Submit an application to become part of a generous, extensive network of invaluable volunteers.  We encourage and value volunteers at RPHS. We are appreciative of all the help we can get for our horse residents.
 

Two-Day Volunteer Training Workshop twice each year in May and August. 

RPHS 2-day Volunteer training includes:

• Meet our Staff and Facility tour

• Overview of your Volunteer Manual with our mission and philosophy statements

• Introduction to RPHS needs;

• Basic safety requirements for humans and horses

• Meet the Herd

• Sentient Horse Handling Techniques and Skills

• How to Catch, Halter and Lead a Horse

• Grooming techniques for healthy horses

• Tools and equipment use, skills, care and maintenance

• Feeding and watering logistics

• Pest and manure management

• Horse Health Assessment and First Aid for horses
   

• Please bring a sack lunch each day; water, refreshments and other materials provided.

• Dress in weather appropriate layers; weather appropriate, closed-toes shoes or boots* (required year-round); gloves, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are all recommended

• RPHS is located in the river bottom at the confluence of the Clarkfork and Bitterroot Rivers - there will be significant muddy conditions throughout the spring, including some flooding in May/June possible - water-proof boots required during this time; during icy conditions November-April some type of traction device for boots required

• Training Donation: $30/person or $50/family or small group (up to 5).

• Daily Training Times:  Sat 9:30am - 4:00pm  Sun 9:30am - 4:00pm

How do I apply?​

• Call (406) 207-6105 or email for an application.

• After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule an interview and tour. All volunteers who are accepted into our program must complete a 2-day practical orientation and training prior to their first scheduled shift offered as needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What sort of time commitment is involved?

  • We ask for a minimum commitment of one 3 hour session per week for at least three months.

• All volunteer shifts run 3 hours per day.

  • RPHS hosts two barn shifts daily to feed and care for the horses: 7:30 – 10:30am, and 3 – 6:30pm.  Feeding times are 8am and 6pm.

  • Scheduling for Facilities Maintenance and Administrative volunteers is flexible, although we do still ask for a regular weekly time commitment Friday through Sunday.

• Who can volunteer?

  • We accept volunteers of all experience levels.

  • Barn volunteers must be in excellent physical condition and able to lift 50 pounds.

  • Independent volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

• Please note the following Youth requirements:

  • If under 18, please call ahead for parental consent release form

  • Youths, 14-17yo, must be accompanied by a parent or other authorized adult to attend volunteer trainings and all scheduled work commitments.

    • There is an exception granted for youth groups; School classes, 4-H clubs, Girl and Boy Scout Troops, etc. may apply to volunteer for a one-day project. Each group is required to have one adult supervisor per three youth.

    • Your family, company, organization or club may volunteer together…

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Please contact our office to discuss a potential farm help day. Group projects include:  gardening; fence and building maintenance; general barn clean-up; building hay sheds, horse pens and shelters; manure management; vehicle maintenance (wash the truck, trailers, tractors and/or feed trucks.