Thank you for your interest in our Volunteer Programs!

Return to Freedom (RTF) relies on dedicated volunteers to help improve and maintain facilities, organize and help with events and programs, special projects, and horse care.

If you are interested in volunteering at Return to Freedom, whether just once, regularly or our In Residence Work Study Program, please tell us about yourself by filling out the application either online or by downloading a PDF (links are at bottom of the page)!

In Residence Work Study Program:

Although we usually receive the majority of volunteer applicants for late spring through summer, we do accommodate qualifying individuals all year long. We are delighted to hear from you and would like to share our ideas on the program.

Work-Study Volunteers assist with daily ranch chores and special projects while learning and developing valuable horsemanship skills by observing behavior among the wild herds at the Sanctuary. You will be given time each day to study herd dynamics and are recommended to maintain a journal of your observations. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a Wild Horse Walk during your stay.

If you are selected to participate in our Work Study program, you will be expected to volunteer 6-7 hours a day on either equine care, Sanctuary improvement projects or administrative support as well as assist with night check. We want to be sure you manage your daily projects within 6-7 hours so you can give yourself a minimum of 1 hour a day to observe wild horse herd behavior. Depending upon your skill level, you may be assigned a special project to focus on during your stay here.

All participants are responsible for their own food and towels. We shall provide accommodation where possible (limited availability). A $50.00 cleaning deposit for your accommodation will be required upon arrival. Cooking supplies, a microwave and fridge are available for our volunteers to use. Due to our limited staff, we prefer that you arrange your own transportation to and from the airport and trips to town, but will do our best to assist in helping participants to schedule transportation to and from the Sanctuary from nearby airports or train stations.  If necessary, we can also make sure that you get into town from time to time to purchase supplies, etc.

Our Work Study program is popular and because of this, we do have a formal application process.  After we have received all of your application materials, we will review them and contact you to arrange an interview.  Additionally, please know that we can only accommodate participants able to commit a minimum of 2 weeks to the program. Longer work-study visits are arranged on a case-by-case basis.

It should be noted that you are responsible for and must supply proof of medical insurance coverage. Volunteers must notify their carrier of their pending participation at RTF and provide coverage in the event of any accident or injury. You must be 18 years old to be considered for our Work Study Program.

To apply online, fill out the form below. Once you hit submit, you will receive a copy of your responses via email and so will we. To apply by mail, download the PDF of the form here: In-Residence Volunteer Application (1)

 

  • DEMOGRAPHICS

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  • EDUCATION

  • List: Name and location Graduate? Subjects studied
  • List: Name and location Graduate? Subjects studied
  • List: Name and location Graduate? Subjects studied

  • EMPLOYMENT

  • Include Job Title, Dates employed, Address, Name of supervisor (May we contact? If so, list contact info), Description of work, Reason for leaving.
  • Include Job Title, Dates employed, Address, Name of supervisor (May we contact? If so, list contact info), Description of work, Reason for leaving.
  • Include Job Title, Dates employed, Address, Name of supervisor (May we contact? If so, list contact info), Description of work, Reason for leaving.

  • REFERENCES

    Please list the name and contact information of 3 references we may contact to learn more about you.

  • EMERGENCY CONTACTS

    In the event of an emergency, please contact:

  • Contact #1

  • Contact #2

  • CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

    CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT It is the policy of the Return to Freedom (RTF) that all employees, contractors and volunteers to hold as privileged and confidential all information, including materials presented to committee and subcommittees, including all minutes of such committees, all results of activities and all members and providers names. All directors, employees, consultants and others who have access to, or are involved in these activities shall adhere to a strict code of confidentiality regarding this information and shall keep information protected and secure at all times. None of the protected information shall be released or discussed in or outside the RTF with any persons who do not have authorized access to and the need for such information. Staff and volunteers shall refrain from asking individuals of celebrity status for autographs or favors. Failure to comply with the above may result in immediate dismissal or other equivalent sanctions by the RTF.

  • AUTHORIZATION SIGNATURE

    “I certify that the facts contained in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and understand that, if I am accepted into the Work Study Program, falsified statements on this application shall be grounds for dismissal.

    I authorize investigation of all statements contained herein and the references and employers listed above to give you any and all information concerning my previous employment and any pertinent information they may have, personal or otherwise, and release the company from all liability for any damage that may result from utilization of such information.

    I also understand and agree that no representative of the company has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specified period of time, or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing, unless it is in writing and signed by an authorized company representative.”
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