Congratulations to our June Volunteer of the Month, Ann Marie Raab! Since she began volunteering at SAFE in 2023, Ann Marie has been reliable, knowledgeable and meticulous about her work—a tremendous asset to all the AM chores crews who have had the privilege of working with her. Her care for all, human and horse, shines through in all that she does here at SAFE. In nominating her for Volunteer of the Month, a fellow volunteer said, “Ann Marie really puts her heart and soul into volunteering, and it shows on our crew and with the horses.”
Thank you, Ann Marie, for all you do to support the horses of SAFE!
Read on to learn more about Ann Marie.
How and when did you first get involved with horses?
My earliest memory of seeing a horse was when I was about five- or six-years-old. It was a black Shetland pony at a petting zoo section at Issaquah Salmon Days or Island County Fair. I was with my mom and sister and the pony stepped on my sister’s sandal. Since then, I have always loved horses.
Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
I don’t have a horse yet but hope to own one in the future. I was close to owning my aunt’s palomino quarter horse Sugar, but she found another new owner for her. Until then I have the herd at SAFE to consider my own.
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
I love the atmosphere that SAFE provides for both horses and people. I consider it as a therapy setting: As soon as I drive through the gate, I leave reality behind and connect with the horses and other fellow volunteers. Every week I volunteer, it’s amazing to see the personalities that blossom and the various milestones that each horse achieves. It is such a pleasure to be around other amazing volunteers who love and care for these beautiful animals.
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
It’s so hard to choose a favorite horse, but if I had to choose it would be Esme. There’s something special about her — every time I see her it puts a smile on my face. When I say hello to her, either in the arena or pasture, she sweetly comes up to the gate and tries to ask for pets.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
I work at the Costco Warehouse in Issaquah.
Do you have family or special people in your life who support your volunteer work?
My family is very supportive of my volunteer work as a hobby that I enjoy doing.
