The project:
Groom, feed, paint, shovel and learn the ropes during volunteer orientation day at Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located a few minutes south of Lompoc, and only about a half hour from our house.
Time:
6.5 hours
Why bother?
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted a horse. During visits to my great grandparents, I spent most of my waking hours on and around horses, riding with other farm kids, even napping on horseback.
The desire has spread to my daughters now, but they haven't had much horse experience. Mr. B and I decided we should get them around horses as much as possible so they can get a feel for what it really takes to maintain horses - a lot more than feeding and brushing.
The sanctuary houses some 200 horses on 300 acres of managed lands. Its operators are constantly seeking help in maintaining the facility to meet the animals' needs. Welcoming volunteers onto the privately owned property is a incredibly fantastic idea which affords horsey folks opportunities to mingle with the animals while also getting more work done in a short period of time. (Wish I'd thought of this!)
Worth it?
Yes. We had a wonderful day at the sanctuary. The owner and staffers were friendly and helpful, educational and mindful of the fact our girls haven't had much horse experience.
Most of the other volunteers were young members of Pony Club. It was so refreshing to be around a group of such willing young workers.
And while we were shoveling horse apples, mucking out a pig pen, and performing other filthy chores, none of us were bothered. In fact, the girls' raced to get to their next pile of poop for scoopin' and, indeed, asked what MORE needed to be done as they completed each task.
Photo by JenPB. All rights reserved.
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