Volunteer Archives : Page 5 of 6 : Equus Education

That Time of Year Again…

June 16, 2008 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

To volunteer!

Last year I dobbed myself in for helping out at Equitana 2007 but a spread of EI caused that idea to disappear. Amazing to think it’s already around to that time where volunteers are being asked to put their names forward for the big horse event:

“Have you ever thought about volunteering at Equitana but have just never taken the next step? Well 2008 is the year to get off your horse and join the Hygain Equitana Volunteer Program!

We are currently seeking enthusiastic, passionate people to help at the event. In exchange for your services rendered you will be given a volunteer pack full of various goodies including an official ‘Hygain Equitana Helper’ t-shirt and cap and a ticket to a clinic of your choice!

With various jobs available from customer service to working in the stables there is sure to be something that interests you! So don’t think about it this year, DO IT! Join the Hygain Equitana Volunteer Program today!”

Check out the volunteer page at http://www.equitana.com.au/volunteer/

A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. – Duke of Edinburgh

tag: education, competition, horse events, equitana

Me in Ten Years Time

May 16, 2008 by Christine Meunier 2 Comments

Front gate at Mill Valley Ranch

I’m back home this evening from two days at Mill Valley Ranch with a few classes worth of Certificate II in Horse Studies students.

Apparently each year the first and second year students spend the two days at Mill Valley Ranch making use of the gorgeous horses on the property and willing staff having riding lessons and getting marked off for practical tasks as part of their certificate.

I was lucky enough to be asked to help out with the two days, assessing students on tacking up horses, putting on different types of boots/protective gear and dismantling and putting together parts of the saddle/bridle. I learnt quite a bit from the students while doing so!

Wagon's that visitors stay in on the ranch.

They’re a very switched on group which is great – I think back to when I did my Certificate II and don’t think my year consisted of so many that were so familiar with horses and the management of. It was a great two days and as one who hadn’t been to Mill Valley Ranch before, I was interested to hear from Arthur who set it up and how that came about.

On the Thursday night he spent half an hour or so explaining to the group how he came to be a Christian in his teens and how things lead to him setting up the Ranch which really offers value for money. It shows through the cost and the staff that they aren’t about making money. They are about providing a service and shining the light of their beliefs. I had an absolute ball.

Chapel at Mill Valley Ranch

Something that really resonated with me was Arthur’s talk of how he traveled around a lot of ranches/camps as his great desire was to set up his own place. As he did so, he made note of things he wanted and would use in his own place and has done so, making it uniquely his.

I kept thinking – this is me! I do the same with all the horse properties I visit and have a terrible habit of collecting seeds from places if the plant appeals to me. It’s all in my head how the place is going to look! I’m just waiting for the time I stumble across the property where I can set up my horse property and serve others.

“Life is short. Ride hard.”

tag: Mill Valley Ranch, horse camp, , horseriding, course, australia, education, certificate II, horse studies, equine ministry, carriage driving

Equine Ministries

May 11, 2008 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Ministry/Ministration – ‘The act or process of serving or aiding.’

When I have the 400 acres I am continually dreaming about, my main goal in life is to run an Equine Ministry. I see this as being a place that looks after the well being of these gorgeous animals and through them, reaches out to people. There are a lot around, many of which make a small profit or none requiring volunteers and whatever the case, all seem to be for a great cause.

Having been a volunteer for a branch of Riding For the Disabled, Australia I see RDA as a well known equine ministry that makes a huge impact on the riders and those volunteering their time and services.

Other Equine Ministries:
HopeWell Ranch – “To provide free, Christ-based equine therapy for children, adults and their families who are challenged mentally, physically and emotionally.”

Horse Haven Ranch Ministries Giving Girls Purpose – A non-denominational, multi-ethnic, Christian Ministry

Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions – The whole setup of the summer camp looks very appealing and Sermon on the Mount completely appealed!

Wild Horse Ministries – As the ministry listed above, this also seems to relate working with and educating a horse to scripture and our growth in life.

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch – Where it all started for me. Mum heard Kim Meeder being interviewed and her book Hope Rising talked about on LightFM and immediately sought out the book as she felt it’d interest me. I now await the day where I’m able to set up a ministry and reach out to people like Kim and her husband Troy do.

I’m sure there are many more equine ministries around, all different in their own respect but still offering services to those in need and making use of the beautiful animal that is the horse. Perhaps there’s one nearby that you can help out at, volunteer, become employed or become a part of making a difference in someone else’s life. Or perhaps you need a place like this to make a difference in your life. They seem to me a very worthwhile ministry.

“An instructor does not criticize you, but what you have been taught.”

tag: equine ministry, horse goals, Hope Rising, Kim Meeder, riding for the disabled

Calling All Volunteers

July 18, 2007 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

So I’ve just been looking at the Equitana website and remember the fun a friend had as a volunteer a couple of years back. And through being a volunteer and getting a pass and therefore access to the likes of vet Ian Bidstrup, Andrew and Bettina Hoy, saddler Peter Horobin, Linda and Pat Parelli, Sandi and David Simons and many more, who wouldn’t want to be involved?

Equitana is run over the 15 – 18th of November 2007 at the EQUITANA Precinct, Melbourne Showgrounds, Victoria, Australia. If you’re horse obsessed, and have that weekend free, consider checking it out! Better yet, volunteer and get yourself in amongst some of the best in the industry! Probably wouldn’t look too bad on the resume, either 😉

The site is http://www.equitana.com.au/ and while you’re there, do yourself a favour and check out the photo competition!

“An exhibitor went up to a horse show judge to complain about being placed below someone who made some sort of mistake, such as being on the wrong lead. The judge’s explanation:’the other guy did it better wrong than you did it right.'”

tag: training, australia, shows

That Time of Year Again…

Me in Ten Years Time

Calling All Volunteers

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