I recently found out about a retired husband and wife couple who drive around Australia and support churches as they’re able to.  They stop in for a short period and help with church services and tending to the congregation’s needs.  They use their passions and skills to help churches that are between pastors or need help in other ways.  And I got to thinking, why not an equine volunteer setup that does something similar?

Retired and with a caravan, these people can come and go as they please.  They are currently helping out 2 days a week at my local church.  They then use the other 5 days to explore the area.  Perhaps the equine volunteer work would run differently.  Maybe similar to tasks in the Farm Army, volunteers could make themselves available for the length of a project – like a yearling sale preparation or fencing a paddock.  In return for their labour, they are maybe provided with food and accommodation.  They get to build on their resume whilst offering their skills and energy.  And just maybe, they get to travel the state or country whilst doing so.

I would love to check out different horse properties this way!  I am sure as with many horse related activities, a waiver of sorts would need to be signed.  This would be prior to commencement of work.  But how wonderful would it be if such an equine volunteer program existed?  As a struggling or newly establishing horse business or property, you could put in a request for a volunteer/s and outline the work that would be needed.  Then for a set period of time you have some hands to help out with a horse related project!

“But what truly horsey girls discover in the end is that boyfriends, husbands, children, and careers are the substitute – for horses.” ― Jane Smiley

I often listen to Vision Radio and hear an advert that looks for agricultural volunteers.  The Farm Army has been created to help Australian farmers in many varying capacities.  The idea is that people with skills, enthusiasm and time can come along and help out on farms in areas that they may be able to do so.

A contract fencer for example may be able to volunteer some time to help a particular farmer to setup a new fence line.  Someone who knows how to check and feed stock can farm sit for a week whilst the farm owners have some time off.  It’s hay season and extra pairs of hands to stack bales of hay in exchange for a meal are welcomed.  A knowledgeable horse person is needed to feed stock and keep an eye on pregnant mares.  I love this concept!  So why not something similar that relates to equine volunteer work?

The Farm Army and Equine Volunteer Work

Firstly, there are some available jobs on Farm Army that do involve horses.  So if you’re an Aussie or thinking of visiting Australia for a spell, why not have a look at their website?  You can even sign up for notifications!

Secondly, any place where you can build up horse experience and skills can be great for your resume!  Plus volunteering to be available is a networking opportunity that can also land you paid work in time.  So if you are in Australia, make note of this site for potential holidays/chances to do something horsey!

And if you’re not, consider the concept and how it may be applied in your local area.  What if there was a website that focused on horse properties that needed volunteers?  This could be in exchange for a meal and somewhere to sleep.  Sounds pretty appealing to me!  Perhaps you’re the person to setup such an initiative!

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