Shumbashaba Reflection 3 - 13 - 14

Shumbashaba Reflection

           

On Thursday March 13, 2014 my volunteered service at Shumbashaba included saddling a horse. The horse, Veritas, was in a secure stable. I greeted him, stroked his head, and then began the steps to saddle him. I gathered the saddle, blanket, pad, brush, and currycomb that were hanging on the wall in the stable. I groomed the horse with the currycomb and the brush to remove dirt and mud, so that the saddle, blanket, and pad wouldn’t cause sores from rubbing.  I stood near the horse’s neck to put the pad on first. Then, I put the blanket on Veritas. I made sure it was straight and even in the middle of his back so it was covering the pad. Next, I put the saddle on the back of Veritas. I centered the saddle on the pad, so that the saddle wouldn’t rub him. I ensured that the blanket was even on all sides to prevent it from bunching up under the saddle, which could leave sore spots. The cinches were pulled tightly. I adjusted the straps under the belly and readjusted on my trial walk with him.

I have never saddled a horse. This was a whole new learning experience for me and skill that I partook in, along with the terminology that was used for the equipment such as cinches. I was vey pleased that the horse was patient with me. I must say that these are the most well trained gentle horses I have ever been around. I thoroughly enjoyed this learning process and can’t wait for the next challenge that awaits me. I know that this procedure of saddling the horse brought me joy and is going to bring the horse joy when one of the therapy students rides him. I feel all of this came natural to me, because I have a great interest in animals and love being around them in anything that I’m doing.

One of the limitations that I encountered is that I am 5’1” and that is on the short side. So, it made the challenge a bit difficult. For future reference I might ask for a little step stool. In conjunction, another challenge I faced was the weight of the saddle. I had to lift it above my head to put it on the horse, so I know with constant saddling of the various horses at Shumbashaba my strength in my arms will increase. Therefore, making the task manageable.

My relatable moment that I could measure this to is when I had the opportunity at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hartsbeesport, South Africa to physically brush, walk, and ride an elephant. Upon sitting on the elephant there too was a saddle that lay on his back. I found great enjoyment in this gentle giant.

There were no conflicts of me that arose during this beautiful day. My future goals are to continue volunteering at Shumbashaba and interacting with the horses and people. I hope to take on new challenges and learn new things. I want to continue my Shumbashaba visits through my senior year and absorb all the knowledge and experience that I can.