ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com
BACKGROUND ON WHY THE HORSES NEED RESCUE:
The Centre was founded over 12 years ago to address the fate of mustangs that are
taken from the wild. After these mustangs are captured, they are placed in holding
pens where they await adoption. Currently there are over 40,000 horses awaiting
adoption. The ones that don’t get adopted, are killed.
Many people think they can adopt a wild horse and tame it themselves. They cannot.
The result is that these horses end up in abusive and neglectful environments.
What the Centre does about the problem:
The Centre rescues mustangs from such situations and illegal slaughter houses. The
horses, who are often at the brink of death when they reach the Centre, are nursed
back to health and then trained with positive reinforcement and love to become adoptable.
The Centre currently houses about 30 horses (plus 10 dogs, 2 cats, one pig, a few
geese and hens as well!). You'll be working with all of them.
Why the Centre needs volunteers:
When the horses arrive at the Centre, they are often terrified of people. That is
why volunteers are not only needed for the daily upkeep of the Centre, but also
critical to the taming and training of these horses. By spending time with kindhearted
people who care, the horses come to realize that not all people are bad.
Mustangs were, historically, a valued resource that played a critical role in the
successful development of America. Mustangs are regarded as a treasured national
symbol in America, but, sadly, they are currently treated in a cruel and inhumane
manner. You can help some of these horses to live a dignified, happy life.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT GAIN FROM YOUR VOLUNTEERING?
The funds generated from volunteer placements is the only source of income for the
Centre and will go towards helping to rescue more horses.
Your assistance is critically needed for infrastructure improvements, daily maintenance
of the horses, but, most importantly, to help these horses to be rehabilitated properly.
For this to happen, the horses must spend time with lots of different people - to
see that not all people are bad and that strangers are ok. This is critical in order
for them to be adopted into homes where they'll be well looked after for the rest
of their lives.
HORSE PAINTINGS:
Our horses love to make paintings. We put children’s finger paint on a canvas and
then cover it in goodies such as carrots and apples. The horse then eats the tasty
treat laid out for him or her and what is left is your beautiful, personalized painting.
The horse gets a tasty treat and you get a beautiful painting!
A painting made by one of our Mustangs is very special. These horses are extremely
intuitive, intelligent and soulful beings – which we believe all comes out in the
paintings. A painting made by one of our horses makes the perfect, thoughtful gift
for any occasion or a special addition to your home art collection.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR PLACEMENT?
Once you have applied for a placement, we'll contact you and send you our Welcome
Pack. You'll also receive Log-on details and password for our Volunteer Extranet
where you'll have access to all the documentation and information which we've put
together to facilitate preparations for your adventure! Your Project Co-ordinator
for your country will liaise with you throughout the arrangements process, as well
as while you're on your placement and on your return home.
The documents you'll have access to also include a Country Factfile, Safety Guide
and any manuals that may assist you on your particular programme (e.g. Teaching
Guide, Sports Manuals, Enrichment Suggestions for Animal Care, etc.). We do all
we can to make your stay one that you'll never forget. This is a truly awesome,
elegant and beautiful country.
On Your Arrival: When you arrive you
will be welcomed by a member of staff who will take you to your accommodation and
introduce you to everyone. During your first few days you'll be given an induction
so that
you can learn about the country and its culture, as well as other useful information,
like how to use the transport system, banks, safety issues, tipping, and lots more.