Congratulations to our August Volunteer of the Month, Ann Daigle! Ann is not only kind and caring but also possesses unmatched grit and determination. She began volunteering with us during the cold, dark, wet, and muddy winter months back in January 2022. Two and a half years later, she’s still going strong and making a tremendous difference in the lives of our horses. Ann is a vibrant member of the Friday AM Chore shift, tirelessly tackling everything from cleaning stalls and turning out the minis to prepping hay and countless other tasks that help our horses thrive. Ann, we deeply appreciate your kindness, hard work, experience, and the love you continually share with our horses and the entire SAFE community. We are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our team! Learn more about Ann below.
How and when did you first get involved with horses?
When I was young I lived on a small farm in the mid west. I was an animal lover at an early age. When I was seven my Dad got me a retired ranch horse named Tex. He was a beautiful brown horse, very calm and loving. He was so tall for me that I could not get a saddle on him by myself. I would take off on him for the day and my parents had no idea where I was. But we always came home safe. We moved to California when I was twelve and had to leave Tex behind. Then I was without horses for years until we moved to Redmond. We had a barn and pasture and it was not long before horses came to live with us. We have been here for 43 years and have had 14 horses during that time. Some came for foster care, some stayed the rest of their lives. Our daughter was in the Horse 4 H program until she went to college. The whole family was involved.
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
What I like about volunteering with SAFE is the awesome caring and respect both the horses and the volunteers are shown. I like the great way things are so organized and the communication between the staff and volunteers is always shared. Being at SAFE gives me a chance to be around wonderful horses and volunteers. The Friday AM team is the best!
Do you have a favorite horse?
At the moment Domino and Sunny and Shasta are my favorite horses. I love that Domino is always alert to what is happening. He is calm and gentle with people and is very picky about who his horse friends are. And who could not like the minis? I turned them out all winter on Fridays and love being with them. Love their attitude.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I have always been our family ranch manager and animal care giver when I was not out leading backcountry adventures. We have always had many rescued/foster animals at our place. We have had horses, llamas, goats, chickens, turkeys, cats and dogs. In 2023 I stepped down from my work with travel. In March 2024 we lost our last pony beautiful pony. As an elder I have decided that it was time to retire from barn chores after many years. Now I am forest and yard caretaker and dog walker. We now have an empty barn and SAFE gives me a chance to be with horses and great people.
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 Ron has always supported me in all of my work with animals. My whole family and extended family have helped with our life with animals. They have always been willing to step in when there were emergencies or when I was away. Huge thanks to Ron, our children Janah and Jon and my sister Laurie who continue to support me in my volunteer work at SAFE. I also owe thanks to all of our wonderful “ranch sitters” when we all got to travel.
