Congratulations to our November Volunteer of the Month, Cyndi McGarry! Cyndi first joined us back in August of 2022, and has helped in just about every aspect of the farm since! From being on the Tuesday AM team, to her Friday PM shift, and helping to feed our horses in the afternoons. Cyndi and her husband, Ned, join us on facility days; power washing the barn, painting fences, cleaning up leaves, and more. As well, Cyndi helps with grooming some of our horses and tucks them in each week during her Night Check shift; and we always get to see her beautiful smiling face helping out at events and open houses! We thank our lucky stars that Cyndi found her way to SAFE! Thank you, Cyndi, for all that you do for the horses of SAFE, we couldn’t do this work without people like you! Learn more about Cyndi below.
How and when did you first get involved with horses? Did you have one you want to tell us about?
When I was young I had a few riding lessons and a large collection of Breyer models, but I can’t say that I was really involved with horses until I learned of SAFE last summer. Thanks to conversations and friends sharing information, I was led to SAFE’s website. After reading through the entire site, I filled out the volunteer application. About two weeks later, I was picking my first paddock and absolutely loving it!
What do you like most about volunteering at SAFE?
There are so many things about volunteering at SAFE that are important to me. The people I’ve met and becomes friends with. The opportunity to be constantly learning something new. But it really comes down to the horses. Watching them flourish under the care and training that they receive at SAFE — maybe for the first time in their lives — is incredibly rewarding and I’m thankful to be even a small part of their journey.
Do you have a favorite SAFE Horse? If so, why?
Cyndi and Wren
It’s so hard to pick a favorite. I started at SAFE about the same time that Bijou came to us. I’ve loved watching her “spicy” personality come out over the past year. However, it’s the sweet, quiet ones like Wren that really tug at my heart. I’ve enjoyed cheering her on as she’s found her place among her new herd mates.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I enjoy quiet hobbies. I like to read, knit and crochet. I also conduct genealogical research for friends and family. I enjoy history and genealogy truly brings it to life.
Do you have family or special people in your life that support your volunteer work that you would want us to mention in your write up?
My husband, Ned, has always encouraged me to find “my thing”. And while that “thing” has changed over the years, he’s always supported me. He’ll even help out from time to time, ie pressure washing stalls, cleaning up leaves.
