What I Did With the Tug!
T
here was a little tug, and it kept at me
for over a year. It began when I’d seen a
poster for The Two Hearts Horsemanship
Program displayed at San Tan Feed;
“Wanted: Ranch Hand Volunteers.” Soon
after, while surfing the internet, I happened
upon a YouTube video about Two Hearts
Horsemanship at Sunshine Acres Children’s
Home in Mesa. After watching it, I felt the
“tug” again. Should I pay attention? What
would you have done?
Finally, all I could ask myself was, “Why not?”
In my shoebox crammed full of ribbons from
various small local horse shows, the most
valuable things in that box are not things at
all. It’s the memories of the people who gave
generously to me of their time, advice, and
caring that made all the difference in my life.
Time to pay it back? Maybe. Perhaps I could
contribute in some way to help someone
else enjoy horses. And why not? A little
time set aside to give without expectation of
something in return might have benefits
not anticipated.
I began by putting my toe in the water before
jumping in the pool. I took a tour, met Cindy
and Chelle (the Director and her Associate),
and became part of the “Ranch Hand Crew,”
serving one evening each week, paired with
another helper. It was a start.
I don’t know why but I always enjoy the
sound of munching critters, and if hearing
the munching of one or two horses is good,
then getting to feed 10 horses, 6 minis, and
two mini burros plus a few cows is all the
better. And, after the feeding of these beautiful
creatures? The smiles!!!!
I don’t know which is more moving, the smiles
and giggles of the kids as they arrive for an
evening with their own special mentor and
horse, or the comical “running of the minis,”
as the miniature horses move to their evening
lodging area. But for me, they are both quite
heartwarming. My spirit soares.
After serving for a few months as a Ranch
Hand, volunteers have the option of becoming
a mentor to a child. I thought I would push
toward mentoring as soon as possible, but I’ve
really enjoyed the ranch handing more than I
had imagined. Deciding which role to choose
for the Fall season is a toss-up. The horses
spend the summer up north, giving them and
their human helpers a break. For me, while
everyone is on break, that tug never leaves. Oh
yes, I’ll be back to help next year. You can take
that to the bank.
If you would like to give time and serve the
Two Hearts Horsemanship Program as a
volunteer, please call 480-832-2540 or visit
www.twoheartshorsemanship.org
11926 W. Southern Ave.
Tolleson, AZ 85353
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