History
Founded in 2000, this Wild Horse Rescue Center was established with a powerful mission—to protect and preserve America’s iconic mustangs. Located in Webster, Florida, the center was created by Diane Delano to serve as a sanctuary for wild horses removed from their natural habitat and placed into unsafe or neglectful conditions.
Since its founding, the center has become a trusted haven where these majestic animals can heal, recover, and rediscover trust.
Over the years, the center has built a strong reputation for ethical rehabilitation, building key partnerships with state and federal agencies to identify mustangs in need of rescue. Through dedication and grassroots support, they’ve helped hundreds of wild horses get a second chance at life.
Mission & Vision
The center’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome wild mustangs and burros, while educating the public about the importance of protecting these incredible creatures. Their vision is a future where every wild horse is treated with dignity and respect—free from abuse, neglect, and unnecessary capture.
By working alongside government organizations and compassionate individuals, the center not only rescues horses but also raises awareness through public seminars, natural horsemanship clinics, and hands-on volunteer involvement.
By volunteering on our Wild Horse Rescue Center Support Program in Florida, you will:
• Work closely with rescued wild mustangs, supporting their healing and rehabilitation journey
• Develop practical horse care skills in a supportive, hands-on environment
• Experience the emotional reward of seeing once-fearful horses regain trust and confidence
• Contribute to the daily operations of a respected wildlife sanctuary
• Learn about animal behavior, sanctuary ethics, and natural horsemanship methods
• Gain valuable experience in animal welfare, conservation, and non-profit management
• Join a passionate community of volunteers, caregivers, and horse lovers from around the world
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable animals while growing personally and professionally
WHRC is dedicated to ensuring a dignified life for wild horses, thereby sustaining America’s wild heritage—the Mustang. They aim to rescue these animals from mistreatment, rehabilitate them, and find them new homes while educating the public about the importance of preservation.
About the program
Volunteers are crucial to our rescue center – providing much needed help and allowing us to properly care for our rescued Mustangs.
Wild Horse Rescue Center (WHRC) is a 501(c)3 NG0. WHRC could not exist without our volunteers. By visiting WHRC, you are taking an active part in our rescue work and a critical stand against abuse and mistreatment of wild horses. You will help ensure a dignified life for our horses and help sustain America’s wild heritage – the Mustang.
What can you expect?
Anyone over 21 years old can volunteer at WHRC – regardless of physical abilities, there is always something to do. Rare exceptions to this age requirement may be made for volunteer applicants age 18-20 who have advanced horse experience and are approved after a video interview with Diane. If you sign up to volunteer, we expect you to work and participate in all activities; however, if there are any physical aspects that make you unable to participate in everything, we can adjust your tasks.
As a volunteer, you will help with daily chores, such as mucking stalls, daily care of the horses, and infrastructural improvements to stables. You will also assist in real hands-on rehabilitation work with wild horses. The majority of our horses come from abusive environments, and when they first arrive, they are often genuinely afraid of people. As a volunteer, you will play a critical part in helping these horses understand that not all people are bad.
Weekly Volunteer Program
As a volunteer with us, you will get real hands-on experience with our mustangs – both wild and tame! Our volunteers help with everyday barn maintenance, horse care and exercise, capital improvements, and helping to socialize wild horses. A big part of volunteer work with us is socializing with rescued and wild/semi-wild mustangs.
Our rescue work with wild horses is drastically different than work with domestic horses, so please keep an open mind! You can expect to do some riding during your stay; however, as we are a rescue and rehabilitation center, the focus is not on riding. We do not allow volunteers to go off-site individually with the horses for insurance and safety reasons.
There will be activities scheduled such as beach trips, kayaking, horse riding trails, etc. for the volunteers, and, if you wish, you can arrange transportation for off-site activities on your free days. We are in a remote area, but public transportation, such as UBER, is available.
All volunteers will be responsible for keeping their living area clean.
