.:EQUUS:.

We had a Care for Horses workshop this week for the Certificate II and III equine students that I help to teach. One area the students looked at is neglect and horse welfare, with some questions based around the equine organisation, Project Hope.

That got me thinking about neglect and horse welfare in general and I thought it worth a post on such equine organisations. Perhaps your passion is to see horses restored to the physical condition they should be in, rather than the one that they sometimes find themselves in.

Organisations such as the RSPCA and Project Hope can be heartbreaking. Such a job that can showcase so graphically how cruel and ignorant horse owners can be is not for the faint hearted. However, if this is where you feel called to be, perhaps pursuing volunteer work in such an organisation would be a start.

Being organisations, the larger ones – such as the RSPCA – may have the opportunity to offer a limited number of paid positions, which may be able to be worked towards once you have a foot in the door by volunteering. When considering the health of horses, knowledge in the areas of wound care, nutrition and exercise may be of benefit to help restore equines to their full potential.

Consider the likes of short courses or even doing a subject here and there at a local TAFE or university to assist in this area if you find you are lacking.

“If your horse says no, you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong.” - Pat Parelli

tag: equine education, horse welfare, short course, online course

It’s getting to that time of year again!  The large equestrian event Equitana is on the lookout for volunteers for this year.

Held in Sydney this year, the event may be a great opportunity for those nearby to volunteer their services.  Often this results in working three to four shifts over a three day period but then having the rest of the time to check out:

• equestrian events
• saddlery
• clothing and book stalls
• many other horse related business that are advertising their products or services!

Interested?  Check out http://www.equitana.com.au/volunteer-program.html.  Dates are November 10 - 13, 2011.

“The horse loves his oats more than his saddle.” - Russian proverb

Tags: interactive, Equitana volunteer 2011, education, competition, horse events

As a Christian who’s in love with horses, I’m always keen to read and hear about equine ministries around the world.  And even more eager to see the day when mine comes to fruition!  Although I still have a lot to learn and achieve before setting up my dream, I’m sure there are people out there with a dream in mind that are ready to start - they’re just lacking the funds.

Now I say ‘just’ because this is an obstacle that can be overcome - and sometimes by others rather than yourself.  On LightFM they’ve been advertising of late the $100,000 giveaway by Mission Travel.

The gist?  “Missiontravel.com.au will be giving away $100,000 to Christian individuals, churches and ministries nationwide. We want to know how you would like to serve God and how a grant could make that happen. The $100,000 is available in $5,000 and $10,000 Overseas Experiences, Bible College Scholarships and Cash Grants.”

“But where do the horses come into it, Christine?” I hear you ask.  Well, if you’re one who has a heart for reaching people through horses and are dreaming of running your own equine ministry, that’s where they come into it!  For those who have the plan but are just lacking the funds to get started, consider applying for the $10,000 or $5,000 grant for a ministry group or individual.

What you’ll need to tell them about if applying for an individual grant:

• What you plan on using the funds for and what you plan to achieve on account of receiving the funds
• How would you ensure that the use of your funds remain sustainable in furthering God’s kingdom?
• Provide a simple budget overview to show how the funds would be used.
• Provide a simple timeline to demonstrate when the grant will be used in each quarter, to be completed by the end of 2011.
• Please share anything else that we should be aware of when considering your application. (250 words or less)

What you’ll need to tell them about if applying for a group ministry grant:

• Describe your organisation.
• Briefly outline the mission and vision of your organisation.
• How would you use this cash grant?
• What are 3 main outcomes you hope to achieve from the funds?
• How would you ensure that the use of your funds remain sustainable in furthering God’s kingdom?
• Provide a simple budget overview to show how the funds would be used.
• Provide a simple timeline to demonstrate when the grant will be used in each quarter, to be completed by the end of 2011.
• Please share anything else that we should be aware of when considering your application. (250 words or less)

Applications close Monday 21st of June.  Perhaps you’re looking at that date and thinking - but I haven’t enough time to document all of that to apply!

Maybe not.  But, have you considered doing it anyway?  The best way to achieve a dream, goal or plan is to document what you need to do and how you’re going to get there.  This is the first year that Mission Travel have offered these funds to kick start other ministries.  I doubt it’ll be the last.

“Forewarned is forearmed” - make sure you’re prepared for another opportunity like this when it comes knocking!

“I used to have money, now I have horses.”

tag: equine ministry, horse goals, travel, christian ministry

I was watching the races at lunchtime the other day at work and jockey Pat Day was being interviewed. Now excuse my ignorance (especially as someone who works on a place that breeds racehorses!) but I had no idea who Pat Day was.

As a horse obsessed Christian, I only really started paying attention when it was mentioned that he was visiting and advocating chaplaincy work at racetracks and specifically for jockeys.

My ears pricked at the idea of another horse related job/ministry – what a great idea!

http://www.racetrackchaplaincy.org/ - US
The US based chaplaincy provides information regarding ministry planting, eager to help similar programs become established.

“RTCA views fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission as a mandate to take Christ and His love in action to every horse racetrack/training and breeding center throughout the world’s Backstretch Global Village. But we cannot do it alone. If you are interested in establishing a ministry at a horse track or training/breeding center in your area please call us at (310) 419-1640 or drop us an e-mail at rtca@sbcglobal.net. We would be honored to assist.”

Perhaps if your interest lies in this area of horses and ministry, it may be worth contacting them.

http://www.scorechaplaincy.org.uk/CMSPro/20/index.php - UK link.
http://arcc.wattsaname.com/index.php - Australian link.

“Feeling down?  Saddle up!”

Tag: equine ministry, horse goals

Calling all potential volunteers!

I volunteered at Equitana last year and had an absolute ball with things being very well organised by the volunteer coordinator Leasa Stephen.  She’s at it again, this time working with the volunteers in the area of Spectator Management during cross country day at Werribee.

I received an email from her today chasing up extra hands to help out with volunteering in this area, so if this may be you check out http://www.m3de.com.au/volunteers.php.

It’s next Sunday (June 7) so decide quickly!

“It is a full on day being right in the thick of the Cross Country Action. Our job is to make sure the crowds keep away from the galloping horses!!! And yep, you WILL get to see the course in action from the best seat in the house…”

For those of you free, consider the benefits of volunteering for this horse event if:
- You want to get into event management
- It appeals to you to acquire more horsey contacts
- You like the idea of having the best seat in the house at such an event
- You want to get a feel for volunteering with regards to something horsey

“There is something about jumping a horse over a fence, something that makes you feel good. Perhaps it’s the risk, the gamble. In any event it’s a thing I need.” - William Faulkner

Tag: werribee equestrian centre, melbourne 3day event, volunteer with horses, cross country