We’re looking for helping hands to make a difference in the lives of horses!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Nexus Equine!
We’re so excited that you’re considering joining us. At Nexus, we know that our work isn’t possible without the support of caring, passionate people like you who love horses and want to make a difference. Volunteers are truly the heart of what we do, and we’re so grateful to have you here.
There are lots of ways to get involved—from barn chores and helping with daily care, to community outreach, events, and fundraising. Whatever your skills or interests, there’s a place for you at Nexus Equine.
A little about us:
Nexus Equine was founded in 2016 to serve Oklahoma horses. Our mission is to reduce the number of at-risk horses through education, outreach, and adoption. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funded entirely by donations and grants. We work closely with other horse rescues, breed associations, and national welfare organizations to help horses more effectively.
While Nexus is not a sanctuary and operates as a limited intake program, we are committed to doing everything we can for every horse that comes through our gates—including comfort care when it’s needed most.
Ready to get started?
Below you’ll find the volunteer application, release of liability form, and some helpful information about what it’s like to volunteer with Nexus Equine. Please take a moment to review and complete the documents.
We know there are many organizations in need of help, and we’re truly honored that you’ve chosen Nexus Equine. We can’t wait to work with you!
Respectfully,
Rita Hoch
President and Chief Executive Officer
Across the Board
Important Volunteer Information
Nexus Equine is a working horse facility, and some volunteer duties can be physically demanding. Before volunteering, please read and sign the Release of Liability and let us know about any physical limitations you may have. If you’re unable to meet the physical requirements listed below, we’d still love for you to get involved at one of our Community Events, which offer a variety of less physically demanding ways to help out!
🔹 Minimum Age Requirement:
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to volunteer at the facility.
🔹 Scheduling:
Once you complete the volunteer application, a member of the Nexus Equine team will be in touch via email to schedule your first shift alongside one of our team members. We’re excited to welcome you to the facility and help you get started!
🔹 Background Checks:
All volunteer roles are contingent on clear results from a background check, which may include Criminal History, Motor Vehicle Records, and more. If any concerning or incomplete information is found, Nexus management will assess potential risks and determine eligibility. Nexus reserves the right to end any volunteer relationship at any time. If your services are no longer needed, you will be notified by letter.
🔹 Physical Requirements:
- Lifting up to 25 pounds
- Standing for extended periods
- Cleaning feed and water buckets
- Cleaning stalls and picking runs/pastures
- General facility organization and cleaning
- Assisting with special projects as needed
Acknowledgment and acceptance of Facility Rules and Guidelines is required for all volunteers.
We’re so grateful for your interest in supporting Nexus Equine. Your time and energy make a real difference for the horses in our care!
Facility Rules
All staff, visitors, and volunteers will abide by the Nexus Equine rules and guidelines. Unsafe or unacceptable behavior can result in your immediate withdrawal from the property or volunteer program. To make Nexus Equine safe we ask everyone to observe these safety and etiquette rules:
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs will be asked to leave the property.
- Anything normally prohibited by law in public places is not allowed.
- Appropriate clothing and closed toed footwear is required when working with horses or in barns.
- Do not feed any animals unless permitted
- Harassment of any animal, including, wildlife is prohibited.
- Motorized or fully-electric vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or ATV’s are prohibited outside of normal parking areas unless authorized.
- Remote-controlled devices, e.g., drones and model aircraft, are prohibited unless authorized.
- Report all accidents or injuries to a staff member immediately and dial 911 when appropriate.
- Rude language and offensive statements will not be tolerated.
- Smoking, fires, firearms, hunting, weapons of any kind, and camping are prohibited.
- Solicitation and posting of signs are prohibited.
Dogs on Property:
For safety and health reasons, dogs are not permitted on the property at any time. We appreciate your understanding!
Volunteer Guidelines
- Social Media: Is our friend and we encourage you to post pictures and share your experiences at Nexus Equine. However, some of our animals with in our care cannot be shared on social media. Please ask staff for approval before posting pictures or videos to any friends or social media sites.
- See Something, Say Something: If you see an animal in distress, report your location and findings to a staff member immediately.
- Attire: While volunteering on the property you must wear closed toed shoes, pants or knee length shorts. Volunteering for Community Events will require a Nexus Equine shirt.
- Facebook Community: Be sure to request admission to our Nexus Equine Volunteer group which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/353876302065185/ . Updates will be posted here.
- Required Community Service: School, or court ordered volunteers must follow the same Ranch Rules and Guidelines. Always inform staff prior to starting your service hours. *Not all types of community service are accepted.
Volunteer Levels
At Nexus Equine, we prioritize building meaningful relationships with our volunteers. As you continue working with us, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience, which will allow you to take on more responsibility and advance in your volunteer role. Tasks and responsibilities are assigned based on your experience, and we work closely with each volunteer to ensure tasks align with their skill level.
We’ve established three levels of volunteer experience:
- Advanced Level:
Volunteers at this level have significant experience, at Nexus Equine, and are trusted to work independently. Responsibilities include unsupervised contact with horses, such as grooming, moving horses, and assisting trainers with ground training, as well as general horse care and maintenance. - Intermediate Level:
Volunteers with some experience, at Nexus Equine, fall into this category. While they still require supervision, they are trusted to assist with tasks such as feeding, grooming, and moving/handling horses. - Entry Level:
This level is for volunteers who are just beginning with Nexus Equine or prefer a less hands-on role with horses. Tasks include general barn chores such as mucking stalls, cleaning feed bins, raking, organizing, and assisting with maintenance tasks around the facility. All activities at this level are carried out under staff supervision.
Please note that Nexus Equine is not a public riding facility. Because our horses come from a variety of skill levels and backgrounds, volunteers should expect to focus on horse care and support through daily tasks and interactions with both the horses and our staff. Riding activities are not part of our volunteer program.
As you gain experience with Nexus Equine, you’ll have the opportunity to take on more complex tasks. The Nexus Equine team reserves the right to delegate tasks based on each volunteer’s progress and the needs of the horses and the facility. We look forward to supporting your growth and making a lasting impact together!
Our Education Includes but is not limited to:
- Equine anatomy
- Understanding behavior and how to have safe interactions
- Evaluating equines for signs of colic, fever, dehydration, strangles, and other medical
- Understanding feeding schedules, amounts, and supplements for different breeds
- Quarantine education with horses who have contagious diseases
- Other education as identified
Ask us about our various volunteer opportunities within the community!
We’ll need a signed liability waiver from any volunteers before working with the horses. If you want to get a headstart, fill out this form to bring with you to Nexus Equine and save time.