Volunteer with Horses! Giving Spotlight: Equine Outreach, Bend, OR

photo credit Equine Outreach

Bend, Oregon warrants a spot on the bucket list of any traveler with a love for the outdoors. If you’re into hiking, biking, climbing, rafting, skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying beautiful natural views, you’ll find some of the country’s finest in Bend, with options like the Deschutes River Trail offering access to the gorgeous river that winds through the city, and Mount Bachelor providing a winter sports paradise. In keeping with the spirit of Bend, outdoor volunteer opportunities abound as well, and there are perhaps none better than Equine Outreach.

Founded in 2004, Equine Outreach is a horse rescue, shelter, and rehabilitation organization with a mission to protect and enhance the quality of life of all equines (horses, donkeys, mules). The Equine Outreach team rescues abused, medically compromised, and senior equines, and provides them with a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life. To date, they’ve provided sanctuary for over 800 equines and rehomed many to loving forever homes.

The impact of Equine Outreach isn’t exclusive to the horses in their care, as programs like their Memory Care Outreach make great strides for vulnerable humans as well. Residents of the Mt Bachelor Memory Care and Mt Bachelor Assisted Living facilities enjoy monthly visits to spend time with the horses and mules, an experience that brings the joy of interacting with the animals and the satisfaction and fulfillment of participating in their grooming and care.

photo credit Equine Outreach

Equine Outreach is entirely volunteer-run, and welcomes the outreach of new volunteers. If you’re planning to visit Bend, a day helping rescued horses and mules could make a perfect addition to your list of outdoor activities. To get in touch with their volunteer team, you can email them here, or check out their volunteer page here!