Tracy and Shiloh

Tracy Green has been a dedicated SAFE volunteer since August 2011. Tracy actually works two volunteer shifts every week…she’s a Saturday farm chore volunteer and part of the Sunday PM feeding team. Tracy is always one of the first to volunteer for special events like the Fall Work Party and the move to SAFE Harbor Stables. She’s also a valued “Herd Member” who makes a monthly contribution to financially support the SAFE horses. Tracy is always willing to pitch in whenever asked, and her positive attitude and warm smile make her a joy to work with at SAFE Harbor Stables.

Tracy, thank you for all you do for the SAFE horses!

We asked Tracy to share some information about herself and her experiences as a SAFE volunteer:

I have been a horse lover without a horse for as long as I can remember of my 30-plus years. As a teenager, I had the awesome experience of trail riding and helping care for my neighbors’ three horses — Stony, Centaurus, and Lady. I was very attached to them, and I still remember all of them clearly. When they had to move away, I was heartbroken. My family couldn’t have horses, and so after a while I had just pushed aside that part of me, as I concentrated on high school, college, working for a living, being a mom, etc. Now I have a 12 year old daughter who isn’t too fond of large animals- yet!, a boyfriend of 5 years, and a few cats and dogs. We live on an acre in east Woodinville. I’ve been brushing up on my knowledge, horsemanship and riding skills and I plan to get the land set up and build a small barn in the near future so I can finally have horses of my own (and you can bet I’ll “shop” at SAFE first!).

In August 2011 I was suddenly feeling very strongly that I should be giving more help to those who need it, and also that I really miss horses and need to be spending time with them. So I Googled local horse rescues looking for volunteers, sent SAFE an email, and I’ve been spending most of my Saturdays there ever since.

There’s so much to like about all of the horses at SAFE. They all have such unique personalities and some wonderful traits. Strider is very special to me. He seems to know your whole story just by looking at you, and being around him you really can feel his courageous, powerful energy. I think he understands that I also have lived through something terrifying and life-changing, and even though now we struggle at times, we refuse to let that experience change who we are or hinder us from living as fully as we can.  Also, April is totally adorable and I love hanging out with her. She never really shows me that boss-mare attitude that she’s famous for anymore.

I don’t really have sufficient words to describe how great it feels to spend time with and help these special horses. I am so grateful that SAFE exists, and I feel privileged to be able to be a small part of this organization that’s full of very special people too. Chores are hard work, but I don’t even think about that when I’m there, I just do what I can and I know that the horses appreciate everything that everyone involved does for them, and that is truly rewarding on its own.

Interested in becoming a SAFE Volunteer? Click here to learn more!