Helping horses

Blue Cross volunteers come from all walks of life. In Wakako Machida’s case, it’s Japan. Wakako initially researched volunteering for The Blue Cross online, as she explains: “I love animals and horses, as I used to ride in Japan. I researched animal charities on the internet from Japan and found The Blue Cross website very welcoming and helpful, with an area dedicated to volunteering.”

After contacting The Blue Cross about volunteering in the equine department, Wakako then secured a place at Cheltenham College to study languages. Wakako is one of a number of volunteers involved with horse care on the yard at The Blue Cross equine centre in Burford. She helps to feed and muck out the horses as well as bathing and grooming them. Volunteering has also been beneficial for Wakako in terms of her studies: “The interaction with English speaking people is great for my college work, and this is an enjoyable way of filling my spare time, plus it helps keep me fit and healthy!”