Here’s a bit about Georgia!
How long have you been volunteering at Forward Stride and why did you start?
I’ve been a volunteer at Forward Stride for four years. Since I took my first riding lesson with a gentle gray pony named Misty during a vacation on Bainbridge Island I just knew that, for me, there was no better way to spend time than to spend it with horses. Since then I’ve been very fortunate to interact with many horses in many different circumstances. Something I’ve realized over time is that in almost all cases I have to some extent asked horses to fit themselves into my own plans, goals or priorities. I volunteer at Forward Stride for a number of reasons, but the thing I appreciate most is the opportunity as a horsecare volunteer to be of service to these horses without asking or expecting anything of them in return.
Who is your favorite horse?
As my Herd Health buddy, I have a particularly close relationship with KJ. I started working with KJ shortly after we lost our dog very suddenly to cancer. I was without an animal of my own for the first time in decades and I really can’t articulate how much spending time with KJ each week helped me work through grief and feel some joy in a very hard time. Getting to know him better and earn his confidence over the past year and a half has been so rewarding. The first time he chose to let me curry his ears it was just like the best compliment. He is very special to me.
Do you have a hobby you love to spend time on?
I love to read, bake pies, and knit hats that look like animals for my young nephew.
What is one piece of advice you would give a new volunteer?
The time we spend here with the horses is an excellent opportunity to set aside the concerns and stressors we all experience in our lives outside the barn. Being fully present in each of the simple and important tasks we perform as volunteers makes us better caretakers and it gives our busy human brains a much needed rest. We are so fortunate to share time with these wonderful, generous animals in such a beautiful place.