Calling all Volunteers!
Where there's a wheelbarrow
there's a way!
Below are some guidelines to help you as you join our busy team, Welcome!
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time;
they just have the heart.
~Elizabeth Andrew
VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
WELCOME TO THE HORSE PROTECTION SOCIETY of B.C.
Barn Address: 4370 – 224th Street Langley BC V2Z 2V5
Phone- 604.539.8391 Email- hps@telus.net
Mission Statement: To promote and support the total well being of horses
The Horse Protection Society of BC is pleased you have chosen to volunteer with us. As an HPS volunteer, you are an important member of our team and we would like welcome you.
We have many duties, depending on your skill level, to choose from at HPS. . These range from barn duties, grooming, laundry, tack or property maintenance, and working with horses in need to administration, including the organization of fundraising activities.
We would also like to welcome those of you who do not have any experience in the horse world. For those volunteers who would like to further their knowledge in these areas we can help you achieve your goals!
HISTORY of the HORSE PROTECTION SOCIETY of BC
The Horse Protection Society of BC (HPS) was incorporated in 1984 by Melva MacLean, Editor of the original Gait Post magazine and dedicated leader in the horse industry.
Since inception HPS has been an active force in the horse community. We are currently operating from a small facility where we are able to take in a limited number of horses to be cared for and eventually placed in approved homes. HPS is working to develop a data base of potential foster homes. We are also networking with like minded groups to better co-ordinate rescue efforts, as well as developing promotion and education programs.
We provide some bridging between horses in immediate need of foster care facilities and we continue to offer referral services to help place horses needing new homes, and to help horse owners find answers to their care and training problems.
The Horse Protection Society of BC is dedicated to establishing higher standards of horse care and public awareness of horse issues, through knowledge and learning.
We pledge to inspire society to create a world where horses, and all animals, enjoy as a minimum these five essential freedoms:
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
- Please make sure to park in the “Barn” parking lot.
- If you have not already done so, you will be asked to complete a Volunteer Form.
- Please sign in on the volunteer hour sheet. When you leave please sign out.
- Please put on your volunteer nametag.
- Check the white board for what needs to be done or check in with the barn staff for further instructions.
- If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help you and again appreciate your time and efforts at HPS!
CLOTHING
- Please wear comfortable clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty.
- Avoid wearing loose scarves or anything that dangles that could get caught.
- Keep jewelry to a minimum (e.g. no dangling earrings, rings, bracelets or necklaces.
- Wear hard shoes or boots to protect your toes, (no sandals or open-toed shoes).
- Lock all valuables in your car out of sight.
- Please remember that we are also a place of business and dress appropriately, i.e. no pajamas, tube tops or the like.
GENERAL SAFETY AND BARN RULES
- Absolutely “NO” smoking in the barn, riding arena or lounge area. Smoking is permitted on the asphalt area in the parking lot.
- NO running or shouting in the stable area be calm and quiet around the horses.
- No photographs are permitted without permission from the office.
- No pets allowed.
- Do not reach through the bars of the stalls to pet the horses.
- Do not hand feed the horses, as it can contribute to biting.
- NEVER approach a horse directly from behind, always approach from the side where the horse can see you. Speak when approaching the horse so they know you are there.
- Always keep a hand on the horse’s body when you go around him, so he knows you are there.
- When following another horse stay back at least two horse lengths to avoid kicking.
- Before approaching an arena door call out, “DOOR” in a clear and loud voice so those in the arena working know that you are about to enter. Please follow these instructions whether you are bringing in a horse or coming to observe.
- Please ask barn staff before taking any horse out of a paddock, stall or field.
- Never have earphones in both ears, always make sure you can hear and see clearly at all times.
- It is important to turn off lights when you are done in an area.
- Please make sure to turn off the water if you have turned it on.
- Make sure to put away all equipment you have used so the next person can find it, i.e.: wheelbarrows, stall forks, brushes, etc.
VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS
When bringing a horse out of the field or stall:
- Always ask barn staff before taking any horse out of a paddock, stall or field.
- If you are unfamiliar with catching a horse, please ask for assistance.
