Our Featured Volunteer of the Month is Vanessa Hocquard
Vanessa is one of Lancers’ many dedicated parent volunteers. Mother to Junior Member Maya, Vanessa began volunteering at Lancers to be a support for her daughter. “I feel it is important to be aware of what our children are doing and volunteering is a great way to be part of something that means so much to them. As someone who never grew up around horses, volunteering helps me understand and appreciate my daughter’s love of horses, the sport and the lifestyle. I am always amazed at just how much dedication it takes to participate in the equestrian sport and feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be exposed to such a world that I would not otherwise be a part of.”
Even though she doesn’t have as much experience with horses Vanessa contributes to Lancers in many invaluable ways that provides a lot of support for the barn, the horses and the riders. “There is always a place for a helping hand and every bit counts. I enjoy giving my time because I know it does not matter how little it is, it is all welcomed and appreciated!” She has donated supplies, sat on the Downtown Horse Show Planning Committee, chaperoned Pony Club events, taken shifts at the canteen, been ring crew at shows, helped with the Salmon River camp and has spent many long days at the barn.
“What keeps me coming back are all the happy faces every time I walk through that door. I have never been part of a group that truly love what they are doing. It could be -20 or +20 degrees and everyone is doing their part to keep the horses happy and doing what needs to be done! Lancers teaches you that it is not just about getting on the horse and riding. The real work and dedication is everything you do when you’re not riding that can make a difference. I enjoy being a part of that process and volunteering allows me to understand the how’s and why’s which helps me give better support to my daughter.”
We are so grateful that Vanessa is always willing to step up to the plate and volunteer for things even if they are new to her. She is a wonderful example of how parents can support their children in sport and be a part of their growth while contributing to the growth of the organization at the same time.
