How long have you been volunteering at CTRC?
I heard about CTRC through United Day of Caring in 2005. I joined a group who came out to paint the farmhouse deck and Jim told us about CTRC and inspired me to volunteer. I’ve been volunteering here ever since.

What is your favorite part of volunteering with us?
I appreciate how friendly and helpful all volunteers are. Everyone greets each other when coming into the tack room, and I always try to learn new volunteers’ names to make them feel welcome and comfortable. Volunteers are always willing to help each other answer questions about which tack to use or how to properly tack a horse when a new piece of tack is required.

I feel so fulfilled horse leading for riders. It’s a joy when each rider accomplishes a skill in a lesson, even being brave enough to get on a big horse is a challenge for a new rider. By the end of the session the riders can even give those big horses pets of Thanks, which is quite awesome seeing the rider going from fear to bravery. I celebrate each accomplishment with each rider, even as the horse leader. At CTRC’s yearly Horse Show the riders get to show their parents, care takers and friends what they’ve learned and are awarded ribbons. A big day for the riders and for us at CTRC to see the riders’ accomplishments showcased.

I love working with the horses in whatever capacity needed. The horses are so well trained and calm, they are a joy to work with and around. Feeding time is especially special to me because of the sounds the horses make – the little chuckle/huffing noise they make when feeding their mash. Of course, the horses love feeding time, showing exactly where to put the hay or mash – and pointing their nose in the hay or mash bin ‘right here in the bin, ma’am’!

What would you say to someone considering volunteering here?
Do it! Even if you have no experience with horses, CTRC will train you everything thing you need to know. The horses are the best to learn around because they are very calm and know their jobs. The other volunteers are very helpful and willing to help you out whenever you have a question. Because existing volunteers enjoy being here, you will quickly find yourself settling in, making friends and getting comfortable with the other volunteers, instructors and horses.

Who is your favorite horse?
My favorite horse? That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child! Patron is my barn buddy, so he is my favorite. He is so playful and smart and when I’m in pasture to bring him in, I’ll say his name and he’ll walk up to me. He’s big but a beautiful, handsome horse. Grindle is new to CTRC and is so smart she hardly needs a horse leader in the arena. Cream makes the cutest chuckle sound when he’s being fed his mash. Each horse is special in their own way and I love discovering each horses’ uniqueness.

I have a dog training business and train dogs to be better canine citizens and to stay in their forever homes by being calm, well-mannered dogs.

I also volunteer for Boulder County Sheriff’s Office teaching classes on how not to be scammed. It’s a valuable training for all ages because 1 in 10 of us will be scammed and it’s so easy to get lured into a scam. It’s something I’m passionate about because I know people who have been scammed. I enjoy reading and spend time staying healthy in the gym and pool and hiking in the mountains with my husband and our dog.