Dude, Did You See That Horse?

Dude, Did You See That Horse?

Ethan Munns

For The Clock

ehmunns@plymouth.edu

CLOCK PHOTO/ETHAN MUNNS

Students have experienced the unusual pleasure of seeing horses on the Mary Lyon lawn over the last few weeks, thanks to Michael Komisarek.  Over the past couple of weeks Komisarek, a sophomore psychology major and Community Advisor in Belknap Hall, has been bringing live horses to Plymouth’s campus for students and faculty to enjoy, and to let go for a bit after a long day.
 

“I really like horses, and I love sharing my enthusiasm of horses with the people of this community,” said Komisarek. “It makes me so happy just going out and petting a horse, so I want to let others experience that same joy.”

The three horses, Breki, Parker and Rudy, all belong to a resident in the Plymouth area, Sarah Bunkley. who owns and trains them. “I first met Michael in the fall of 2014, shortly after he came to PSU,” said Bunkley. “He stopped by and asked if I needed any help around the barn, as he missed working with horses. This year, he asked if I minded if he brought any to campus so students could hang out with them, sort of like huge therapy dogs.”

Aaron Maddux, a senior social studies education major and Belknap Community Advisor, was more than happy to help out with walking the horses to campus. “I knew before that Mike loved horses from when I started working with him, although I was so excited when he came to me with such an interesting offer,” said Maddux. “I love animals, and I have friends back in Connecticut who work with horses where I would join them in their endeavors at work. All in all, I was stoked to be a part of this.”

Other than just bringing the horses to help students cope with stress, encounters with students have been very educational to them. “Michael is very intelligent about horses and is very passionate about them,” said Maddux. “You can call him a walking encyclopedia about horses. Horses are really fascinating.  Just from the few times I’ve walked with Breki, I’ve learned so much, and about not only Breki, but a lot of other types of horses.”

Rest assured, if school has emotions running high, students listen for the clip clop coming down the street, and a horse will be there to make everything all right.