Get involved with Mustangs in Florida, USA. The Mustang is a horse that has left its mark on the history of the United States, but which is now being mistreated. All programs with horses here.
Mustang rehabilitation in Florida, USA
Mustangs were introduced to the United States by the Spanish in the early 1500s as domestic horses. These horses then formed a large wild population and played an essential role in the building of America. Today, no longer useful for work or transportation, their plight has deteriorated, and many of them are abused and exploited by man. In the early 1900s, the wild mustang population was estimated at over 2 million. Today, only 40,000 remain in the wild and around the same number in captivity.
Mustangs in captivity are often mistreated
Our partner is a Mustang rehabilitation center in Florida. Mustangs are considered wild horses, although they are a species that has already been domesticated. Caring for a wild horse is radically different from caring for a tame one. This is why mustangs living in captivity are often mistreated. The center's mission is to provide temporary and, in some cases, permanent sanctuary for wild Mustang horses that have been abused, abandoned, neglected or confiscated.
The Mustang remains a wild horse
The rehabilitation center also strives to raise awareness and understanding of the wild Mustang. It offers courses for Mustang owners, organizes workshops on Mustang care and education, gives seminars on Mustangs in American history... This project needs ecovolunteers all year round! It is located between ranches, forests, lagoons, wetlands and the ocean.
Care for horses and other animals at the center
Join a Mustang rehabilitation center in Florida! The Mustang horse, often called the Spirit of the West, needs your help with all tasks at the rehabilitation center. You'll be involved in animal care, food preparation, cleaning, maintenance and public education!
Your main tasks will be to:
- Feed and hydrate horses, clean paddocks
- Observe behaviors and participate in their socialization
- Maintain fences, paddocks and shelters
- Help manage the premises (cleaning, repairs)
- Support the center's educational and awareness-raising initiatives
- Occasionally take care of other pets (dogs, goats...)
All work is done in pairs or supervised by the team. No previous riding experience is necessary, but good physical condition is a must.
Dates
- Minimum: 2 weeks
- Maximum: 12 weeks
- All year round
Rates
- 2 weeks: $1100
- 550 / week
- 100 airport transfer
Included in price
- Housing
- Food: foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, orange juice, milk, eggs, oil/butter
- Olando airport welcome
- Return to Orlando airport
Not included in price
- Airline tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Intermediate level ofEnglish (able to understand safety instructions)
- Minimum stay 2 weeks
- Do not be allergic to animals
- Non-smoking site
- A love of animals, outdoor work and adaptability
- A unique experience with rescued horses
- Help rehabilitate mustangs in direct collaboration with an expert
- Small groups: max. 6 volunteers for real immersion
- Gentle supervision, progressive learning of equine movements
- Discovering ranch life in Florida, between rigor and commitment
- Location: Webster, Florida (central state)
- Recommended airport: Orlando (MCO)
→ Transfer possible organized by the center
→ Arrival from Miami possible (then bus or car rental) - Accommodation: shared cabins or ranches (beds, shared bathroom, laundry, kitchen) Bedding and towels are all provided.
- Meals: shopping included, kitchen available
- The region is rich in nature and discovery opportunities: wild beaches, natural springs, rivers, forests, local wildlife...
- Depending on the dynamics of the group and the desires of the moment, group outings can be organized with Diane, the refuge's founder: walks, picnics, discovery of the region ... These shared times are an opportunity to forge strong links and exchange ideas about the project in a more relaxed setting.
About the partner organization
The Wild Horse Rescue Center is a recognized non-profit organization in the United States. Founded in 2001 by Diane Delano, the center is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of American mustangs. These horses, torn from their freedom by capture programs or from abusive situations, find refuge here and a chance of gradual reintegration in contact with humans. The WHRC also works to raise public awareness of the condition of mustangs through educational programs and local events. The center's approach is ethical, progressive and deeply committed.
