Horses are for all ages. VEA is the perfect family oriented organization to volunteer for because every family member can participate no matter their age. Our youngest members love to feed treats to the horses while the rest of the family feeds and waters the horses. The less hands-on adults can do office work and fundraising. From a young age our children have learned the value of volunteering and caring for animals. Our best example of caring for horses is when we have extreme winter weather and all family members especially the men go to the barn to thaw frozen water pipes, breakup ice in water troughs, drive us safely over icy, snowy roads so that we can feed and water the horses. As a senior member of the family volunteering has kept me active mentally, physically, and socially interaction. The very best part of volunteering for me has been all the horse stories I get to tell.
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Working with rescued horses has become one of my greatest passions. My only regret is that I didn't start working as a volunteer years ago. My favorite horses are the blind ones - it is so rewarding to help them overcome their disability. My favorite part of volunteering is hosting visitors like senior citizens and children groups that come to tour the barn (I get to talk about something I love).
When you pull into the driveway of VEA, the first thing you will notice is that it is not a place where broken horses wander, it is a place where they graze, roll in dirt, socialize, fill their bellies with good food, get pampered, and play. VEA offers volunteers the opportunity to get their hands dirty, and in return the horses are given their lives back and a chance for an even better one. The rescue is meticulously managed, and everyone I have met at VEA is inclusive and takes pride in the work they are doing. It’s become my “happy place”, and I am so very glad to have found it.
VEA is an incredible organization helping abused and neglected equines in need. They really care about taking the time to make sure the horses in their care receive everything they need to heal. Since many of the horses are abused, it can take a long time for them to be adopted, and VEA works hard to prepare them to be good equine citizens so they can be adopted into loving homes. This organization is also volunteer run. The volunteers handle the twice daily feedings, stall cleaning, etc, 365 days a year in addition to helping with fundraising and special events. It truly is a great organization with a very important mission.
I have been involved with Volunteer Equine Advocates for years through fundraisers and monthly donations! I believe in helping to save our abused animals! Volunteer Equine Advocates work hard and go above and beyond to make sure their horses are kept in good health.
Review from Guidestar
I volunteer here on the weekends and I look forward to every Saturday morning. Everyone is so friendly, welcoming and most of all love horses. They truly care about rehabilitating each horse and finding them the perfect home.
Review from Guidestar
VEA has given me my life back. I truly felt like I had no meaning until I came here and found my purpose.
The other volunteers, our director Jamie and our trainer, have all taken me under their wing and given me the space to be myself and learn exactly what I want to do in life.
I have never felt happier or more at home than I do than when I’m volunteering at VEA.
Bringing in new horses and watching them rediscover what love is through our volunteers and then being adopted out to the best homes and getting updates on them is truly the best feeling. I couldn’t be happier
Review from Guidestar
I am one of the original founders of Volunteer Equine Advocates. It's hard for me to believe it's been 16 years since a group of people gathered around a table to discuss how we could help horses in need and give law enforcement agencies the resources they needed to be able to charge people that needed to be charged with animal cruelty and rehabilitate the animals seized. The resiliency of abused and neglected horses amazes me. The volunteers' willingness to jump in with both feet to lend a hand wherever needed is unprecedented. Being a founder, President of the Board and now Executive Director has been one the most fulfilling things I have ever done.