F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Inc. is a non-profit SPONSOR-A-HORSE program. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. rescues EIA (Equine Infectious Anemia) positive horses, which would otherwise be destroyed as well as other horses throughout Florida.
E.I.A. IS NOT CONTAGIOUS to humans!! We are a quarantine facility with a large herd on 60 acres. Our facility works closely with animal physicians hoping for a cure or vaccine for EIA. Other than the fact they must, by law, be isolated from other horses not at our facility, they are healthy and quite capable of having a normal lifespan. At our rescue they are able to enjoy both human and herd companionship. All donated funds go to the care of the horses. Our ranch provides an alternative to euthanasia for the horses and an opportunity for our members to enjoy the companionship of a horse, which is otherwise too expensive for many people. We have numerous functions where the whole family can participate, ride and have fun! We are open for volunteer purposes from 1PM to 6PM Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For volunteer information please see information under VOLUNTEER PROGRAM below. All visits by non-members must be arranged by appointment so we can have someone available to greet you. Please contact us by email at info@eiahorses.org or call Lynne Mandry at 954-916-9847 to arrange a convenient time. All other visits must be arranged by appointment.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: After contacting Lynne Mandry at 954-916-9847, first time volunteers must come out for a one time orientation which is held either the first Saturday or the third Sunday of each month at 2:00 PM. During the orientation you will learn what to wear, appropriate and inappropriate behavior at the ranch, what is and what is NOT allowed, safety issues, a little bit about our history, hours of operation and the jobs and tasks you will be assigned. In addition, we will be providing basic horse info with weekly handouts to educate and inform you about these beautiful animals. We also need help with the feeding of the horses. The feeding starts early in the mornings and is usually completed by noon. The feeding volunteers must contact Lynne Mandry for information on available feeding opportunities. Volunteers must call and schedule prior to their first time orientation visit! CALL LYNNE MANDRY FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AT: 954-916-9847.We also need help with stall cleaning on Saturdays and Sundays. If Tuesdays or Thursdays are better days for you to volunteer, we also have a critical need on those days for watering and stall cleaning.
You will receive the volunteer packet and all needed information regarding the volunteer program and your assignment to specific tasks that are compatible with your needs and schedule at the time of your orientation.
We welcome children 6-11 accompanied by parents to participate. Children 12 and older may stay at the ranch without parental supervision.
MERIT PROGRAM: In addition to the basic volunteer orientation, we have a MERIT PROGRAM where depending on your hours of service, volunteers earn gifts of appreciation! The volunteers earn a bracelet for the first day, a certificate for 20 hours of participation. 40 hours earns a medallion; 60 hours a FRIENDS T-shirt; 80 hours earns a 30 minute scheduled horse ride in the ring; 100 hours is a "surprise"! In addition to the above gifts, every quarter we will hold a "HOT DOG" BBQ where all volunteers are invited to attend for a day of fun!
SPONSOR-A-HORSE PROGRAM: We can also provide information about our SPONSOR-A-HORSE program. This program provides the opportunity to have your very own horse to love, care for and ride for a very reasonable monthly donation. We also have corporate sponsorships! If you are interested, CALL LYNNE MANDRY AT 954-916-9847 or if you have additional questions regarding any of our programs.
If you do not already have it from the download sent to you don't forget to download the volunteer release form on our website. Fill it out and bring it with you when you come to your scheduled orientation! Very easy! That's all you do to get you started! If you are under 18 you must have your parent or guardian sign. YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY YOU INTO THE FACILITY THE FIRST VISIT SO WE MAY PROPERLY VALIDATE YOUR PARTICIPATION. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN HAS ACCEPTABLE FLORIDA ID SUCH AS A DRIVER'S LICENSE in order to comply with this requirement. Someone will also be available to answer all your questions regarding our sponsor-a-horse program at the time of your visit if you are interested! Don't forget the mandatory Orientation on the first Saturday or third Sunday of each month which must be completed prior to beginning your volunteer hours! Call Lynne Mandry today to schedule your orientation. 954-916-9847.
We look forward to seeing you and appreciate your efforts to help these beautiful animals in need!Thank you!
AFTER SIGNING UP THROUGH VOLUNTEER MATCH YOU SHOULD RECIEVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH 2 ATTACHED DOWNLOADS. ONE CONTAINS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS AND THE OTHER IS OUR RELEASE FORM. IF YOU PREFER YOU CAN GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND DOWNLOAD THE VOLUNTEER RELEASE FORM AND FILL IT OUT. EITHER WAY, SIMPLY BRING IT WITH YOU WHEN YOU COME TO THE RANCH YOUR FIRST TIME. YOU CAN ALSO GET ONE AT THE RANCH AND FILL IT OUT THERE. REMEMBER IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, YOU MUST HAVE A PARENT/GUARDIAN ENTER OUR FACILITY WITH YOU THE FIRST TIME IN ORDER TO VALIDATE THE SIGNATURE! THANK YOU!
Please consider volunteering for, donating to, or sponsoring one of our beautiful horses today! Thank you ! For more info, please visit www.eiahorses.org
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