- If the horse’s hindquarters are facing you when you approach him in his stall, paddock or in the field, get his attention by speaking to him before approaching. Let him know you are there; he may be startled if he doesn’t see you coming.
- When putting on the halter, stand on the left hand side facing the same direction as the horse.
- Make sure the halter is not fastened too tightly but securely enough so he does not slip out.
- Always use a lead rope when leading a horse anywhere. NEVER coil the lead rope around your hand. Never lead the horse by the halter alone.
- When leading the horse out of the stall, make sure the stall door is open completely.
- When entering or leaving the field or paddocks, please close and latch all gates behind you. Weather a door or a gate remember this simple rule: if you open it, you close it!
- When working with HPS’s horses please follow the instructions carefully. The programs set in place have been carefully thought out and planned for the individual success of each horse.
STABLE AREA
- Once the horse is in the barn use either the crossties in the alleyway or a quick release knot to secure your horse to a holding ring.
- Stall doors must be kept closed.
- Please be aware of other horses tied in the stabling area.
- Please sweep your grooming area and put away “tools” before you leave the barn.
- Never leave a horse unattended in the barn unless he/she is in a stall with the door securely closed.
PIONTS TO REMEMBER
- HPS would prefer you to be a member of the Horse Council of BC. Your membership of $55/yr. includes a good insurance plan and you can sign up online if you like.
- Please let the barn manager know if you are unable to attend on a scheduled day. The more notice the better so that chores can be re-allocated.
- In whatever capacity you are a volunteer; you are a very valuable member of the HPS team!
- Volunteers are encouraged to seek information or assistance whenever they are unsure. Remember we are here to assist you in any we can and we are open to any questions or concerns you may have.
- We hope you will enjoy working with the Horse Protection Society and that it will be a worthwhile and valuable experience for you.
BARN HOURS & CONTACT INFORMATION
Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
*Except by special arrangement
Farm Phone: 604.539.8391 Sharon’s Cell: 604.308.4400
Volunteer Coordinator: Irene Schenk
Email: irene_hps@yahoo.ca
Phone: 604-576-9742
WELCOME TO THE HORSE PROTECTION SOCIETY of B.C.
Barn Address: 4370 – 224th Street Langley BC V2Z 2V5
Phone- 604.539.8391 Email- hps@telus.net
Mission Statement: To promote and support the total well being of horses
The Horse Protection Society of BC is pleased you have chosen to volunteer with us. As an HPS volunteer, you are an important member of our team and we would like welcome you.
We have many duties, depending on your skill level, to choose from at HPS. . These range from barn duties, grooming, laundry, tack or property maintenance, and working with horses in need to administration, including the organization of fundraising activities.
We would also like to welcome those of you who do not have any experience in the horse world. For those volunteers who would like to further their knowledge in these areas we can help you achieve your goals!
HISTORY of the HORSE PROTECTION SOCIETY of BC
The Horse Protection Society of BC (HPS) was incorporated in 1984 by Melva MacLean, Editor of the original Gait Post magazine and dedicated leader in the horse industry.
Since inception HPS has been an active force in the horse community. We are currently operating from a small facility where we are able to take in a limited number of horses to be cared for and eventually placed in approved homes. HPS is working to develop a data base of potential foster homes. We are also networking with like minded groups to better co-ordinate rescue efforts, as well as developing promotion and education programs.
We provide some bridging between horses in immediate need of foster care facilities and we continue to offer referral services to help place horses needing new homes, and to help horse owners find answers to their care and training problems.
The Horse Protection Society of BC is dedicated to establishing higher standards of horse care and public awareness of horse issues, through knowledge and learning.
We pledge to inspire society to create a world where horses, and all animals, enjoy as a minimum these five essential freedoms:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst.
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.
- Freedom from distress.
- Freedom from discomfort.
- Freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
- Please make sure to park in the “Barn” parking lot.
- If you have not already done so, you will be asked to complete a Volunteer Form.
- Please sign in on the volunteer hour sheet. When you leave please sign out.
- Please put on your volunteer nametag.
