Kino and Stevie
SAFE’s August Volunteer of the Month, Kino McFarland, “seemed to be everywhere at every moment” during the recent benefit horse show at Donida Equestrian Center. “And when she wasn’t volunteering at the show, she had her camera in hand, working on a video to help promote next year’s show,” says SAFE Executive Director Bonnie Hammond.
Kino and her video camera have become a familiar sight around the barn since she first visited SAFE in 2013 and has continued to capture footage promoting SAFE’s adoptable horses. The multi-talented Seattle resident also signed on for a weekly chore shift in April and often volunteers for extra shifts.
Hailing originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Kino started riding when she was 8 and rode in a variety of disciplines from western pleasure to hunter/jumper until she was 16. After a nine-year break, she got back into horses in 2012 as a groom for the Cincinnati Polo Club and in 2013 became an eventing working student.
“Not only do I love the horses at SAFE, but the people have been incredibly welcoming and supportive,” Kino says. “They’ve become like a second family to me in a very short amount of time.”
“It’s difficult to pick a favorite (horse),” she says, “but I probably like Jewel and Stevie the best.”
When not at SAFE, Kino makes horror movies, writes, and performs sideshow as an escape artist and glass-walker.
SAFE could not exist without the services of the many volunteers like Kino who dedicate their time and talents to creating and maintaining a safe and healthful environment for our rescued horses.
Sample Kino’s work! Kino made this video to help introduce Emmy to her adopter:
