“Enjoy being a work in progress.”  ~ unknown

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We are proud to have been a part of Western Australia's Murdoch University Veterinary School's 'Extramural Farm Experience Program.' It's been running for several decades now. Wadi Farm joined in 2008 and was involved for twelve years. A friend's daughter, who was studying Veterinary medicine, asked to come for work experience one year, and recommended that we join the program. After twelve years we had to bow out due to family commitments - I become the primary carer for Kevin's elderly mum, who came to live with us. 

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1st to 3rd year Veterinary and Animal Science students came to stay at Wadi Farm for a week at a time throughout the year. We used to take single students, then two students at a time. These budding professionals came to learn more about large animal handling - specifically equine behaviour/recognition and hands-on handling techniques, some of which was outside their normal comfort zone. There are not many places that teach kindness/affirmative handling working with larger groups of 'unconfined' horses, some wild born rescues. Keeping an eye on individuals in a large paddock situation and out in the bush requires keen observational skills as well as (at times!) emotional fitness, breathing techniques, and good peripheral vision.  

 

Our (largely regenerative) farm management techniques, mutual respect/affirmative handling ethos and combined use of modern veterinary services as well as holistic medication, and differing modalities to treat trauma, illness and injury in horses (depending on the individual's need), gave the students a broader understanding of horses and of approaches to healing generally. It was always a jam-packed week, but (almost!) everyone seemed to enjoy themselves! Plus the students got time to themselves for study and/or sight-seeing.

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We received a nominal (and I do mean nominal) fee for each student, to cover food/accommodation, or part thereof. We do it largely because for us, it's about way more than the $$. It's always been about the horses and what we can do to make their stay in our lives a little easier. On them. Personally, I also learned a little bit more about myself and the world around me every time.

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Since 2008 we have also hosted to volunteers/volunteer students from overseas and Australia, and hosted days for School and Agricultural College students. All wanting to learn more about improved horse handling techniques and available holistic practises. 

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The below collage is just a few of the photos taken by myself and those students, over the years. We hosted well over 60 individuals, from Australia and overseas...more than I can post photos of! I have been delighted to meet each and every one of these wonderful young - and mature age - men and women, from home and abroad. Large animal vets in rural Australia are in sad decline and it's lovely to see some still keen to aim in that direction. All of the students we've hosted were hard working, compassionate, dedicated individuals. Many of them were/are facing their own challenges as well as educational ones and we have the greatest respect for their dreams and aspirations. 'Doctor of Veterinary Medicine' is a six year course in Australia, and at least 30% of students don't make it to third year.

 

We hope that all those who have, and are yet to visit us, find their passion (whatever that it), and follow their hearts, and become great at whatever they do.

 

And yes ladies and gents, feel free to come back and visit anytime! We have kept in touch with many who are now proudly sporting letters after their names, and are doing great things in Vet practises around the country.

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