Here’s a bit about Christine!
How long have you been volunteering at Forward Stride and why did you start?
Forward Stride is an integral part of my mental & physical health regimen! It’s the best anti-depressant ever! Morning is my favorite time when it’s quiet here. It’s so refreshing to breathe in the air & calm of this place. I love coming out, greeting & being greeted by the horses & the people when I arrive for my Tuesday & Friday shifts. I’m so grateful to be a part of this amazing community. I’m turning 70 soon. Yikes! How did this happen? Mucking & cleaning troughs isn’t glamorous, but I love the physical work part of my midday chores. Working outdoors alongside my fellow volunteers makes me feel alive & it’s a great workout.
My pre-retirement career was as a Special Education teacher, then university instructor training teachers, & my last gig was as an art teacher for kids with special needs. My only horse experience besides vacation trail rides was as a teen when I was briefly a horse owner. At that time, the horse care I was involved in was pretty basic, nothing like what these lucky horses receive at Forward Stride!
Who is your favorite horse?
I feel privileged to have earned the trust to care for these soulful & majestic creatures! I especially look forward to spa time AKA Herd Health with Dakota each week. Although I love him dearly, it’s hard to name a favorite horse. I love the variety of horse breeds here! I kind of love the really big ones.
Do you have a hobby you love to spend time on?
When I’m not at Forward Stride, I walk my dog, pet my cat, knit, garden, hike, kayak, do yoga, practice meditation, cross country ski, create glass art in my glass fusing studio & enjoy watching lots of series streaming on TV.
What is one piece of advice you would give a new volunteer?
My best advice is to ask questions. If we haven’t yet met, please say hello & tell me what you’re watching.