- Check the white board for what needs to be done or check in with the barn staff for further instructions.
- If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help you and again appreciate your time and efforts at HPS!
CLOTHING
- Please wear comfortable clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty.
- Avoid wearing loose scarves or anything that dangles that could get caught.
- Keep jewelry to a minimum (e.g. no dangling earrings, rings, bracelets or necklaces.
- Wear hard shoes or boots to protect your toes, (no sandals or open-toed shoes).
- Lock all valuables in your car out of sight.
- Please remember that we are also a place of business and dress appropriately, i.e. no pajamas, tube tops or the like.
GENERAL SAFETY AND BARN RULES
- Absolutely “NO” smoking in the barn, riding arena or lounge area. Smoking is permitted on the asphalt area in the parking lot.
- NO running or shouting in the stable area be calm and quiet around the horses.
- No photographs are permitted without permission from the office.
- No pets allowed.
- Do not reach through the bars of the stalls to pet the horses.
- Do not hand feed the horses, as it can contribute to biting.
- NEVER approach a horse directly from behind, always approach from the side where the horse can see you. Speak when approaching the horse so they know you are there.
- Always keep a hand on the horse’s body when you go around him, so he knows you are there.
- When following another horse stay back at least two horse lengths to avoid kicking.
- Before approaching an arena door call out, “DOOR” in a clear and loud voice so those in the arena working know that you are about to enter. Please follow these instructions whether you are bringing in a horse or coming to observe.
- Please ask barn staff before taking any horse out of a paddock, stall or field.
- Never have earphones in both ears, always make sure you can hear and see clearly at all times.
- It is important to turn off lights when you are done in an area.
- Please make sure to turn off the water if you have turned it on.
- Make sure to put away all equipment you have used so the next person can find it, i.e.: wheelbarrows, stall forks, brushes, etc.
VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS
When bringing a horse out of the field or stall:
- Always ask barn staff before taking any horse out of a paddock, stall or field.
- If you are unfamiliar with catching a horse, please ask for assistance.
- If the horse’s hindquarters are facing you when you approach him in his stall, paddock or in the field, get his attention by speaking to him before approaching. Let him know you are there; he may be startled if he doesn’t see you coming.
- When putting on the halter, stand on the left hand side facing the same direction as the horse.
- Make sure the halter is not fastened too tightly but securely enough so he does not slip out.
- Always use a lead rope when leading a horse anywhere. NEVER coil the lead rope around your hand. Never lead the horse by the halter alone.
- When leading the horse out of the stall, make sure the stall door is open completely.
- When entering or leaving the field or paddocks, please close and latch all gates behind you. Weather a door or a gate remember this simple rule: if you open it, you close it!
- When working with HPS’s horses please follow the instructions carefully. The programs set in place have been carefully thought out and planned for the individual success of each horse.
STABLE AREA
- Once the horse is in the barn use either the crossties in the alleyway or a quick release knot to secure your horse to a holding ring.
- Stall doors must be kept closed.
- Please be aware of other horses tied in the stabling area.
- Please sweep your grooming area and put away “tools” before you leave the barn.
- Never leave a horse unattended in the barn unless he/she is in a stall with the door securely closed.
PIONTS TO REMEMBER
- HPS would prefer you to be a member of the Horse Council of BC. Your membership of $55/yr. includes a good insurance plan and you can sign up online if you like.
- Please let the barn manager know if you are unable to attend on a scheduled day. The more notice the better so that chores can be re-allocated.
- In whatever capacity you are a volunteer; you are a very valuable member of the HPS team!
- Volunteers are encouraged to seek information or assistance whenever they are unsure. Remember we are here to assist you in any we can and we are open to any questions or concerns you may have.
- We hope you will enjoy working with the Horse Protection Society and that it will be a worthwhile and valuable experience for you.
BARN HOURS & CONTACT INFORMATION
Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
*Except by special arrangement
Farm Phone: 604.539.8391 Sharon’s Cell: 604.308.4400
Volunteer Coordinator: Irene Schenk
Email: irene_hps@yahoo.ca
Phone: 604-576-9742
