Volunteer with Us

AWHC welcomes the support of active members and volunteers who are ready to help us protect our wild horses and burros!

If you are interested in helping AWHC as a volunteer please contact [email protected] and indicate your area or areas of interest from the list below.

  • Outreach/Grassroots engagement
  • Virginia Range (NV) 
  • Adoption Incentive Program and Kill Pens
  • Grants

Or, if you are concerned about a problem with a wild horse or burro herd on public lands in your area, contact AWHC to learn more about what you can do to help.

Keeping Wild Horses Wild (Greater Reno Area)

PROPERTY OF AWHC

The wild horses who live in the greater Reno area have a storied history and are part of what makes living here special. Now you can be part of the amazing community effort to protect these cherished mustangs and humanely manage their population in a habitat that is increasingly challenged by development.

Working in coalition with local organizations, the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) volunteer program connects people with opportunities to share and grow their love of wild horses and other wildlife, science, and nature. Opportunities abound, so get your boots on and join up with us in the great outdoors!

Darters

Become certified to dart horses with birth control! Requires a minimum monthly time commitment and completion of a 3-day certification course and field training.

  • Eligibility: Must take a 2.5-day training and certification course. Inquire to learn more about being a certified darter and fee.
  • When does it occur: Flexible schedule. Usually, all or half-day in the field. 1-3 days/week.
  • What is needed: Suitable clothing for weather conditions & terrain, sunscreen, snacks & water. Current darting certification.

Spotters 

Learn how to identify horses and match them to records in our database to help darters find mares (female horses) who need to be darted.

  • Eligibility: Responsible and detailed person who can read a darting report and match with horses on the range.
  • When does it occur: Flexible schedule. Usually, all day in the field, some half days. Volunteer times coordinated with darters.
  • What is needed: Suitable clothing for weather conditions & terrain, sunscreen, snacks & water. Camera, tablet.
  • Skills needed: photography, knowledge of horse colors and markings are very helpful.

Habitat Stewardship

Whether it’s protecting and cleaning up habitat, monitoring gates to keep horses safe and off of roadways, repairing fences, maintaining water sources or delivering hay to keep horses out of neighborhoods, volunteers are outdoors daily - hiking, enjoying the landscape and helping the wild mustangs of the Virginia Range stay wild, safe and free. Habitat steward opportunities abound!

  • Eligibility: Suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. People go out in groups of 5 - 25 people. Experienced stewards will accompany each group.
  • When does it occur: Once a week but varies according to need and weather.
  • What to wear: Suitable clothing for weather conditions, sturdy shoes, work gloves, sunscreen, hat, snacks & water.
  • Skills needed: Hiking, bending over, digging, lifting.

Rescue

If you have a background in animal sciences or horse experience, or if you’d like to learn about hands-on help for mustangs who are injured, ailing or orphaned foals, then rescue might be for you. Become certified in Technical Large Animal Rescue by attending training classes offered regularly throughout the year.

  • Eligibility: Ideally have knowledge of horses but if you do not, having a strong passion for the safety of animals and people is also welcomed.
  • When does it occur: Varies based upon need presented. Hours vary depending upon emergency.
  • What is needed: Sturdy work gloves, safety helmet, orange safety vest.
  • Training & Certification: Must attend Technical Large Animal Rescue Training certification classes to learn how to move & manage mustangs for rescue.

Public Education & Outreach 

Many people have seen the beautiful mustangs that grace the open spaces in Northern Nevada, but few know about their history or the extraordinary, community-based effort underway to save them. Help us educate the public through outreach and educational presentations at schools and community organizations. This is ideal for people with experience and interest in education, public speaking or community relations & networking!

Become a wild horse warrior! Use your skills, learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and find out more about wild horses. It’s not all work and no play! Our volunteers are a close-knit community, and we hold educational sessions and social events throughout the year to help you continue learning… and having fun!

How to apply
If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Nevada Volunteer” and let us know which area of work you are interested in.  Applications are considered on a rolling basis.