Celebrating the People Who Keep AAE Moving
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
Please disregard the note about submitting an adoption inquiry for Nevaeh in yesterday’s email; she has indeed already been adopted.
We’re taking a short break from our December stories to celebrate something just as special: the people behind the scenes. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of AAE, showing up day after day to feed, comfort, care, repair, organize, and support in at least a hundred unseen ways.
This month’s Volunteer Spotlight is our way of celebrating some of the incredible individuals who give their time, heart, and strength to AAE, and of expressing our gratitude to every volunteer who stands beside us.
Meet Karen L.!
AAE Volunteer for 6+ years!
What do you do as an AAE Volunteer?
Courtney and I share shift lead duties on Monday afternoons.
What do you love about AAE and/or volunteering at AAE?
I love seeing trust and confidence grow in the horses who come to us for new beginnings. I have learned so much about how to care for and support horses who are struggling with health or emotional issues. My time with AAE has definitely made me into a better “mom” for my own horses.
Who is your favorite AAE horse and why?
We adopted Kyrie (above) from AAE four years ago, and she continues to delight us every day. She is so kind and smart and devoted to her best horse friend. She loves playing in water, having her left thigh scratched, and late morning naps. She always greets me with a nicker and my heart melts every time.
Meet Courtney L.!
AAE Volunteer for 4+ years!
What do you do as an AAE Volunteer?
As an AAE volunteer, I serve as shift lead with Karen L Monday evening. I help care for the horses and support their incredible transformations. It’s truly special to be part of their journey — giving them care, love, and consistency, and feeling that love returned in their own unique ways.
What do you love about AAE and/or volunteering at AAE?
AAE has truly been a gift from God. In some of my hardest seasons, it has brought healing, comfort, and peace. When I’m here, I’m fully present with the horses and their needs — and as much as I care for them, they care for my heart and soul in return. They’ve taught me so much, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey. I’m constantly learning just how amazing horses truly are. I’ve gained community, connection, and a profound sense of gratitude for being part of AAE.
Who is your favorite AAE horse and why?
Gabby! The tears still come when I think of her. I can’t fully put into words how special she was — and still is — to me. I felt such a deep bond with her. She was so strong and resilient, and I always dreamed of the day I’d get to see her run in the pasture. She fought so hard, and I was fighting right alongside her. She was a true light in my life. I used to tell her, ‘You just don’t know what you do for me,’ and she would rest her head on my shoulder as if giving me a hug. I could sit with her for hours.
Gabby taught me so much. Despite all she had been through in her life, she still showed up with patience, forgiveness, trust, strength, resilience, and, above all, a heart full of love. I miss her deeply. Until we meet again, my sweet Gabby Girl.
Meet Maren C.!
AAE Volunteer for 1+ year!
What do you do as an AAE Volunteer?
Whatever needs to be done. For the Monday afternoon shift with Karen and Courtney, that generally involves feeding “the pellet kids” (Maia, Phantom, Cassadee, and Clyde), feeding the pastures, the barn and the new mare motel area, refilling pellet bowls, etc. I also am working on the auction for Boots and Bling.
What do you love about AAE and/or volunteering at AAE?
The people and the horses (and donkeys and goats and Radar).
Who is your favorite AAE horse and why?
Honestly, I don’t have one. I love all of their quirky personalities. It’s such fun to get to know them. This picture is of my favorite donkey at the rescue in San Diego where we lived before we moved up here.
Winter is here, and the holidays remind us of the power of giving and kindness. At AAE, our volunteers are the gift that keeps on giving, offering love, care, and support to the horses who need it most. This season, you can make a difference too. Come lend a hand, share your time and talents, and create a little holiday magic for our rescues.
Learn more about becoming an AAE volunteer below, and help us change lives, one horse at a time.