly newsletter with educational articles, clinics, and the opportunity to learn from other volunteers.
· Commitment:
* Anyone feeding is expected to arrive at the appointed time as agreed to with your fellow feeders.
* If you are ill, please contact your feeding partner and the HLER Volunteer Coordinator team as soon as possible so we can try to find a substitute.
* The time commitment during a feeding shift is a minimum of 2 hours. Regular feeders are asked to choose one feed shift during the week that is convenient to you. A substitute feeder fills in when a regular cannot fulfill their shift.
* We understand family and work commitments come first. If you have a schedule conflict with your shift, please let the HLER Volunteer Coordination Team know as soon as possible so a substitute can be arranged.
* Please note, you and we will not know if the feeding position is a good fit for you until after about 10 hours of feeding. After you have fed 4 times, you and your fellow feeders will conduct an evaluation of your – and the team’s – performance. If you are willing to continue as a part of a feed team, any items which need to be addressed or worked on will be outlined for you to successfully fulfill your duties as a Hope’s Legacy Feeder.
· Location: all feeding is done at Castle Rock Farm, Afton, Virginia.