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| Yvonne and VFTH Mascot Mischief ~ Winter 2009 |
After contemplating to phase herself out of the horse industry in 2007 as far as horse ownership and the responsibilities that go alongside owning a horse, Yvonne Allen, founder and writer of the Voice for The Horse web site made a quick and fast decision to stay involved after learning about the hard side that horses were experiencing in this industry. To follow she spent many years of research and study thereafter on ways to alleviate the hardships that horses experience when they become neglected, abused or otherwise unwanted. What she witnessed during this time was completely heart wrenching and although not easy, she continued to pursue the path of finding ways to make a difference for horses, not only in her own back yard but across Canada and that of the United States of America. It was not only this hard side for horses that inspired Yvonne but also her realization that if she herself did not take the next step to fulfill her lifetime dream, that she could not fully bring to the world Voice For The Horse as it was meant to be. Thus, in the summer of 2010 Yvonne moved to the country where she resides with the two VFTH Mascots Angel and Mischief to further continue to write the script where she could fully focus on the completion of Voice For The Horse.
Yvonne is a certified equine practitioner and has studied with many great teachers which include Lola Michelin from the Northwest School of Animal Massage; Geary Whiting from Geary Whiting's School of Equine Massage for Horse and Rider; Dr. Brian McLaren, B.V.Sc., M.App.Sc ~ Photonic Light Therapy. Yvonne has had much success in working with Bach Flower Remedies and Aromatherapy for horses and is a certified Reiki Master.
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| Angel and Vernon ~ 2009 |
Vernon Groetchen lends his experience and expertise in sales and marketing and over 30 years expereince in the horticultural field. As VFTH launches into foundation status, his support and knowledge of this industry brings on a new style for the promotion of equestrian concepts and wholy compliments the Vision Mission Mandate of VFTH. Vernon has also been responsible for many trade show set ups over the years; coordinating events being one of his specialties which is a huge asset for VFTH. Vernon's many years experience of also working with the Ministry of Children, makes him a perfect fit for working in the field with horses due to his ability to connect and relate with children and young teens whose lives are in many cases, not stable. His willingness to invite Angel, his first horse ever in his life when most men his age would be looking to upgrade to a new model BMW, shows a dedication second to none for the pleasures one receives when engaging with horses. Vernon prides himself in his interests of family history much of which the horse has been part of. Vernon also co-founded the concept of VFTH along side Yvonne back in 2008.
Vernon is presently learning natural hoof care trimming and has taken several equine massage courses including Equine Touch with Jock Ruddock and Equine Shiatsu Massage with Yvonne Allen. What was witnessed as most impressive with Vernon and his new experience with horses was his willingness to go with the horse their way without ever using force or domination, a given natural sensitivity to the horse which he did not need be taught. Click here to learn more about Vernon's initial experience shared with the first Mascot of VFTH ~ Angel
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| Barb Edmonson |
Barb Edmonson ~ Long term residents, Barb Edmonson along with her husband Bob and daughter Ariel operate Rabbitswood Farm in Langley, a city considered by many to be the horse capital of BC. They are also excited at the opportunity to develop the Waterhorse Ranch of Clinton, British Columbia.
With a lifelong passion for horses, Barb is thrilled at being selected to study and train with the Philippe Karl School of Legerete’s three year teachers program in Classical Dressage. It is her plan to carry on the legacy of Mr Karl’s system of kind, systematic and sympathetic horse training which permits a horse to sustain a long and rewarding career of performance.
Barb works for NavCanada as an IFR air traffic controller with Vancouver Centre and has over 20 years experience.
With the family’s passion for horses, they feel it’s important to give back to those that offer such inspiration—the horse! Regardless of the horse be it large or small, papered or not, all horses should have a voice. Strong advocates, they believe in the care and respect of all horses; and wish for the horse to receive the same devoted service and kindness to the end of their existence as the horse has offered mankind.
With that in mind, Barb is honoured to be on the Board of Directors for VFTH and share a vision that will create a legacy of education for future generations and increased awareness for the welfare of the horse.
Meet Barb at her equestrian home based business at Rabbitswood Farm
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| Courtnee Anderson ~ Miss Charity B.C. Canada 2010 |
My name is Courtnee Anderson and I am from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. I was part of the Miss British Columbia pageant in July of 2010 and was awarded the title of Miss Charity BC 2010-2011. As part of the pageant we fundraised for Cops for Cancer which sends children and teens living with cancer to Camp Goodtimes in Maple Ridge, BC. It makes me sad to see anyone sick, and the thought of a child battling cancer devastates me. I made it my goal to raise as much money as I could in the 50 days that I had. I have lost loved ones around me from the disease, and too many people are diagnosed with it each year. My inspiration was four of my family members that have passed from cancer and after a lot of hard work I raised just over $9000.00 for Cops for Cancer.
I am currently in my 5th year at Simon Fraser University completing a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Health Sciences and completing an extended minor in Criminology. After graduation I plan to write my MCAT and apply to medical school. I hope to become a general practitioner or a paediatrician, I haven’t decided yet, but I know whichever one I pick I will be helping people and that is what I love to do. My inspiration for this has been two things, my Grandma Nesta who passed in 2009 from Kidney Failure, and my own personal experiences with the health care system. My grandma was a very important person in my life, always encouraged everyone around her, and brightened up a room in an instant. She is my inspiration to keep doing what I do whether it is in sports, school, or day to day activities. I love volunteering and have been since I was in elementary school starting with a library monitor to most recently volunteering for The Variety Show of Hearts Telethon. I think whichever way you volunteer your time is always time well spent no matter what you are doing. I encourage everyone to go out and volunteer, almost like pay it forward. I wanted to give back to my community more, and to as many charities as I could, so I recently joined the Flying Squad which is a volunteer group through Community Volunteer Connections.
In November of 2010 I was awarded the title of Miss Charity O.W.L 2010-2011 for my fundraising efforts for the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society. I am a huge animal lover and they have always held a special place in my heart which is how I found Voice For the Horse. From the first time I was on a horse at 6 years old, I knew that they would always be special to me. Since then my dad has taken me riding each year, and I attended horse camps to learn as much as I could about riding and proper care for horses. I decided that once I was finished school I wanted to open a ranch where I could take in horses that people no longer wanted to care for, as well as injured, abandoned, and abused horses. The thought of them being sent to an auction, or being neglected, makes my stomach turn. I think that it is so important to educate about animals, and in particular horses, focusing on the younger generations because they are the future. Horses are wonderful creatures, and amazing teachers. I hope that through education and awareness that everyone will come to see this. With that said I hope to educate as many people as I can. The bond you form with a horse is like no other. I hope to inspire the kids and hope that they want to learn more about horses like I did when I was younger. I hope that they carry the information with them like I have. Horses are more than friends, to some they are family, and they are a gift that should be cherished.
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| Richard Waugh |
Richard Waugh ~ Senior Financial Management Professional with a significant record of achievement advising executive and senior management on financial, accounting, legislative and strategic policy issues in both the private and public sectors. Extensive experience in project management, design, delivery and evaluation of transfer payment programs and grant and contributions management. Demonstrated leadership ability collaborating with stakeholders, industry, government and not-for-profit organizations to advance regional economic development priorities.
More to come !!
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