At Valley Trotters Youth Ranch we clearly understand the needs of the youth in the Rio Grande Valley and the families of surrounding communities. Collectively, we can do far more than we could ever accomplish on our own. We are always seeking to partner with others according to their unique gifts. While some areas of volunteering require previous horse experience, many do not. Volunteer opportunities are only limited by our creativity. There is a place for everyone to serve. Come be a part of the family at VTYR!

Prayer:

• Prayer is one of the easiest yet most vital ways to get involved! Please see specific ways you can pray for us in the prayer requests on the right side of this page.

Volunteer:

• We are always looking for people to come and labor along side of us!
• Daily chores
• Construction and facility improvement projects
• Landscaping and grounds maintenance
• Grooming horses
• Training and Mentorship (for those with horse experience)
• Fundraising

Monetary Donations:

• Valley Trotters Youth Ranch is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. We are here to build character, restore hope, and empower relationships in the youth of our community, and we always charge our usual fee….$0.00, absolutely nothing… we rely 100% on public support to finance our vision. We receive NO government stimulus or support! Many parents and guardians however, choose to donate to VTYR on a regular basis. Presently, we can accept cash or check. Online donations will be an option beginning January 2010.

In Kind Donations:

• In kind donations are all other donations that are not a monetary gift. VTYR accepts such items as used tack, gift cards, building supplies for projects, etc. If you would like to make an in kind donation, feel free to contact us and set up a time to deliver your gift and maybe even take a quick tour of the farm! Below is a wish list of some of our most needed items.

Our Wish List:

"For Equine"

• Hay (Coastal Bermuda) As the cost of hay continues to rise, it becomes more and more difficult to feed horses. More and more horses are being starved or abandoned because of the challenges brought on by our struggling economy. We can only take on as many horses as we can feed, and that is related directly to the amount of hay we are able to purchase.
• Fly spray, fly spray, fly spray!!! (We also have a pretty constant need for fly masks and boots)
• New or Used Tack We can always accept new and used tack. What we cannot use here at VTYR is sold to benefit the operation of the ranch.
• Grooming supplies (curry combs, brushes, hoof picks, etc.)
• Equine Dewormer( )

  "For Participants"

• Boots We are always in need of women’s and children’s boots in all sizes.
• Drinks & Snacks Prepackaged drinks and snacks for the kids are welcomed. Freeze pops and bottles of water in particular!
• Coffee & Hot Chocolate
• Craft supplies for times when the kids are here for off season activities or when they cannot work with animals due to the weather.

"Building Supplies/Landscaping"

• 8’ or 16’ treated 2x8 planks (new or used in good condition) For our never ending fencing projects.
• Railroad ties
• Gravel
• Sand
• Mulch
• Weed Spray
• Grass/Pasture Seed
• Bird Feeders/Bird Seed

"Ranch Equipment / Misc."

• Plastic manure forks
• Rakes, Shovels, Brooms
• Wire Cutters
• Heavy duty garden hose
• Tractor Implements 6’ box blade, 5’ arena rake,