Volunteer Essays! What Horses Mean to Me:

By Ashley 

When I close my eyes and think of horses, the first thing that comes to my mind is how beautiful, and graceful horses are.  I picture these beautiful animals running through a pasture full of joy and happiness.
Another thing that comes to my mind is me being around horses and getting to ride.  Riding a horse is the greatest feeling in the world to me.  Just being around horses is awesome to me!  I don't mind if I have to clean up after horses or do chores.
I can't believe that there are people in  the world that would abuse horses.  That makes me sick to my stomach.  Why can't people see the amazing beauty in horses and how loving they are?  Abuse is never the answer.
My dream for when I grow up has always been the same.  That dream is growing up and buying a ranch and owning a lot of horses.  I want to be able to take care of them and call them my own.  I also want to be a veterinarian that cares for horses.


By Echoe

It's hard to say what they exactly mean to me.  I know they mean getting a chance to volunteer at an equestrian place, not to mention in High School I plan to be on the equestrian team that Barlow provides for us who want to experience the thrill of getting to take care of horses- even if only for a little while.
When I get to take care of horses a sort of calming sense overtakes all the others, and it brings along with it an anticipation.  The anticipation makes me want to be the very best I can be when I'm by the horses.  I believe horses have a sense that can help them detect  if something is wrong with someone close to them.  Whether the problem is small or large, it doesn't matter, because they can feel it.  There is so much violence in this world and I believe that horses are one of the last creatures to hold a sort of serenity within them and I don't want to ruin that.
I'm not going to tell you that horses are my "most favorite" animal ever because I'm sure you've heard that a thousand times and I didn't come here to repeat others, I came to be what I am and share in the responsibilities of caring for horses.  Though horses are not my most favorite animal ever, they are in my top five, number three to be exact.  Horses come right after wolves and tigers and to me they are as equally important as the others.
What would I do to be able to take care of horses?  I would sacrifice my Saturdays, and possibly any other day of the week if you needed me, to be with them.  This doesn't sound like much and you're probably thinking sarcastically, "wow, she cares enough about them to give up a whole day?"  Now, you've got to understand, I really like Saturdays, I mean they are my favorite day because you don't have to go to school/work the next day (at least I don't) and you didn't have to go through school or work that day.  So you see it's not just any day.  To me, horses are worth giving up hanging with my friends on Saturday or enjoying the sun (when it comes).
Horses mean a lot to me and I hope that I told you enough to give you a good idea of what they mean.  Like I said, to me it's king of hard to explain.  I honestly look forward to working with you and taking care of the horses you rescue and help.

More Fun at R&R New Options!

Some volunteers, and some lessons!









Safety First!

We've had a few spills out at the barn lately.  Madeline (aka Smiley) trying for her Professional Riding Title with two spills on Gossemer Wednesday,  then Thursday Christina (aka Pete) falls off Dixon due to a pinching saddle and then he launches himself off her ribs.  She's sore, but mending.  We need to go over safety precautions again.

More Pictures of Fun!

Passing Beginning Trials!








Belgians Galore!






Aunt Les with a new horse lover... Miles