Should Horse Farms Utilize Volunteers or Interns?
By Scott Derby
Horse farm management can be a challenge, as turning a profit – or at least not finding yourself in a deep financial hole – can be difficult.
One way to keep costs down is to utilize non-employee labor, two forms of which will be discussed here – volunteers and interns.
There are important considerations to keep in mind when considering which using either:
Volunteers can be valuable for non-profit equine organizations like therapeutic riding centers and horse rescues. These organizations often rely heavily on volunteer support to care for horses and assist with programs. Volunteers can help with tasks like mucking stalls, feeding, grooming, and assisting with lessons. However, for-profit horse farms generally cannot use unpaid volunteers, as this would violate labor laws.
What is the difference between a volunteer and an intern?
Interns can be an option for both nonprofit and for-profit horse farms, but the internship must meet specific legal criteria. Internships should provide educational value and training to the intern, rather than just using them for free labor. Many equine facilities offer internship programs that allow students or aspiring equine professionals to gain hands-on experience in horse care, training, and facility management.
When utilizing volunteers or interns, it’s important to:
- Ensure proper management and scheduling to avoid overworking individuals.
- Provide adequate training and supervision.
- Show appreciation for their contributions.
- For internships, focus on the educational component and skills development.
The appropriate ratio of horses to caregivers (including staff, volunteers, or interns) can vary widely depending on the facility type, level of care provided, and individual horse needs. There is no set industry standard. Factors like feeding schedules, turnout requirements, grooming needs, and property layout all impact staffing needs.
Ultimately, while volunteers and interns can provide valuable support, horse farms should be careful to comply with labor laws and ensure that these programs are mutually beneficial. For-profit farms should generally rely on paid employees for regular horse care and operations, but help from interns can be mutually beneficial.
[1] Using Volunteers and Interns: Is It Legal? (forbes.com)
[2] Can Your Business Use Volunteers? – Aharoni Business Law
[3] Volunteers and the FLSA: When Employers Must Pay for Volunteer Work – The Day Shift
