LCU graduates get hands-on experience at equine rescue center in Spain
LCU graduates, Kristin Bruton and Ja’nay Settles, spent two weeks in Spain earlier this summer helping rescued horses, donkeys, and ponies and learning about equine veterinary medicine while working hands-on at the rescue center.
After their graduation from LCU in May, Bruton and Settles were selected to participate in Loop Abroad as part of a small team that volunteered as interns at the Easy Horse Rescue Center in Rojales, Spain, according to a news release. They each participated in the care of rescued horses, learning about the anatomy and physiology of the animals, as well as their upkeep, physical exams, dentistry, welfare, and assisting in their preventative health care.
The Equine Medicine program brings students to Spain for two weeks to volunteer alongside equine veterinarian and animal experts. Bruton, Settles, and their team participated in a hands-on course in equine handling, physical and musculoskeletal exams, bandaging, nutrition, preventative medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics to help support the horses at the Easy Horse Rescue Center.
Bruton, Settles and their team provided care for the horses at the rescue center, including husbandry, grooming, and stall and field clearing. They were also able to travel to an Equine Hospital on the coast of Spain. Admission to veterinary programs with Loop Aboard is very selective, and Bruton, Settles were chosen to participate based on their college transcripts, admissions essay, and professional references.
By following a study abroad model instead of a voluntourism model, the Loop Abroad organization focuses on educating its students so that they can contribute and serve in meaningful ways. It also works with locally run animal welfare and conservation organizations so that students contribute to long-term improvement on the ground in the countries they visit.
With programs in Thailand, South Africa, Australia, Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, and Spain, Loop Abroad supports animal welfare and conservation around the world because of its students and their dedication to helping animals in need.
“Our students are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They are kind, compassionate, dedicated, hard-working individuals who have big goals and want to make a big impact," said Jane Stine, the program's managing director. "It’s amazing to see how eager they are to learn and challenge themselves. Over the last 14 years, we’ve seen them go on to do some wonderful things.”
“The trip was an amazing way to meet new people and get hands on practical experience," Bruton said in the release. "Learning specific equine medicine techniques was a different aspect than sitting in lecture. This trip was a great way to apply lecture material in real life clinical situations.”
“Volunteering and shadowing Anna at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Center has been an absolute blessing, and I am grateful for all the support I have received that got me here," Settles said. "Learning the overall anatomy, how to do various procedures – including a SubQ and IM injection – and various other information about equids as well as the history of the horses at the center will forever be instilled in my memories!”
Bruton and Settles both hold bachelor of science degrees in animal science with a pre-veterinary emphasis from LCU.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: LCU graduates get hands-on experience at equine rescue center in Spain