Mucking Stalls
Daily Horse Care
Learning Rehabilitation Techniques
Exercising Horses
Land & Infrastructure Maintenance
Wild Horse Socialising
Care For Dogs, Chickens & Pigs
Horse Medication
Community Projects
Fundraising
Cultural Exchange
So Much More
Your Home in Webster, Florida
Your stay at the Wild Horse Rescue Center is designed to be simple, comfortable, and community-focused—reflecting the grassroots spirit of the work you’ll be doing.
You’ll be housed in a shared room or cabin with up to four people, arranged in a cozy bunk bed setup. Closet space is available for your personal belongings, and the shared kitchen and bathrooms help create a communal, supportive atmosphere among fellow volunteers.
You’ll also have access to:
A communal living room with a television and a selection of movies for relaxing evenings
Laundry facilities for personal use
A fully-equipped kitchen stocked with essentials such as seasonings, flour, sugar, tea, coffee, and condiments
Please Note:
Meals are not provided by the center. Volunteers will be taken to local grocery stores where you can purchase your own food and prepare meals independently.
Your accommodation fee contributes not only to your stay, but also supports the daily care of the horses and the ongoing maintenance of the rescue center—ensuring that both animals and humans have a safe, nurturing environment.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees:
Duration Fees (€)
1 Week €651
2–4 Weeks €606 per week
5–8 Weeks €559 per week
9–12 Weeks €513 per week
13+ Weeks €465 per week
What’s Included:
Accommodation in a shared room or cabin
Access to laundry and bathroom facilities
Use of a fully-equipped kitchen with cooking essentials
Scheduled grocery store runs
Orientation and training on wild horse handling and rehabilitation
Expert mentorship from passionate, experienced staff
Full support before, during, and after your journey
A welcome pack filled with everything you need to get started
Date change flexibility
100% Money-Back Guarantee if you cancel for any reason
So much more!
Your Investment in wild horse preservation and yourself
By joining the Wild Horse Rescue Center Support Program, you're not only helping provide a better future for rescued mustangs—you’re also gaining hands-on experience, building animal care and teamwork skills, and contributing to something truly meaningful.
Your contribution directly supports the rehabilitation and care of rescued wild mustangs, as well as the upkeep of the center's facilities. This is more than just a volunteer experience—it's an investment in ethical animal welfare, personal growth, and lifelong memories.
This program is ideal for horse lovers, aspiring animal carers, or anyone wanting to reconnect with nature and purpose.
Additional Info
Volunteer info
DURING YOUR VOLUNTEER STAY AT WHRC:
· All WHRC volunteers will go through a volunteer orientation upon arrival and will be responsible for keeping their personal areas, bathrooms, and common cooking areas clean.
· Volunteers will participate in everyday horse care and barn maintenance, as well as, real hands-on care and rehabilitation of our rescued and abused mustangs. A big part of our volunteer work is socializing our rescued and wild/semi-wild mustangs.
· WHRC is a rescue and rehabilitation center, so the focus is not on riding. We do not allow volunteers to go off-site individually with the horses, due to insurance and safety reasons.
· Volunteers will have one day off each week. Volunteers are encouraged to schedule off-site excursions on their days off. These activities may include visiting Central Florida attractions, beach excursions, water skiing, kayaking, zip lining, river tubing, boat tours, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers will pay for all off-site excursion expenses, including transportation costs.
WHAT TO BRING:
Personal Items:
• Backpack / rucksack (for excursions)
• Toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small medical kit
• Cell phone/charger
• Travel size laundry detergent (Washer/Dryer is provided)
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer (does not need water to rinse off)
PLEASE NOTE: Bed linens and bath towels will be provided.
Clothing:
• Walking shoes, trainers, or sneakers (You must bring shoes that cover the feet fully.)
• Mud boots
• Sandals or flip flops
• A hat to protect you from the sun and work gloves to protect your hands
• T-shirts, tank tops, long sleeved shirts, shorts, long pants, beachwear, and sleepwear
• Jacket, rain coat, and warm coat (in the winter)
Airport Transfer
WHRC will pick you up and drop you off from the Orlando International Airport (MCO)