An interview with volunteer Sarah Eldred
Sarah Eldred, 39 from London
Tell us a bit about yourself
Tell us a bit about yourself
I work as a Communications Manager at a healthcare regulator in the UK, with experience of national and international politics and communications.
Sitting at a computer in London couldn’t be further away from working for an animal welfare charity under the Spanish sun – and no bad thing!
How did you find out about the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre?
Sitting at a computer in London couldn’t be further away from working for an animal welfare charity under the Spanish sun – and no bad thing!
How did you find out about the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre?
I typed in ‘Spain’ under location on the Guardian Jobs website and up popped volunteer opportunities at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre. I sent off my cv thinking Sue and Rod were most likely looking for gap year students or younger people with wide experience of riding and working with horses – I have no experience whatsoever!
Sue contacted me the next day with an interest in what else I might be able to bring to help with their work. I booked my flight and volunteered for a week in October to find out more.
Describe what you do as a volunteer?
There are no set hours or expectations from Sue and Rod, but this is not an excuse to lie in the sun! You will want to do whatever way you can. During my week I have been learning to handle the horses, helping out around the house and using some of my communications experience to raise the profile of the Centre and its work.
Would you recommend volunteering at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre? If so, why?
First and foremost, yes.
The founders of the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, Sue and Rod are lovely people – they have dedicated their lives, sacrificing a comfy retirement on the Costa Blanca, to care for the 41 horses, ponies and donkeys that have been mistreated by their owners of all nationalities. You can’t help but be enthused by their dedication and passion; not forgetting the personalities of all four-legged residents. In fact everyone I have come across working with the charity are all generous folk – giving up their time to raise funds so the Centre can meet the needs of its increasing number of inhabitants.
Not only have I learnt new skills in grooming, handling and feeding the horses, ponies and donkeys, I hope I have been able to bring at least some of my experience to bear.
Although I have no plans to move over to Spain right now, I will continue my links with the Centre and will do whatever I can to help – and may even consider making this an annual trip. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone wanting to make a difference, no matter what your age, nationality, background or experience.
Watch out for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre – Sue and Rod have big plans!
Sue contacted me the next day with an interest in what else I might be able to bring to help with their work. I booked my flight and volunteered for a week in October to find out more.
Describe what you do as a volunteer?
There are no set hours or expectations from Sue and Rod, but this is not an excuse to lie in the sun! You will want to do whatever way you can. During my week I have been learning to handle the horses, helping out around the house and using some of my communications experience to raise the profile of the Centre and its work.
Would you recommend volunteering at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre? If so, why?
First and foremost, yes.
The founders of the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, Sue and Rod are lovely people – they have dedicated their lives, sacrificing a comfy retirement on the Costa Blanca, to care for the 41 horses, ponies and donkeys that have been mistreated by their owners of all nationalities. You can’t help but be enthused by their dedication and passion; not forgetting the personalities of all four-legged residents. In fact everyone I have come across working with the charity are all generous folk – giving up their time to raise funds so the Centre can meet the needs of its increasing number of inhabitants.
Not only have I learnt new skills in grooming, handling and feeding the horses, ponies and donkeys, I hope I have been able to bring at least some of my experience to bear.
Although I have no plans to move over to Spain right now, I will continue my links with the Centre and will do whatever I can to help – and may even consider making this an annual trip. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone wanting to make a difference, no matter what your age, nationality, background or experience.
Watch out for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre – Sue and Rod have big plans!
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