EquiFriends Riders -
Cowboy Josiah volunteers with an eye for detail
Written by Wendy Moore, instructor
Every Tuesday afternoon, the DART bus pulls into EquiFriends’ parking lot and Josiah Wang exuberantly walks down the steps and into the barn. It doesn’t matter how busy and stressed the staff members may be or how chaotic the barn aisle ways are, because when Josiah arrives everyone stops for a moment to smile and say hello to him. Although Josiah has ridden at EquiFriends for a session in 2004 and is currently enrolled to ride this summer, he is most recognized at EquiFriends for the weekly three or more hours of sweeping, paddock-picking, water bucket-cleaning, and general helping to anyone that needs it. His joyful enthusiasm about the time he spends at EquiFriends is contagious. And who could resist a cheerful greeting from the best-dressed volunteer ever?
He comes to work dressed like his idol, country singer George Strait in a cowboy hat and boots, big rodeo belt buckle, and often a red, white and blue cowboy shirt. Of course, as soon as he arrives he has to change his fancy alligator skin boots for the black rubber barn boots. But, as any academy award-winning actress can tell you, the entrance is everything! EquiFriends will have to see about installing a red carpet someday!
After he has greeted all staff members and stopped to visit for a moment with any horse that happens to be in its stall, Josiah gets to the serious part of his job. He sweeps the barn, tack room, feed room, and grooming stall floors as thoroughly as they get done before our annual horse shows or other important functions. It is often a losing battle, as every time he finishes someone else walks another horse through and messes up his pristine floor. However, Josiah never takes it personally and with the exception of the occasionally good-humored utterance of “oh brother!” he sweeps up the mess again.
When he’s through sweeping, Josiah will gladly do anything that’s needed. He often stands as “gate guard” and opens and closes the arena gate for anyone bringing a horse in or out. He’s happy to hold your horse for you when the hooves are picked upon exiting the arena. And he’s always ready to assist any of the instructors while they tack and untack their horses for the Tuesday afternoon staff-schooling hour. It is in this manner of helping that Josiah has demonstrated what a quick study he is and what an eye for detail he has.
The following story is a personal account that is just one of the many instances when Josiah managed to win the heart and gratitude of a staff member. This time it was mine:
Throughout the Spring session, I generally rode CB, one of our newest horses, on Tuesday afternoons. There is no list anywhere of the particular tack CB can use or the saddle I prefer to use on him. Nor have I ever mentioned a list like that to Josiah and instructed him to bring those items to me. A few weeks ago, Josiah saw me carrying my helmet and asked if I was going to ride. When I told him I was, he asked if I was going to ride CB. I said yes. He then, without being asked, proceeded to get saddle B, (the saddle I like to use on CB) the correct sized girth for a dressage saddle, CB’s bridle, CB’s grooming box, and the type of saddle pad I always use. He then waited until I was ready for my helmet and placed it on my head. (Now I understand why students often cringe in anticipation of being pinched under the chin! But he didn’t pinch me!) Finally, he opened and closed the arena gate for me. I’ve never taken a horse to shows in my life. But if that ever changes and I need a personal groom, I’m asking Josiah!
THANKS JOSIAH!