The main activity my STEP signature project entailed was going on a BUCK-I-SERV trip to McCoy, Colorado. We volunteered at Mountain Valley Horse Rescue which was a ranch that was dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned horses. 

A transformation took place while completing my STEP project and being able to serve in a community I had never had before. I have never volunteered with an animal-based organization. I learned a lot about animals (horses) and how to upkeep and train them to become various types of horses. Such as a farm horse, show horse, or riding horse. I also was able to volunteer and transform the ranch by organizing and doing yard work.

Interactions with other group members led to a key aspect of completing my STEP project. Going across the country with 10 people I’ve never met was stepping outside of my comfort zone. Colorado is also a state I have always wanted to go to and explore the mountains out west, along with hiking. I now have an interest in going to graduate school in Colorado. I learned to make new connections with those I have never met before and to meet new people who go to Ohio State in various grades. 

The events and interactions of rehabilitating horses were another key part of the trip as I was not very knowledgeable about horses/animals in general. A worker from the ranch went around and explained why each horse was at the rescue and what they did in their past (there were around 40 horses). Some events I learned that dealt with horses were leading them and grooming (brushing). We also learned how to give the older horses or ones with physical conditions the best life possible or how to rehabilitate them into having a better life in the future at the ranch. We also witnessed how the community can help with the organization (as people around the community also came and volunteered). We also set up the ranch for upcoming summer camps for children to learn more about the horses and help get them more comfortable/familiar with people. 

This change/transformation is valuable to my life because serving others and giving back is very important to me. It can relate to my professional goals as I hope to become a healthcare professional one day- as helping and serving others is the foundation of healthcare. I also now know more about the Buck-I-Serv Foundation and what it could offer in the future as well. I can also use this experience to spread more awareness about the Mountain Valley Horse Rescue organization and what it offers.  MVHR is one the most unique horse rescue organizations on the Western Slope, that covers vast amounts of land. This organization supports equines that they can help, with there being ~170,000 unwanted horses across the nation. The main goal of MVHR is to decrease equine abuse and neglect by educating, it also connects with local law enforcement, concerned citizens, and private equine owners. MVHR also has a goal of attempting to find equine private homes. Every horse that comes across the MVHR is given the same amount of care: the veterinary, farrier, and other care needs to return to its maximum health. Evaluation, training, and socialization are also given in hopes of trying and overcoming mistreatment or neglect. The end goal is adoption into a safe environment, but MVHR is the bridge of being a loving home before in hopes of adoption. I witnessed how MVHR truly follows and supports equine in any way they can and I’m glad I was able to help/be a part of this organization (along with Buck-I-Serv).