HOW CAN YOU HELP?
“ You can do something big, you can do something small, because whatever you do is better than nothing at all” -Unknown
North Winds Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of others. All of our proceeds go directly to benefit the rescue horses. However, without our network of volunteers, donors and sponsors we simply would not make it. There are many ways that you can help, an opportunity to give back, in a way that is fun and rewarding.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering at North Winds Rescue
At North Winds Rescue, every volunteer is a vital part of our mission to care for and responsibly rehome equines in need. We welcome helping hands of all kinds—whether you're scooping poop or soothing a soul, you're making a difference.
What to Expect
When you come to volunteer, you may have an idea of the tasks for the day, you may have signed up for grooming, or chores—but be prepared to pivot. Horses have their own schedules (and surprises), and the needs of the rescue can shift quickly. Flexibility, a good attitude, and willingness to help wherever needed are essential.
It’s Not All Grooming and Galloping
While many dream of brushing manes or spending quiet moments in the pasture, those roles come with time. Not all volunteer work is hands-on with horses. Chores often include:
Cleaning stalls and paddocks
Filling water buckets and hay nets
Organizing tack and supplies
Sweeping the barn
Helping with events, admin, or projects
Every job, no matter how small, directly impacts the well-being of the animals in our care.
The Color System: Safety First
We use a color-coded system to help ensure volunteer and animal safety:
White: You are allowed to do barn chores such as setting up grain, feeding equines if they are in stalls, filling hay bags, cleaning buckets, and various property maintenance projects. You are not cleared to handle equines on your own until you become purple at minimum.
Purple: You are able to handle and groom equines marked as PURPLE for behavior. You may only go in a pasture if you with a staff member or a core volunteer. Plus all of the white level duties as well.
Yellow: You are able to handle and groom equines marked PURPLE and YELLOW for behavior, as well as all of the white level duties. You may go into a pasture with purple and yellow horses on your own.
Orange: You may handle and groom equines marked PURPLE, YELLOW, and ORANGE for behavior, as well as all of the white level duties.
Staff and Core Volunteers: You may handle and groom equines marked PURPLE, YELLOW, ORANGE, and RED for behavior, as well as all of the white level duties. Please do not handle any Black (DNI) level horses unless cleared with Valorie. You may help and teach other volunteers.
Advancing through our color levels isn’t about how long you’ve been here—it’s about how well you’ve learned and demonstrated safe, compassionate care.
You Belong Here
Whether you come out once a month or every week, you're part of the North Winds family. We're grateful for your time, effort, and heart. Together, we create a safe space for horses and humans to grow.
If you wish to volunteer with us, please e-mail us a volunteer application (link below) at volunteer@northwindsequine.org
Please note: Children 14 and under must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian working side by side with them. 15 - 18 years must be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult (an adult must be present on the property).
OUR NEXT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER DAYS ARE SCHEDULED FOR:
*NOTE: A volunteer application is NOT required for the Community Volunteer Day
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 (12PM - 4PM)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 (10AM - 1PM)
-ALL DATES PENDING WEATHER-
PLEASE REACH OUT TO NEVAEH AT VOLUNTEER@NORTHWINDSEQUINE.ORG TO REGISTER!
*NOTE: A volunteer application is NOT required for the Community Volunteer Day
DONATE
Currently, we care for a maximum 6 rescues at a given time, and it costs more than $4,000 per horse to get them ready for their forever home. There are many ways you can donate:
Monetary Donations
Venmo: @NorthWindsEquine
Paypal: paypal.me/northwindsequine
Check: 3857 W Jargo Road, Deerfield WI 53531
Cash: Visit the rescue horses in person and donate.
Feed and Supplies
Hay, Grain, Treats, first aid items (human or horse), buckets, barn equipment, shampoo and conditioner (Sauve brand works great), brushes, all are needed for quality care.
Tack Donations
The rescue accepts tack of all disciplines to aid in the training of the rescue horses. Any items not used directly in our program will be sold at North Winds Rescue tack sale fundraisers directly supporting the rescue.
SPONSOR A RESCUE HORSE
You can make an impact in the life of a rescue horse by sponsoring a horse of your choosing. This is a chance for you to become more involved and help us to continue our rescue efforts. It costs the rescue approximately $250 per month, per horse for just for basic care needs (excluding vet and farrier services). Most horses spend months at the rescue so we can be sure their physical health condition is normal, as well as them being of sound mind. If there are behavioral problems, which are often a result from uneducated or abusive hands, they will have to be worked through, in order to allow each horse to live a normal and happy life. You can choose a horse to sponsor for the month, for as many months as you would like. One month, or one year - it all makes a difference and we are very thankful for our sponsors.
We have different level of Sponsorship, and what that sponorship goes towards.
$25/month - Covers grooming needs
$50/month - Covers grooming needs and grain
$100/month - Covers grain, and hay
$200/month- Covers grain, hay, and basic vet care
$300/month - Covers grooming needs, grain, hay, basic vet and farrier work
Sponsors will not only get a special thank you as well as regular updates on their sponsored horse. Additionally, we welcome our sponsors to the farm to visit their sponsored horse. If you sponsor at a level of $200 or more, you also have the option of participating in our natural horsemanship sessions. (Orientation before the first visit is required, please email us a info@northwindsequine.org for more information or to make those arrangements). Natural horsemanship sessions help you to make a connection with your sponsored horse, and also teach you how to groom and exercise a horse on the ground. See the Natural Horsemanship tab for further information.
FOSTER A RESCUE
There are many reasons that a horse would not be ready for training or adoption. A court case may not be settled, needing to recover, needing to gain weight, a mare being pregnant, or a horse that will be most suited as a pasture pet. All are reasons that it may take longer for an adoption to take place. If you would like to help and foster a horse, we ask for a minimum of 3 months commitment time. Please feel free to reach out with questions, or for more information.
