Volunteers - Joanna in the Spotlight!
Meet Joanna - one of our much-loved volunteers and a wonderful example that it’s never too late to discover a passion for horses. Having taken up riding later in life as a student at MCEQ, Joanna brings enthusiasm, wisdom, kindness and a calm presence to everything she does for our horses, our holiday camp riders and our grounds and stables. Joanna is an invaluable part of the team and we’re so grateful for all she does to make the magic happen at MC Equestrian.
What led you to start volunteering your time at MC Equestrian?
At the beginning of 2024 (aged 55) I made the decision to follow my childhood dream of wanting to be around horses and to learn how to ride them confidently.
A friend introduced me to Dee, the owner of MC Equestrian and I started my horse journey. After completing several of the Adult Riding and Horsemanship Courses, I then got the confidence to start my weekly horse riding lessons. Later, I started to volunteer for School Holiday Camps as well as one day a week as a stablehand helper.
Tell us about volunteering for MC Equestrian and what is involved? You have been spotted in many camp photos bringing joy to those around you!
Volunteering has been such a hands-on and enriching experience for me, and it fits perfectly with my genuine love of horses and children. Around the stables and yards, my jobs include the daily care, grooming and management of the school horses, as well as cleaning and maintaining their stables and paddocks. This can involve making feeds, checking water, mucking out stalls, paddocks and yards, leading horses, and tacking up for lessons when needed.
During the School Holiday Camps, I help lead ponies following the coaches instruction and make sure every young rider has a safe, supportive and enjoyable experience. Many of the children are new to horses, so I’m there to help calm their nerves, build their confidence and assist them every step of the way. I also help educate them alongside the coaches while they groom and sparkle up the ponies and become more involved in the experience.
I’ve really loved being part of creating such a fun and memorable introduction to riding for every Holiday Camp student.
Tell us what you like best about working for MC Equestrian Riding School?
Volunteering is so rewarding and being around horses and like minded people is a wonderful way to learn and feel appreciated. The skills I have learnt at MC Equestrian enabled me to feel confident on a recent holiday near Byron Bay, where I spent time learning about Horse Liberty and was able to have a ride which I loved.
Tell us about a funny horse moment?
Recently, I was mucking out Scotty’s paddock on a very hot day when he decided to enter the water. I was so excited to witness this behaviour for the very first time. He was joyfully stomping and splashing himself to cool off. This made me smile as he was so happy and clean….and then he got out and rolled in the dirt! (Watch Scotty at play on our Instagram)
What is your favourite horse quote?
“Horses and Children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense there is in the world.”
We’re so grateful for the incredible interest in our volunteering program!
We’re currently at full capacity, but we’ll share any new opportunities right here, so keep an eye out!
Click to learn more about Our Team or Our Horses!