ACCESS ADVENTURE VOLUNTEER

Ever since I was five years old, I desired working with horses, but my parents didn't know where they could put me, in a safe, protected, environment with such large animals that I knew so little about. With the knowledge I had of horses, I desperately needed training so that I could understand the horse's nature and feel safe around them. Once I met the volunteers at Rush Ranch all my troubles were over. They were such caring and kind teachers, that after just two months, I felt more safe and confident around horses. (Even in those vicious herd environments.)

I love the opportunities that the Ranch offers to the disabled and blind, so they can enjoy life the same as everyone else. They can admire the horses and be loved and cared for by all the wonderful volunteers. I have witnessed therapeutic riding program, and seen the way those in therapy are strengthened physically and on the inside given hope.

Over the last few years I have had a growing desire to work with people, and of course horses. Horses and people are a wonderful combination. Horses do well with people's help, and people benefit greatly from equestrian experience. I hope in the future to work with both.

I love the Lord, and something very close to my heart is my dream of working in a ministry where I would reach out to people who are struggling in crisis. Anything from stress to the loss of a love one or abuse. Their lives could be changed through the Lord Jesus Christ. I think one of the best ways to bring people out of their shells is with God's own beautiful creation - horses. People with broken lives feel they can trust horses because they feel that they will not betray them.

I have been home educated all my life. I love singing, painting, attending my awesome speech club on Mondays and last but not least helping my community by being the ''official garbage pickup cleaner.'' Dad and I scout the neighborhood on Saturdays for litter to better the community. My neighborhood really appreciates it.

Monatte McGee, who has been my mentor on the Ranch, has taught me so much about caring for the horses and about their personalities. I'm so grateful for the effort each and every one of you have put into me so far at Rush Ranch. Just a few of my favorite horses are Penny, Apollo, Royal Reed, Dark Eyes and Grace. (Grace has passed away but is still alive in my heart.)

Return to People