Congratulations to our October Volunteer of the Month, Jeanne! We are extra lucky, and get to see Jeanne twice a week, as she is a Barn Assist on Wednesdays, and joins us for the AM chores on Thursdays; which she Co-Leads with another volunteer! Coming to the barn on a day when Jeanne will be there, always brings a smile to everyone’s face! Jeanne shows up each week with an upbeat, can-do attitude, kind and thoughtful heart, with a willingness to jump right in and help; I’ve also heard she makes a great cup of coffee! Thank you, Jeanne, for all the time, love and hard work you share with us; we are so lucky that you choose to spend your free time helping our horses! Learn more about Jeanne below.
How and when did you first get involved with horses? Did you have one you want to tell us about?
In college I spent my summers at a camp in Northern California, taking teenagers from all over the country on trail rides. It was a rewarding experience to see kids connect with horses, especially city kids who had never seen a real horse before!
It’s been exactly 2 years since my first shift at SAFE – it was a rainy Thursday morning cleaning paddocks and I was hooked! I found SAFE through a google search and I was shocked to find that SAFE is close to my house. I went to an open house with my family and promised I would be back as soon as there was room in my schedule. It took five years for that to happen and here I am.
What do you like most about volunteering at SAFE?
Of course, I love the horses – they inspire me every day with their “try” and trust in us. I love the people at SAFE and treasure the friendships and comradery among us. I’m also an outside girl and I spend as much time as possible outside and moving my body. There is a feeling of accomplishment that comes from physical work. It makes me happy.
My favorites change all the time and I appreciate all of their different personalities and quirks. Esme captured my heart early on. She is sweet, hard-working, curious, and a BOSS! I chose to be Team Sienna for Sweethearts of the Rodeo because she is so patient with us volunteers. It makes me happy to see her turned out with her besties, Veronica and Pepper!
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I have two teenagers that keep me busy. I love being as involved in their lives as possible. They are my “colt start!” Outside of parenthood, you will find me obsessing over coffee, thrifting, planning family trips, cooking, and hanging with my dog.
My husband, Aaron, is the most supportive person I could ask for in a partner. He understands how much SAFE means to me and cheers me on. Both of my kids are happy that I found a place as fulfilling as SAFE…especially my son – Wes – who is always up for a trip to the barn, whether it is for an open house, BINGO, or helping me on a shift.
