Congratulations to our April Volunteer of the Month, Mara Fetters!
At SAFE, our volunteers are truly the heart of our community. We can really only do what we do because of our amazing and generous volunteers! This month we are celebrating Mara Fetters. Mara has been an incredible help to many different functions here at SAFE and is so wonderful to work with! She is always willing to lend a helping hand and has diverse and impressive skills! She does all kinds of things at SAFE; daily barn chores, grooming, basic care, facility maintenance, minor construction projects, and is an expert chili maker among so many other things. Mara has mentioned: “Horses feed my soul and calm my brain.” Her love of horses is evident and shines through in her work at SAFE over the last 18+ months. Mara’s positivity is contagious and she will always bring a smile to your face. We feel so lucky to have her at SAFE, caring for horses and humans alike. Learn more about Mara below.
How and when did you first get involved with horses?
I don’t know what inspired the thought, but around age 5 I told my dad I wanted to ride horses. And that was it! I don’t remember those first in lessons in detail, just that being on a horse made me feel peaceful, safe, and as natural as walking. I loved every second of being with them.
I don’t have a horse of my own now, but I had the most amazing horse in my teens that I rode in the Junior Jumpers. Jimmy, King’s Cole, was a 23 year old thoroughbred. Twenty-three!!! For two years he took me around those courses like a fresh young horse. He had been an eventing horse most of his life and was a seasoned pro. Best of all, he was a trusted, kind friend and a good citizen. If I have a horse again one day, I hope to find a one in a million like him.
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
Being at SAFE feeds my soul. I get so much joy from the people, the horses, and even scooping poop (it’s meditative!). The best part, though, is watching adopted horses riding off in the trailer to their new homes. Contributing to the transformation that SAFE makes possible is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
This is the hardest question! Each horse has a unique way about them that makes them special. But, if I have to choose just one, I’ve got to give it to my guy, Owen! He wears his heart on his sleeve and is a great partner and teacher. I love the time I get to spend with him each week, he has my heart for sure!
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
When I’m not at SAFE, I’m mom to two amazing teens, working in my garden, tending my chickens, building things, and going on side quests learning about anything that captures my attention.
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?
Yes! My family and friends all know how much I love my time at SAFE and frequently ask for horse updates. My husband Kevin, especially, has always encouraged my volunteer efforts over the years. He sees how important it’s been for me to reconnect with horses and totally gets that barn days are subject to an alternate perception of time.
