Congratulations to our February Volunteer of the Month, Samantha Gunnerson!
At SAFE, our 250+ volunteers are truly the heart of our community. We can really only do what we do because of our amazingly generous volunteers! This month we are celebrating a truly dedicated volunteer — Samantha Gunnerson. Sam has shown incredible dedication to our sweet horses here at SAFE! She has been riding for over 22 years, and has diverse horse experience in interacting with horses from many different backgrounds. Prior to moving back to Washington, Sam volunteered with Colorado Horse Rescue where she trained to groom elderly animals as well as organized biohazard procedures and quarantine for animals’ safety. Sam is a seasoned, loyal and consistent shift lead at SAFE, and able to share tasks with and interact with her team in meaningful ways. Having been at SAFE for over 18 months now, Sam has made a big impact! We feel so lucky to have her. Thank you Sam for all that you do! Learn more about Sam below:
How and when did you first get involved with horses? Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
I have been riding and working around horses for over 20 years, and in that time have had the pleasure of working with or riding well over 50 horses. Many of those relationships have been fulfilling and incredibly meaningful, including my current horse, a purebred Morgan gelding named Major, who has competed with me in dressage and English equitation classes.
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
Volunteering with SAFE provides a unique horse opportunity to work with horses of varying backgrounds and be involved in the specifics of their care. I have enjoyed all I have learned at every barn I have worked at, including SAFE. Also, the environment of calm, especially on weekend evenings, is a highlight of my week.
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
I can’t choose! My favorite horses are always those with spunk and personality, which means there are a few great choices at SAFE.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I’m horsing around with my own horse, skiing, or in the summer I’m out on the lake. I also do project management, most recently with Bellevue School District.
