Congratulations to Val Thorkildsen, our February Volunteer of the Month! Val’s kindness, dedication, and unwavering positivity make her an invaluable part of our SAFE community. From the moment she joined us two years ago—with no prior horse experience—she has shown an incredible ability to connect with our horses in a way that is truly special. Her calm demeanor brings a sense of peace to even the most nervous horses, creating a beautiful, unspoken bond built on trust and respect. Beyond her work in the paddocks, Val has been an incredible asset to our community, contributing her time and energy to our auction efforts and always stepping up when help is needed. No matter the challenge, she meets each day with a warm smile, a kind heart, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference. Val, your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for everything you do. Thank you for being such a bright light at SAFE! Read more about Val below.
How and when did you first get involved with horses? Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
I started at SAFE in February of 2022. I remember those first few weeks were so cold, but all that mattered was being close to the horses. The best thing about starting in the winter is that the weather got better and better! I’ve never had a horse of my own, but I’ve always been drawn to them with an innate connection I can’t really explain. It’s just pure joy in being near them. There is something profound about horses and their capacity to forgive, teach, and heal the human spirit. We want them to trust us, and they want us to trust ourselves. I am happy to be their student everyday at SAFE.
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
The horses, the people, the physical activity, being outside, the camaraderie, the awesome Thursday AM team, Bill’s browines, and absolutely EVERYTHING!
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
I’ve never had a favorite horse at SAFE because I love them all. But then Mahina joined the fold and each week she captures a little bit more of my heart. There is something about her, a spunk, a curiosity, an effortless elegance, an inquisitive gentleness — there’s just that undeniable “special something”.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I have an Interior Design business, Via Bella Design, located in Kirkland. We specialize in remodels and work with clients throughout the design process to bring their vision to life and create a beautiful home. I look forward to expanding my time at SAFE when time allows.
Do you have family or special people in your life who support your volunteer work that you would want us to mention in your write up?
My husband, Ray, knows my deep love for animals and is super supportive of my volunteering at SAFE. I think he’s also very happy that horses are too big for me to bring home as pets, otherwise we’d have a house full. We sadly and unexpectedly lost our beloved dog and are still missing him. That’s another reason SAFE is so special to me, a place to process grief for both humans and horses — and to open to love again.
