Congratulations to our June Volunteer of the Month, Andrea Leger! Andrea has volunteered on both the Wednesday and Thursday PM shift for over a year and a half and also helps with grain baggies and Barn Assisting on Wednesday PM. She is always willing to jump in with help and we are extremely lucky she
How and when did you first get involved with horses?
I took many years of riding lessons as a child (English and Western). By the time I got to high school, there weren’t enough hours in the day for both music studies (French horn) and horses, so I chose music. I don’t regret that, but I’m so happy to be spending time around horses and horse people again.
Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
I’ve never had a horse of my own, but maybe someday! (Luckily I know where to get a good one…)
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
I have tremendous appreciation for all the staff members, who so kindly, patiently, and helpfully support the volunteers. My childhood horse experience feels so distant that I’m truly starting over from the beginning in my learning. The staff members graciously answer my endless stream of questions, and I learn something new every single day I’m here.
Aside from the staff, the amazing crew of volunteers, and the lovely horses, I enjoy driving Kermit around, and the quiet meditative task of sweeping the barn aisle.
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
Echo! What’s not to love? She’s just so sociable and positively gorgeous.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I have been a stay-at-home mom to my three awesome kiddos for thirteen years, and now I am getting started in freelance editing! I love helping people refine and improve their writing.
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 wonderful husband, Daniel, holds down the fort during the (steadily increasing) hours that I spend at SAFE each week. When I was pulling my hair out during the early months of the pandemic, Daniel helped me start looking for volunteer opportunities, so I have him to thank from the start! He’s never been a horse person, but on his first visit to SAFE he formed an instant bond with Merry. He’s coming around. 🙂
