Need a free workout?
No gym membership required, and you'll get lots of encouraging nickers from our residents! Without our volunteers, it would not be possible to care for the needs of our horses. Volunteers are crucial to our organization (we are one of few rescues with no paid staff!) and we are grateful to each and every one of them! Consider joining our tight-knit and committed team! We welcome corporate and school volunteer programs. Prior equine experience is not required - we would love to show you the ropes!
We care for over 50 horses at Equus, and there is always something to do! Volunteers are mainly responsible for feeding/watering and stall cleaning, but duties can also include:
Volunteers work daily from roughly 7am to 5pm to make sure our horses are happy and healthy. We are at the barn rain or shine, seven days a week, and on holidays. We work indoors and outdoors in all weather types for various periods of time. We have a morning and afternoon shift. A microwave, small fridge, and coffee machine are available for volunteer use. We recommend bringing snacks and a drink (which are sometimes provided), and weather-appropriate clothing.
Ages 18 and up are welcome.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
8743 Le Pere School Rd, Millstadt, IL 62260, US
We believe a noble life deserves a second chance. Horses from many different backgrounds find their way to Equus Rescue, from ex-racehorses to slaughter-bound horses. Most come to us in poor condition - suffering from mental and physical wounds, along with battling starvation and illness. Following rehabilitation, which often lasts several months, our horses are retrained by certified professional trainers. This process involves several months of unlearning past traumas, learning manners, and being prepared for their new purpose - therapy horses. Studies have long shown the healing capabilities of equine therapy. Our rescued horses, many of which were once destined for slaughter in Mexico or Canada, or who were starved and neglected, are finding purpose in being therapy horses for at-risk youth, veterans, and others in the community.
Equus Rescue and Therapy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Millstadt, IL - just a short drive from Downtown St. Louis. We rescue and rehabilitate horses who are retired or injured from the race track, horses in horrific conditions and from kill pens on their way to slaughter. We give them a second chance at life, another chance at a career, new homes or a dignified retirement. Equus also gives back to the community through programs serving at risk youth through our Equine Angels program - and we are developing a program to honor our returning war veterans.
8743 Le Pere School RoadMillstadt, IL 62260
May 2, 2024
N/A
