Here’s a bit about Linda!
How long have you been volunteering at Forward Stride and why did you start?
I’ve been volunteering at FS for 6 years. It sure doesn’t feel like that long. I started because I missed having a horse in my life and I wanted to make friends in Oregon. I had no idea then that FS would come to mean so much to me. I love the work, the staff and volunteers, the horses, and the clients. Sometimes the horsey, leather smell of the tack room can take me right back to my childhood, reminding me of all the hours I spent at a barn as a young teenager. Other times when I’m lucky enough to be at the barn during sunset, I stop and watch and wonder how I got so lucky.
Who is your favorite horse?
Sterling is my favorite horse because he’s so affectionate and willing. I’ve had a few other favorite guys at FS – mostly Rebel, Pepper, Rune, and Mack. All left FS for different reasons, and I remember them fondly. They were/are intelligent, curious, engaged and funny horses.
Do you have a hobby you love to spend time on?
My hobby is sewing. For many years I made Ren Faire costumes and quilts, but now I just seem to make wallets and baby toys. Having a great time learning how to make new things!
What is one piece of advice you would give a new volunteer?
To any new volunteers, I would say: it’s daunting in the beginning, so many horses, so many new people. But stick with it, pretty soon you’ll be talking about the horses at work and at home like they’re friends and co-workers. Which I guess they are. 🙂