Please join us in honoring Nora C as August’s Volunteer of the Month!

Nora came to us this spring, asking if she could celebrate her 15th birthday with a work party at Safe Harbor Stables. Nora and her friends spent the day scrubbing fences, sweeping the barn, and picking rocks from the back pasture. But Nora’s giving spirit didn’t stop there! Even though she’s currently too young to hold a regular volunteer position, she’s found plenty of ways to contribute! Visitors to Safe Harbor during our spring Open House were treated to a huge assortment of cookies that Nora baked herself. She did the same for her fellow volunteers at this year’s SAFE Benefit Horse Show too, but her biggest contribution was working in the main show arena at the horse show! Nora brought along a friend and worked tireless on both days of the show. She even stayed for tear-down on Sunday, and was one of the last volunteers to leave. Despite the hard work and heat, Nora wore a smile at all times!

We can’t wait till Nora turns 16 and is able to become a regular volunteer at the barn! Here is more about Nora in her own words…

I am 15 years old, and I have been riding since I was 6. I love horses, although I do not own one. I currently ride and am a working student at a local hunter/jumper barn. I am planning to have a career in equine veterinary medicine, and have been lucky enough to have the chance to shadow some of the local equine vets. I am definitely horse-crazy, and my bookshelf is full of horse books!

How long have you been volunteering with SAFE?

I started volunteering at SAFE events in March of this year. I have helped at a few open houses, a work party, and the SAFE show most recently.

What made you decide to volunteer with SAFE?

A few years ago, I read a book about horse slaughter and the fate of many off the track thoroughbreds. After doing more research into both of those subjects, I was horrified. I knew I needed to do something to help these horses. SAFE was the perfect rescue: it was local, and they did amazing work. I have wanted to volunteer with SAFE for several years, but have never been old enough. I wanted to help the horses, and I liked that I could help to make a difference in the world, even if it’s just little things. All of the staff has been very helpful in finding things I can help with, and I can’t wait until I am old enough to volunteer on a regular basis. I have really enjoyed getting to work with both the people and ponies here.

Who is your favorite SAFE horse?

I have two favorites: Skittles and Sapphire. They are both such great mares! I met Skittles at the SAFE show, and she is an absolute sweetheart. I met Sapphire at SAFE in March, and was struck first by her beauty, and then by her lovely personality. Sapphire is a bit shyer, but it has been wonderful watching her progress. I can’t wait to see her when she gets back from training!

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your experience with SAFE?

I am so glad that I could find a place like SAFE that allows me to help with their mission. It is such a wonderful group of people, and they do an amazing job. I can’t wait to get my own horse (in several years), and hopefully it will be a SAFE horse!