Shumbashaba Reflection 3 - 27 - 14

Shumbashaba Reflection 3 - 27 - 14

            On Thursday March 27, 2014 my volunteer service at Shumbashaba was how to lead a pony. The pony’s name that I led was Mocha. I first haltered the adorable little pony. Then, I ensured that the halter was fitted properly, so that it wouldn’t rub on Mocha’s neck. Next, I attached the lead rope to the ring on the head collar under his chin. I made sure the clip was facing backward to prevent from pinching his muzzle. I held on to the lead rope with a length of 2 to 3 feet to spare with my right hand from the head collar. This action initiated the pony to walk. Then, I turned and faced the direction I was going to walk. Lightly tugging on the lead rope, Mocha followed me. I proceeded to walk and gradually release the pressure on the lead rope. If Mocha started walking too fast, I would gently and slowly lift my arm closer to the clip of the lead rope. For safety reasons, I always walked in front of the pony and was always conscious of my position to Mocha, because he cannot see his feet. I executed wide turns when I was turning a corner to compensate for his size.

            My learning moment today was how to lead a pony. I felt this was a great privilege to get to know Mocha and be able to interact with such a marvelous animal. One thing I want to reiterate on is that I did not know horses could not see their feet when they walked. This gives me great respect on their massive size and understanding. These actions that I take incorporated with the horses allows me to build more confidence learn a great deal about caring for horses, but yet I see that I still have many limitations that I am unknowledgeable about. Therefore, I can’t wait to learn what is next. This learning moment on leading a horse I can relate to when I was bathing a horse, on how I have to think before I act because the horses are unaware of my movement. So, I must move slowly. This was a very enjoyable day and I encountered no problems. All this experience that I am gathering by volunteering at Shumbashaba will enhance the horses well-being and my knowledge of working with large animals for my future career in zoology.