Paulette joined the Thursday PM team in January 2020. It wasn’t much later she shared with me that she lived close and could fill in on shorthanded shifts. Everyone knows that is my dream come true! Paulette has a horse of her own, Gyspy, and has access to that “horse time” so many of the volunteers and staff are looking for at SAFE. Even though she takes care of her own horse everyday, that does not prevent Paulette from saying “Yes I can fill in!” Her dedication to mucking paddocks in the dark, heat and downpour does not stop. We are very lucky to have her as part of the SAFE family. Find out a little more about Paulette below.
How and when did you first get involved with horses?
I can remember so clearly. June 1969! 5 years old. I was born loving everything horsey and grew up in Arizona where horses are a part of life. At that time, we did not have horses of our own. My mom took me to a rental stables for my 5th birthday. A dream come true! I Still remember the horse I rode. His name was Chocolate Drop. In my very young years, we spent many weekends and many miles in the desert with our trusty, rental dude ranch horses. As a teenager, I worked on the big Arabian Farms in Scottsdale, AZ and eventually purchased my first horse when I was 22. Have had horses ever since.
Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
Yes! Her name is Gypsy. She is a 17 year old Red Dun Tobiano Paint. She is such a sweetie and I enjoy trail riding with her or just hanging in the barn for long groom sessions. She does play an important role in keeping my life balanced.
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
Doing my part to make sure the horses are now truly safe, comfortable and loved. I really enjoy helping with the feeding and barn chores because we get to be right there with the horses and they are always glad to see us. My team members are awesome too!
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
Sienna. She reminds me of my own horse. Very sweet with a touch of stubborn just to let you know she is thinking for herself. Sienna will always respond to me when she is in her turn out paddock. When I talk to her, she will always come right to me and say hello. We connect.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I am a Classified Substitute for the Northshore School District, I enjoy traveling in our motorhome with my husband and dog, Harley and love horsing around with my horse, Gypsy.
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, Dave who has supported my horse obsession for 37 years. When we got married, he understood it was for Better, for Worse and for Horses! He has been very hands on with our own horses through the years and is very supportive of me lending a hand at SAFE.
