So you want to start an equine rescue? Volunteer first!

“We don’t need more rescues – what we need is to better support the ones that are run well.” – Ashley Harkins, AHC/UHC Operations Manager

Volunteer at your local rescue(s) first!

If you’re passionate about equine welfare and dream of starting your own rescue, you might feel eager to jump in right away. However, before launching a rescue, one of the best things you can do is volunteer at an established organization. Volunteering provides invaluable hands-on experience, exposes you to the realities of rescue work, and helps you build connections within the equine rescue community. In many cases, people who initially plan to start their own rescue realize they can make an even more significant impact by supporting existing organizations instead. Read on to discover why volunteering first is essential.

You’ll Gain Hands-On Experience in Horse Care and Rehabilitation

Caring for neglected or abused horses is very different from general horse ownership. Many rescues take in horses with significant medical, nutritional, and behavioral issues. By volunteering, you’ll learn how to handle malnourished or sick horses safely, the steps involved in rehabilitation, from medical care to training, and how rescues evaluate potential adopters and facilitate responsible rehoming. These experiences will give you a realistic understanding of the demands of rescue work and the time and resources needed to rehabilitate an equine properly.

You’ll Understand the Financial Realities of Running a Rescue

Many people start rescues with a passion for helping horses but underestimate the financial burden. Running a rescue includes feeding and caring for multiple equines (which can cost thousands per month), veterinary expenses, including emergency treatments and ongoing care, and facility maintenance, insurance, and operational costs.

By volunteering, you’ll see firsthand how rescues fundraise, apply for grants, and manage expenses—essential knowledge if you ever decide to start your own.

You’ll Learn the Legal and Administrative Side of Rescues

Equine rescues must comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including nonprofit registration and tax-exempt status, record-keeping and adoption contract enforcement, and liability issues and animal welfare laws.

Without a clear understanding of these legalities, many new rescues struggle or even shut down. Volunteering allows you to learn from experienced professionals without the immediate pressure of running your own organization.

You’ll Build a Network of Support and Resources

Starting a rescue alone can be overwhelming. Volunteering allows you to build relationships with veterinarians and farriers who specialize in rescue cases, other rescue operators who can offer guidance and advice, and potential donors and grant organizations that may support your efforts in the future.

Many established rescues are happy to mentor dedicated volunteers who want to help equines, and they can provide insights and advice that will be invaluable if you decide to move forward with your own organization.

You’ll Discover Alternative Ways to Make an Impact

Many well-intentioned people start rescues without realizing that they don’t actually need to start their own organization to make a difference. Fostering horses for an existing rescue can provide critical space for horses in need. Fundraising and advocacy can support organizations that are already making an impact. Assisting with adoptions and community outreach helps find good homes for rescued horses.

If every person passionate about equine welfare started their own rescue, resources would be spread thin, and many organizations would struggle to stay afloat. By strengthening existing rescues, you maximize your impact without taking on the immense responsibility of running an entire operation yourself.

Volunteering at an equine rescue before starting your own is not just recommended—it’s essential. It allows you to develop the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary for success while helping you determine if running a rescue is truly the right path for you.

In many cases, people who start out wanting to launch their own rescue realize they can make an even bigger impact by supporting organizations that already exist. Whether through fostering, fundraising or simply donating your time, you can play a crucial role in equine welfare without the immense burden of running an entire operation on your own.

If you truly want to help horses in need, consider reaching out to a local rescue and seeing how you can get involved today. You might find that the best way to make a difference isn’t by starting something new—it’s by strengthening the incredible work that’s already being done.

Additional Resources:

Searching for a reputable rescue to volunteer with? Explore the UHC’s Equine Resource Database (UHCERD). UHC strongly encourages thorough research beforehand and recommends choosing a rescue that holds accreditation or certification from a recognized organization, as indicated in the UHCERD.

Search the United Horse Coalitions Equine Resource Database

Still thinking of starting your own equine rescue? Check out our guide here. (Coming soon!)