Volunteer

“It’s a horse rescue, but we’re also a people rescue… We see people change their lives after being here…There’s a reason they all come here to volunteer again and again. We rescue horses and they rescue us right back.” - Gina Hluska, President / Founder

Would you like to join our team?

Elite Equine Horse Rescue relies on our dedicated group of volunteers to care for our horses every day. Whether its daily chores like mucking stalls, assisting with office work, or helping with ground maintenance, you will play an important role in EER’s mission. We have volunteer opportunities for any level of experience.

Volunteer help is needed on both weekend and weekday morning and evening shifts.

We welcome group volunteer days for businesses or organizations. Contact our volunteer coordinator to schedule a group volunteer day!

New Volunteer Orientation

Contact us to schedule a volunteer orientation.

Location: 1670 Spring Valley Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921 

For information on orientations email or call: EERvolunteers@gmail.com or (719) 428-0104

Wear comfortable (not new) clothing appropriate for the weather: long pants, closed toe shoes (we recommend rubber boots), t-shirt/sweatshirt... In the winter months we recommend layering. And wear a smile! Working with the horses is FUN!

We are excited to meet you!

**For more information on volunteer work, please read below. Should you have any  general questions, please email EERvolunteers@gmail.com**

ALL volunteers MUST attend a Volunteer Orientation. This is to ensure a strong grasp on the duties and horses here. Elite Equine Rescue has established guidelines and standards to provide for the safety and comfort of both volunteers and the horses in our care. These guidelines are set forth in the Volunteer Orientation.

The Orientation will answer most of your questions. However always feel free to ask for clarification of a policy or procedure. 

Orientation FAQ

What dates and how long? Personal orientation times can be scheduled on an as-needed basis. It takes place on our farm at 1670 Spring Valley Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80921. Meet at the front of the barn.

What is the cost? There is no cost, it's free. Donations to the non profit rescue, however, are always welcome. You may also enjoy supporting the horses and purchasing rescue apparel from our store.

Experience needed? No experience required. Our volunteers range from never working with a horse before to experienced trainers/competitors.

What will I learn at the Orientation? Learn about the rescue, the horses, and how you can help.

Take a tour and meet the animals (there are approximately 28 horses on this farm location, as well as other animals!) Come visit the horses, dogs, chickens and of course, our barn kitty. Learn about the help we need. For example, in addition to feed and barn chores, we also need help with PR, SEO, graphic design, outreach, corporate sponsorships, filing, etc.

What is the age requirement? 

Children must be at least 12 years old to volunteer*.  Children 16 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Note that children under the age of 16 must have an adult supervisor at all times while volunteering on our farm (one adult per child). 

What is the dress code? Wear closed toe shoes (no sandals, flip flops or steel toed boots) on the farm. To volunteer, wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or dirty. Note that the farm can get muddy so consider low heeled, rubber soled boots for wet or rainy days.

Where do I register?  Schedule an orientation, contact EERvolunteers@gmail.com or (719) 428-0104 Bring your volunteer registration form/Liability Waiver to your orientation (links below). Additionally, please e-mail EERSvolunteers@gmail.com with your name and contact information once you have completed orientation to be added to the SignUp Genius schedule for volunteer shifts.

Where do I park? Park in the driveway (on the left hand side) additional parking up the auxiliary road up to the right and walk up the drive straight ahead to the barn.

What happens if it rains? This is a rain or shine event. The Orientation is generally held in front of the barn on the lawn but if it rains, it will be held in the barn.

What should I bring? Complete and print the Liability Waiver and bring it with you to the Orientation. If you can't, don't worry - we will have blank copies for you. Note: No one is able to approach the animals without first submitting a completed waiver. If you wish, you can bring a pen or pencil if you would like to take notes. 

When can I start volunteering? Immediately if you choose. After the Orientation, attendees are encouraged to stay and work. Make sure to wear sturdy, closed toed shoes. No sandals, flip flops or steel toed boots. Sneakers or low heeled boots are ideal. Also wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and/or dirty.

Can I bring my dog? No. No outside pets are allowed on the property.

When I start volunteering, what help is needed? Other than barn chores, we also need help with...Farm Operations: Handy/maintenance work. Mowing, gardening/ landscaping, fence, equipment and other repairs, building/construction, painting, etc.

Are there non-horse Volunteer opportunities? Public relations (community outreach), grant writing, marketing, fundraising, graphics, website design and office cleaning and administration. Let us know if you have skills in any of these areas.

What is in it for me? Read some of our volunteer comments:

"Brings absolute joy to my life. "

"I love volunteering at ERR!"

"I enjoy everything about the rescue. I wish I had more time to spend out there. I have met the best people."

What if I have questions? Please contact us : EERvolunteers@gmail.com

Sign up for shifts ahead of time via SignUp Genius. The link to SignUp Genius is sent monthly via email. After attending an Orientation you will be added to the email list. When you sign up for a shift, it is requested that you complete a chore set for that shift . 

click here for Volunteer Liability Waiver
If you volunteer with us, please remember that you do so at your own risk. All volunteers MUST sign a release form before working on the farm, as a reminder that all activities involving horses have inherent risks. Please fill out the waiver online and print it, or print a blank waiver and fill it out by hand. Bring it with you to the Volunteer Orientation.

The horses here at Elite Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation have various backgrounds and are individuals. Therefore, their temperaments are not always predictable. This does not necessarily mean that these horses are mean or dangerous, but it does mean that members of EERR and boarders alike should always be aware of their surroundings while working on premises around horses. If you’re new to horses, we will teach you all you need to know. Everyone on the premises must take the proper precautions to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of volunteers, owners, and horses alike. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.