Join the Herd!
Herd Membership
Thank you to our current Herd Members!
Renee Avery & Family
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Ashley Wickerson & Family
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Kathy Felton
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Melinda Tomaino
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Lee & Adrienne Johnson
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Mickey McGowan
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Renee Avery & Family ⭐ Ashley Wickerson & Family ⭐ Kathy Felton ⭐ Melinda Tomaino ⭐ Lee & Adrienne Johnson ⭐ Mickey McGowan ⭐
Sponsor the care our residents, and gain exclusive access to our farm, events, and more!
One of our goals is to provide more opportunities for people to interact with equines. Herd membership is an excellent way to offer access to people hoping to learn more about and regularly spend time with horses, donkeys, and mules, without the commitment and responsibility of ownership.
Make ECC your “happy place” to unplug and connect with yourself, nature, and these amazing animals!
Select the Membership Level that's right for you!
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Guardian Membership
$300 / month
Guardian Members are pillars of the sanctuary as trusted partners who help ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our herd and mission. This membership is designed for those ready to make a transformational impact by greater hands-on involvement and financial support of our sanctuary residents. Open to individuals and families.
🌟 Member Benefits:
Unlimited visits per month to spend intentional time with ECC’s equine residents
2 private equine-assisted learning session per month (can be used for wellness, mindfulness, or horsemanship skills)
Priority invitations to special events, workshops, and behind-the-scenes previews (such as meeting new residents)
25% discount on ECC events, merchandise, and private bookings
Monthly guest passes to share the experience with a friend or family member
Become involved in our Guardian Committee to help come up with creative options for herd enrichment, farm improvements, and become a driving force behind the growth of ECC
Guardian support allows us to go above and beyond in our care ensuring we can continue to provide premium feed, supplements, preventative and wellness care, new supplies such as blankets, and more.
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Herd Membership
$150 / month
Joining as a Herd Member means you’re more than just a supporter at ECC, you’re part of the community that defines the sanctuary. This membership is perfect for individuals who want to build ongoing, heartfelt relationships with residents at ECC and the work we do here.
🌟 Member Benefits:
4 visits per month to spend time with our herd working alongside a facilitator or for unstructured bonding time
Priority invitations to special events, workshops, and behind-the-scenes previews (such as meeting new resident)
15% discount on ECC events, merchandise, and private bookings
Two guest passes to bring a friend or loved one to meet the herd annually
Your monthly support helps us provide essential care for our rescue horses and donkeys, from hay and hoof trims to essential medications to enrichment activities that keep their spirits and bodies healthy.
What our members have to say…
“I have had the immense joy of being a Herd Member at ECC, and getting the opportunity to spend so much up-close-and-personal time with the herd has been truly life-changing for me and my family; it’s the next best thing to owning a horse of our own!”
“Such an impressive and rare opportunity to get to work with equines. I am a herd member sponsor of a donkey and I visit often. I really enjoy the sights, sounds, and love I get from these animals.”
FAQs
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Anyone 18 years or old is eligible for membership! No experience required - we will train you and provide guidance on safety and handling as you build your skills.
You must acknowledge and agree to all ECC rules and complete full safety training & assessment before your membership benefits will be in full effect.
Memberships are for individuals only. If you are interested in extending membership privileges to include guests such as family members or friends, please contact us directly to discuss a custom plan.
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We ask that you commit to a year of membership at a time, but you may cancel at any time with 30-days notice (you will be billed for one final month after your date of cancellation).
Membership fees will be automatically charged to your payment method the first week of each month.
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Caring for an equine animal can easily cost upward of $300/month depending on the animal’s needs, exclusive of facility costs (field boarding in Northern VA generally runs about $450-500). A general breakdown of our costs are as follows:
Approximate, Average Monthly Expenses per Horse:
-4 bags of pelleted feed, $120
-Forage such as hay, $35
-Supplements and Medication, $80
-Half farrier cost for routine hoof trim (6-8 week cycles), $20
-Staff time for care and training, $60 (minimum)
TOTAL: $315/month
Not included above:
-Miscellaneous consumables such as barn stock medications, topicals, and treats
-Replacement tack and gear such as halters, lead ropes, etc.
-Weather related gear such as blankets, sheets, and fly protection
-Veterinary costs
-Annual dental care
-Emergency or corrective farrier work
-Semi-annual deworming
-Facilities maintenance such as fencing, shelters, grounds upkeep, etc.
-Care performed by volunteers, physical therapy sessions, bodywork, etc.
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Monthly perks such as included sessions with a facilitator or scheduled access to the facility are good for each month only. Unused perks do not roll over into future months and are non-transferrable. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to ensure that you get the most value out of your membership by using all benefits each month whenever possible.
Interested in Herd Membership for your business?
Organizational Memberships are available for your to offer all the benefits of our farm to your employees while supporting the care of one of our residents. Make one of our animals your mascot! Contact us at info@equineconnectioncenter.com to learn more today!