Photo By Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin | Sgt. James K. Millsap, a training non-commissioned officer with Support Company,...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Horses are known throughout the world as "beasts of burden" because they are used to herd cattle, pull wagons and draw plows, but they are also giant gentle creatures that require care and attention. Marines, Sailors and civilians got their chance to work with these animals first-hand at the Stepp Stables, July 15.
Volunteers worked alongside the Stepp Stables staff to help make the horses more comfortable in the summer heat by helping to clean and walk horses, and by spraying them with cold water to keep them cool.
"We appreciate all the help from the volunteers," said Debbie H. McWillie, Stepp Stables staff, MCCS, 25, from Oceanside, Calif. "They also learn things about horses and what we do out here for horses."
Marine Corps Community Services gathers volunteers once a month to give a helping hand and to educate Marines and Sailors on how to take care of horses.
The Stepp Stables is located next to officer housing right before leaving the San Luis Rey gate. The facility houses approximately 40 horses, and each of them are owned by MCCS for use in shows, trail riding and riding lessons for those interested on base.
Helping out at the stables gives the volunteers a first-hand experience with working with horses.
While some of the volunteers had experience working with horses growing up, some have never even been close to one.
"This is my first time even touching a horse," said Sgt. James K. Millsap, a training non-commissioned officer with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marines Logistics Group. "I'm from New York, so being this close to a horse probably would never happen there, but I volunteered because I wanted to see what it's really like to work around them," said Millsap, 25, from New York City.
After a long day of work at the stables, the volunteers left with a new understanding our equine friends.
"It was a great time cleaning and grooming the horses," said Lance Cpl. Amy H. Tucker, warehouse clerk, Support Co., CLR-1, CLR-17, 1st MLG. "I enjoyed the time I spent out there," said Tucker, 19 from Palmetto, Ga.
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2009 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 36660 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 69 |
This work, Horsing around: Volunteers lend helping hand at Stepp Stables, by LCpl Jerrick J. Griffin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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