A Volunteer’s Journey: Advocating for Standardbred and Equine Welfare
Throughout my 16-year tenure as a volunteer with SAQ, I have had the privilege of working alongside some amazing individuals in various capacities within our Association. However, I have found the roles of Horse Placement Officer and Horse Welfare Officer for the SAQ Horse Placement Program particularly rewarding. Since its inception in 2002, this program has played a pivotal role in finding loving homes for nearly 1300 retired Standardbreds. Contributing to the successful placement of these horses and witnessing many remarkable transformations has been immensely rewarding, and a major reason I continue to volunteer my time to this program.
During this journey, I have embraced many opportunities to expand my equestrian knowledge and skills. Staying abreast of the latest research, industry guidelines, and advancements in equine welfare has been crucial to ensuring that our Association maintains a progressive and compassionate approach to rehoming horses and overall horse welfare. Recently, I completed an excellent course; “Applying the Five Domain Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses”, offered by the University of New England. This course provided invaluable insights into advancing horse welfare practices, deepening my understanding of the intricate relationship between horse welfare and various aspects of their lives, and essential when promoting and advocating for your horses through the SAQ Horse Placement Program.
My passion for horses extends far beyond my involvement with SAQ. I am a proud owner of three retired Standardbreds—Gun Powder (Ash), Big Em Shuffle (Boots), and Judah Ben Hur (Romeo). Through the personal connection with my own horses, I have come to appreciate the importance of responsible horse care and the significance of a strong human-horse bond. It is this understanding that fuels my dedication to advocating for the highest standards of equine welfare within the SAQ community.
Volunteering with SAQ has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me, it allows me to give back to the equine community and contribute to positive change. I take immense pride in being a part of an association that places horse welfare as a top priority. In sharing my personal story, I hope to ignite a sense of passion and encourage others to join us in our commitment to equine welfare. By working together, we can strive to continually improve the lives of all horses, particularly Standardbreds, so they are treated with the care, compassion, and the respect they truly deserve.
