Meet a Volunteer – Rachelle Mosholder
Holding her first term as Executive Director for CANTER USA, we asked Rachelle to check in with us and tell us a bit about her work with CANTER.
1. What inspired you to volunteer for CANTER? How did you hear about our organization? During my senior year at Lake Erie College in the equestrian studies program, we had a training class. The college partnered with local equestrians and groups to utilize green horses for the students to train. I was partnered up with my now horse, Beeker (JC: Baby King) – he was a CANTER Ohio owned OTTB, just a month off the track! I hadn’t heard about CANTER until then (this was 2011) and when I started working with Beeker and understanding our mission, I was hooked to CANTER, and OTTB’s, even more than I was before. I come from a big family, and one of my mother’s cousins’ family owned the old racetrack here in Seattle, formally known as Longacres Race Course (before I was born). So, I’ve always been surrounded by the older generations who loved horse racing, and I’ve been an animal advocate for rescue horses and dogs all my life! So, thanks to Lake Erie for introducing me to CANTER initially.
2. Do you have any personal horses? If so, can you tell us about them? Yes, my aforementioned horse – Beeker! Beeker was successful on the track with 100k+ in earnings from various tracks and states. He comes from the AP Indy bloodline and is a sensitive, smart and witty chestnut thoroughbred. We’ve experienced so much together since we met in 2011. Some of our adventures include living in OH, KY, CA and WA, competing in the jumpers, going on trail explorations, riding bridleless, and all in all spending lots of time together. Beeker is ridiculously independent and bright – he is smarter than I and he knows it. I broke my leg badly in 2017 and he was a perfect babysitter the entire time, it was only when I got back on my feet and was stable a year later that he started back his regular antics (spooking dramatically, pretending a rock he’s seen 500 times was now alive, that kind of thing…) Beeker is the first horse I’ve ever owned. I rode OTTB’s growing up, but never was able to afford to own until college. He is a dream come true for me, and the fact that we accomplished so much together thus far, and he’s seen me though my 20’s, is pretty special. He is acting like he doesn’t miss me during this quarantine, but I know he does!
3. What is your vision for CANTER and our role in Thoroughbred Aftercare? My vision for CANTER in regards to our role in OTTB Aftercare is to continue to be a pillar and strong presence in the OTTB Aftercare community. I think it’s amazing how many years CANTER has been active, and my hope is that we continue our presence. I think listing horses from the track and being that liaison between the race world and the equestrian community is so valuable. CANTER has gained so much support over the years and people really trust and depend on us in regards to finding their next horse. I hope for our organization to continue to be a pillar in the community, and for our affiliates to find individual success connecting horses with new opportunities, or retraining and rehoming; be it Phase 1 or Phase 2. In addition, I hope we can work with other organizations to best serve the OTTB Aftercare community and use our collaboration to help give as many OTTB’s a chance as possible!
4. You’ve been our Social Media Director for several years. What are some ways affiliates could improve their social media presence? What kind of content do you recommend? I worked with Beeker and CANTER Ohio in 2011-2012, and until 2017 was not involved due to moving around and career changes. In 2017 I approached CANTER USA when I realized we didn’t have an Instagram – the rest is history! It allowed me to become connected and involved with CANTER again and propelled my passion further. I’ve learned a lot about social media the last few years, and I feel that success via social media comes down to followers desire to feel included and a part of something. I think that the more we post, the more they are involved – no matter the content! It is important to sprinkle in some humor and interesting content – not just promoting horses and asking for support. Instagram is the #1 platform, and if you link it to your Facebook it is easy to cover both platforms in one swoop. I’d say posting at least once a week…whether it is a horse, something funny, having
someone do a takeover, anything…the more posting, the more engagement – is ideal. I would really appreciate affiliates tagging @canterusa in ALL stories and posts, so I can repost and we can easily reach thousands more people! I am happy to discuss social media anytime, please reach out!
5. As most of the country has spent weeks sheltering in place, what did you miss the most because of the restrictions? Have you taken anything away from this whole COVID-19 experience, if so, what? Being in WA (one of the original hubs of the virus) I’ve been in the quarantine lifestyle for around 6 weeks. I miss Beeker! I can visit him just once a week for an hour. When restrictions are lifted, I look forward to spending meaningful time with Beeker, both on the ground and off the ground. We are not jumping these days as his arthritis worsens each year – so we are working on bridleless dressage! Non-horse wise, I am looking forward to spending time with my friends and family members, celebrating my 30th birthday, and generally having more freedom when this is over! I have done a lot of reflecting and introspection since this all started. I realize even more now that time is valuable and precious! Being a kindergarten teacher, and not seeing my students/teaching in person has been a wake up call; I realize how much energy and spirit I gain from being around them all day. I’ve been understanding my own strength and will, and have been focused on being mindful and calm – for myself and those around me. I appreciate Beeker and the psychological benefits spending time with horses provides – it is a slap in the face when it is not an option all of a sudden! I think we can learn the most during challenging times, and this is no exception. Be compassionate and we will be OK!
