Anne started volunteering in July 2021 and has since become a solid rock on the Tuesday PM team. I don’t always have the pleasure of meeting each volunteer in person, but I remember hearing whisperings from Kaya about how awesome Anne was and she was right. Soon after these whisperings, she volunteered to be on my emergency text list, which is always my dream come true.

What I soon learned was Anne’s energy is absolutely infectious. I had the pleasure of spending time with her and Kelly, walking around the property on a sunny Tuesday. The entire time, she was smiling and talking about how wonderful the horses are, her favorites are the seniors. We are also lucky to have Anne on the Alumni team, assisting with annual checks on all our adopted horses, an important behind the scenes job.

We are very happy Anne found SAFE and is a big part of our community. Learn more about Anne below.

How and when did you first get involved with horses? Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
Twelve years ago when I was 55, I adopted two retired off-the-track thoroughbreds. I worked briefly at NW Equine Stewardship Center in Monroe and learned about the basic care and feeding of horses. I love taking care of these two old senior equines and have even learned to trim their feet. They are now in their late 20’s and seem to be enjoying life on our 5.6 acre farm.

What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
I have volunteered for other equine groups and SAFE is by far the most organized and consistently appreciative of the work volunteers do for the organization. I also appreciate the endless supply of learning opportunities that SAFE provides. When I finish my weekly shift at SAFE I feel like my work is important to the horses and staff.

Anne with Kelly, the Clydesdale

Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
I fell in love with Cameron, probably because he was a grand old man. Just the fact that he survived so long at SAFE, showed how much he wanted to stay on the planet, however briefly it turned out to be.

What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I am supposed to be retired but I work part time for Hoofbeat Blankets, picking up dirty blankets and dropping off clean ones. I love driving from Mt. Vernon to Buckley, seeing all the different barns, horses and people. What a great job!!

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 husband Bill is very supportive of my work at SAFE and takes care of feeding our horses on the evening I volunteer.