I recently found out about a retired husband and wife couple who drive around Australia and support churches as they’re able to. They stop in for a short period and help with church services and tending to the congregation’s needs. They use their passions and skills to help churches that are between pastors or need help in other ways. And I got to thinking, why not an equine volunteer setup that does something similar?
Retired and with a caravan, these people can come and go as they please. They are currently helping out 2 days a week at my local church. They then use the other 5 days to explore the area. Perhaps the equine volunteer work would run differently. Maybe similar to tasks in the Farm Army, volunteers could make themselves available for the length of a project – like a yearling sale preparation or fencing a paddock. In return for their labour, they are maybe provided with food and accommodation. They get to build on their resume whilst offering their skills and energy. And just maybe, they get to travel the state or country whilst doing so.
I would love to check out different horse properties this way! I am sure as with many horse related activities, a waiver of sorts would need to be signed. This would be prior to commencement of work. But how wonderful would it be if such an equine volunteer program existed? As a struggling or newly establishing horse business or property, you could put in a request for a volunteer/s and outline the work that would be needed. Then for a set period of time you have some hands to help out with a horse related project!
“But what truly horsey girls discover in the end is that boyfriends, husbands, children, and careers are the substitute – for horses.” ― Jane Smiley
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