Thanks to Ariat International, five deserving volunteers at equine charities across the United States receive an $270 Gift Card for Ariat Boots each quarter. Ariat International sponsors the EQUUS Foundation Champions program, which aims to stimulate and reward volunteerism on behalf of horses.
We would like to congratulate the winners for the first quarter of 2021: Julie Clarke, Terry Maule, Abigail Andersen, Molly Herod, and Sue Gackle. The EQUUS Foundation is grateful for volunteers like these who dedicate their time to keeping horses safe and healthy and aiding the charities and horses that serve people in need.
Julie Clarke
Harvard, IL
Julie Clarke and Huey
Julie Clarke is a retired Firefighter/paramedic and has been volunteering at Bravehearts for 10 years. She currently serves as an advanced leader for the equine assisted services for children and adults as well as the innovative services provided by Bravehearts to meet the needs of our military veterans and their families.
Julie is working at becoming an exercise rider as well. “I have never been more blessed to volunteer at such an amazing organization,” said Julie. “We could not do what we do without her great volunteer help. The Ariat gift card is very well deserved,” said Breanne Lindsay, Volunteer Coordinator at Bravehearts.
|
Terry Maule Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation
Palm City, FL  Terry Maule with Barbie
Terry retired in 2017 after having a 37 year career in Banking. Once she was retired, she knew wanted to volunteer with animals. Initially she was thinking, cats or dogs, but when one of her best friends said that they should volunteer with horses. Terry discovered ERAF (Equine Rescue and Foundation) in January of 2018 and started volunteering with no knowledge of horses. She’s never looked back.
“When I started volunteering, I was frightened of horses, but now I am taking care of Barbie, a sweet 33-year old horse”, said Terry. “I even had to assign a shelf in the garage just for Barbie’s needs! Every day with Barbie is an awesome day!” |
Abigail Andersen Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Inc.
Dover Plains, NY  Abigail Anderson and Donuts
Abigail Andersen recalled her first experience at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue was in 2015 for summer camp. “I loved camp,” said Abigail, “and started taking riding lessons at Lucky Orphans,” and soon after began spending more time at the barn volunteering. Now 12 years old and a 7th grader, Abigail volunteers four to five days a week grooming and tacking horses. She is also a member of the Un-Whoa-Ables 4H Club at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue.
Abigail has valued her time with Lucky Orphans and all that she has learned expressing that she, “loves the environment of the barn and spending time with the horses. Deanna Mancuso, Executive Director of Lucky Orphans, has been a great mentor to me — always taking the time to teach me everything she can and giving me every possible opportunity.” |
|
Molly Herod Remember Me Rescue
Burleson, TX  Molly Herod and Palace Exchange
Molly Herod volunteers at Remember Me Rescue as the adoption and grant coordinator and has been volunteering there for almost two years. Molly has enjoyed horses her entire life but has always had a fondness for Thoroughbreds, which inspired her to volunteer at Remember Me Rescue. Remember Me Rescue specializes in rehabilitating, retraining and re-homing retired and injured racehorses after their careers at the track are over.
Enamored by the athleticism, passion and beauty of Thoroughbreds, she thoroughly enjoys learning about the history of each racehorse as part of her volunteer experience. When she is not with horses, she is either playing the piano or spending time with her family. |
Sue Gackle This Old Horse, Inc.
Hastings, MN  Sue Gackle and Dude
Sue Gackle’s love of horses began early in life recalling that she rode horses every day in the summer. When she retired five years ago, she knew she wanted to devote time to the care of horses. After reading an article in the local newspaper about This Old Horse, she was excited to visit and begin her journey as a volunteer.
From the very first day, Sue received a warm welcome. “I knew that this is where I wanted to spend my volunteer time,” said Sue. She now volunteers three days a week feeding the horses and mucking the stalls along with other barn chores and administrative duties. Sue is not only grateful for the time she spends with beautiful horses, but also the wonderful friendships she has established during her time at This Old Horse. |
