Would you like to join our team in Bradenton, FL?
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Please take a look below and fill out an application if you’re interested to join our team.
Support a great cause!
RVR Horse Rescue is located in Bradenton, Florida. You can use this navigation point to check your distance to the ranch.
We rely on our dedicated volunteers to care for our horses every day. Whether it’s daily chores like mucking stalls, assisting with office work, or helping with ground maintenance, you will play an important role in our mission. We have volunteer opportunities for any level of experience.
Help is needed on both weekend and weekday morning and evening shifts.
New volunteers attend a New Volunteer Orientation, which is typically held on a weekend afternoon. Sessions last about one and a half hours and volunteers are invited to stay afterward for chores, if they’d like to get a better feel for what a typical shift entails.
We also welcome group volunteer days for businesses or organizations. Contact our volunteer coordinator to schedule a group volunteer day!
Volunteering FAQ’s
1. How often do I need to volunteer?
Volunteers are not required to work a certain number of shifts, but we are looking for people who can make a regular commitment of at least one shift per week. The more, the better! You will be able to sign up for the days and shifts that you would volunteer.
2. What does a volunteer shift consist of?
Volunteering at the ranch is hard work, especially in the Florida heat! There will be a lead volunteer assigned on each shift. This person assigns the other volunteers to tasks, depending on what needs to be done. The needs and safety of the horses come first. Every shift, water will need to be checked and changed, if necessary. Stalls and barn are cleaned. Feed and hay are dropped only under the supervision of a lead volunteer.
3. When would I get to interact with the horses?
After barn and yard chores are complete, volunteers may spend time interacting with the horses – only with the approval of the lead volunteer. This is when grooming, bathing, hoof picking, walking. or other care would take place.
4. What if I’ve never worked with horses?
Many of our volunteers begin with no prior experience! All you need to bring is a willingness to listen and learn.
5. What if I have physical limitations?
We have a lot of roles that don’t require the physical exertion of barn chores. We need administrative help, help with adoptions, new volunteer onboarding, marketing, fundraising, and a variety of other business-related functions. Send us a message through the Contact Us on the website if you have a special skill or interest that we might find helpful to our mission!
Apply Now!
Please complete the volunteer application if you’d like to join our team.
Volunteers must be at least 10 years old.
Applicants 10-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult (over 18) at all times. Adult application is required with each child’s application.
PLEASE NOTE: Your application is submitted properly when you see the Smiley Face, as shown below. If you don’t see the Smiley Face after you submit it, scroll through the application to see what fields are causing the delay. They will be noted in Red.
