Hoof Owners Organized For Stewardship (HOOFS)

A program run by Hoof owners for Hoof owners

What is HOOFS?
HOOFS originated as part of the Livestock and Land program—a grant funded program that assists livestock owners with stewardship for the benefit of their animals, properties, neighbors and the environment. HOOFS volunteers assist fellow horse and hoof owners to improve conditions related to animal health, land aesthetics, chore efficiency, safety, reducing flies and increasing property values, all while protecting our valuable natural resources.

You do not need technical skills. Just a willingness to connect within our community, share information learned, and represent good stewardship. Since the Livestock and Land Program is dependent on funding that comes and goes our community relies on HOOFS volunteers to continue to “spread the word”. This is our chance to make a difference, give back, and show that all hoof owners can be great stewards!

What do HOOFS members do?

  • We commit to a minimum of 5 hours per year of volunteer time that can be met in a variety of simple ways.
  • We demonstrate good stewardship through the implementation of Best Management Practices that improve horse and livestock health, improve land aesthetics and neighbor relations, increase chore efficiency, enhance safety and even improve our property values.
  • We interact with friends, neighbors, peers and share good stewardship techniques learned and practiced on our own properties.
  • We find ways to share our passions through connecting with our community.
  • We assist with outreach, support and implementation of Livestock and Land programming such as technical training workshops, hands-on trainings and implementation site tours.
  • We positively impact our livestock and equestrian community through peer level support and connecting needs to local resources.

What do HOOFS member get?

  • Exclusive BBQs and Trail Rides.
  • To show off and share the good stewardship you do as a horse and/or livestock owner.
  • Exclusive HOOFS gear and rewards which increase based on the number of hours volunteered.
  • The chance to make an impact in your community, encourage changes that benefit your horse(s) and livestock, and prove that voluntary stewardship can have a significant impact for you and the environment.
  • Public recognition for you and/or your organization.
  • Time to hang out with old friends, make new friends and have a great time with individuals with similar interests

Interested in becoming a HOOFS member?
Are you up for a challenge?

Whether you have horses, goats, sheep, cows or llamas, you already have a wealth of knowledge about raising your livestock and managing your property. The Livestock and Land Volunteer Program is a great way for you to share what you know, meet new people, and learn great new techniques to help improve the value of your property, and it’s all FREE!
The Volunteer Program will provide you with the information you need to improve your own livestock management practices and pass that knowledge on to your peers.
For more information about the Volunteer Program and how to get involved, please contact us.

Meet Our Volunteers

Volunteer Jan Jensen

Jan Jensen has been actively involved in the horse community for over 30 years. She is a Graduate B of the Santa Cruz County Pony Club and currently teaches Horse Management for the Golden Hills Pony Club. Her passion to teach horse management skills and the desire to keep the environment clean and healthy is what made volunteering with the Livestock & Land Program a perfect fit.

She is the President of the San Benito Fire Safe Council and Program Coordinator for the San Benito County Equine Evacuation and Assistance Unit. She has experience in business administration and construction management.

Junior Volunteers Golden Hills Pony Club

Golden Hills Pony Club is a non-profit equestrian educational organization for youth up to 25 years of age. The cornerstones of our foundation are education, safety, sportsmanship, stewardship and fun.
Members learn riding, the care of horses and mounted sports. The skills habits and values instilled through horsemanship will apply to every part of their lives. The Pony Club is pleased to participate with the Livestock and Land program to preserve our environment.

To contact Golden Hills Pony Club (831) 663-1351