MU Horse Farm Volunteers

Opportunities for students to volunteer at the horse farm are available all year round. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain experience in horse care and general maintenance, or for students to get their “horse fix” while hanging out with friends. Volunteer work can be used as a reference on future resumes and applications as equine experience. You can donate as little or as much time as desired. All are welcome and no experience is required. Volunteers are always scheduled in groups, so there is never only one person at the barn.  Besides taking care of daily feeding, turn-out, and grooming, volunteers are notified of veterinary and farrier appointments and are encouraged to attend.

What is expected?

• Attend training period at 4:00 pm day before the start of each semester  
• Feed horses during two feeding times per week (times based on availability)
• Turn horses out and clean stalls as needed
• Monitor health of all animals
• Meet veterinarians and farriers to observe routine health care
• Help to keep facilities clean
• Attend monthly barn meetings (to include horse handling or demonstration)
• Have FUN, enjoy the horses, and meet new friends!

What Do You Get in Return?

• Volunteer experience for your resume
• A better understanding of horse care
• Horse Farm Volunteer T-Shirt (to be designed by YOU)
• Having FUN, enjoying horses, and meeting new friends!

Special Volunteer Opportunities by Semester

• SPRING: assist in monitoring foaling mares and attend semen collection and artificial insemination procedures
• FALL: learn about handling of weanlings and young stock at the farm and help with the MU Online Horse Auction and Sale Horse Preview
• SUMMER: hands-on experience with training of newborn foals and assist with the 4-H programs held at the Equine Teaching Facility

Special Problems Class Credit (Independent Study):
You can earn special problems credits (AS 2085 or AS 3085) for your hours at the farm and/or for completing an independent study project. To be eligible for this, you will have to complete a project or paper. 45 hours = 1 unit of credit

Employment through Work Study:
If you are eligible for work study money, we will usually have positions open for hire!