“It’s a tool for work, and you have to care for him, because from him, we live.”

~Peruvian Community member

“The horses work and with that we buy food.”

~Peruvian Community member

“It’s an economic movement, for many families. Either directly or indirectly.”

~Peruvian Community member

“To go by car there aren’t highways here. There aren’t paths. So the only way is by horseshoes and you have to take horses, that’s it. There aren’t roads for cars. Only by horse.”

~Peruvian Community member

“There’s so much tourism. So they come here, so that’s how things will be because horses work more, they’re going to need more feed, and we’re going to have a greater economy as well for us, so the health of all of us is going to improve. Just like for the animals, for us as well.”

~Peruvian Community member

“My experience in Costa Rica was overwhelmingly positive. Volunteering on a project with the EI has reminded me of why I love veterinary medicine and has taken me back to the basics of what being a veterinarian is all about.  I use my knowledge and skills to help animals who then improve the lives of the humans who care for them. Period.  That’s it folks. It is the core of what we do and it is enough.  My hope is that these experiences will also make us a little more tolerant of different cultures and ideas, a perspective the western world is in desperate need of at this time. May it open our eyes to the commonalities of the human condition and encourage us to engage with each other, reach out to support each other and to speak up for what we hold most dear. “

~Elaine Klemmenson, EI Volunteer

“Finally, I hope that I have made it clear how important veterinary volunteer work is to me.  I had experiences with small animal volunteer work during my undergraduate degree, but as soon as I found veterinarians providing equine services, I have been completely hooked. Caring for horses in these communities does so much more than whatever we provide in a single day. It supports the owners who rely on these horses for transportation, work, and even spiritual reasons. Furthermore, with the integration of education into the volunteer services, we can really help a community to take better care of their horses and, subsequently, improve their own standard of living. Improving the welfare for these horses and their owners will continue to be a lifelong passion of mine, and I feel even more empowered and dedicated to this goal after my wonderful experience at the Equitarian Workshop!”

~Sarah Appleby, EI Volunteer and project coordinator (Cheyenne River)