Making a difference: how volunteering helps horses and changes lives

Across our charity, volunteers play a vital role in helping us make a real difference for horses in need. From enhancing the visitor experience at our centres and helping on the yard at our farms, to supporting events, conservation work and administration. Their time and dedication is invaluable and helps transform lives.

Volunteering looks different for everyone. Some people join us regularly, while others give their time when they can – and every contribution matters. Sharon, who volunteers at Penny Farm, is one of many who brings passion, commitment and care to her role.

We caught up with Sharon during Volunteers’ Week to learn more about how she got involved, what inspires her and the impact volunteering has had on her life.

---

Finding joy, confidence and purpose 

For Sharon, volunteering at Penny Farm is the highlight of her week. After 24 years working in a primary school in Blackpool, Sharon found herself with more free time and a desire to give something back. With a lifelong love of horses, volunteering felt like the perfect fit.

“I started volunteering in March 2023,” she explains. “I had some free time and I wanted to volunteer. I’ve always loved horses—they’ve always been my passion. When my application was accepted, I was so excited.”

A day at Penny Farm

Sharon usually volunteers on a Wednesday – her “most joyous day of the week.”

“It’s quite a busy day, I start at 8am – the same time as the grooms – and get straight into it, mucking out. I love doing everything – from filling hay nets and water buckets to leading horses to the field and bringing them back in.”

And it’s not just the practical work – there’s a strong sense of camaraderie too.

“I always make the grooms a cheeky brew for morning break time. And then after break time its grooming time. It’s just lovely.”

Building confidence around horses

Although Sharon had her own horse growing up, it had been many years since she’d spent regular time around them and the team at Penny Farm have offered guidance so Sharon can build her skills at her own pace.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been around horses. What’s been lovely is how the team has looked after me and what I feel confident with. They’ve helped me with tasks I haven’t done for years. You’re always led by the team.”

Moments you never forget

One moment at Penny Farm has stayed with Sharon – a once-in-a-lifetime experience she says she’ll never forget.

“I always wanted to see a foal being born, and one day, that wish came true. I got there just in time. The foal had just been born – how special. I was walking around on cloud nine for months. Where else would I get that opportunity if I wasn’t volunteering at Penny Farm?”

Being part of something special

For Sharon, volunteering is about more than just helping out – it’s about feeling valued and part of a team and seeing first-hand the vital role volunteers play across the charity.

“I really feel appreciated and that sense of belonging. The support of volunteers helps the grooms focus on rehabilitating horses who have had difficult starts in life. When you’re chatting and stroking a horse and they allow you to groom them, they know they are safe.”

The rewards – and the reality

Working with horses isn’t always easy, and Sharon has experienced both the highs and the more difficult moments.

“There’s been moments that have been not so nice but the team have been great about that and I understand that this is part of rescuing horses in need. I see all parts of it, and I just love it. I turn up with a big smile on my face and I leave with a smile on my face – so it’s a win, win, win.”

Why volunteering matters

Sharon is passionate about encouraging others to get involved.

“Firstly, you’ve got to have that commitment, although it’s volunteering. But just give it a try. There’s a role for everyone.”

And for those looking to make a difference?

“If you want to be part of a team and put something back, then volunteering at World Horse Welfare – I can’t recommend it enough.”

---

A lasting impact

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can spare a few hours or a few days, have experience with horses or in other areas, you could help make a real difference.

We currently have various volunteering opportunities across our four farms – including in our Visitor Centres, our maintenance and gardening teams and yard teams – as well as in our Supporter Services team at Head Office and at events, including Burghley Horse Trails in September and Cheltenham Countryside Race Day in November.

Find out more about volunteering with World Horse Welfare and how you can get involved.