Finding Your Calling - Try Volunteering!
Thanks to Ariat International
Ariat International, five deserving volunteers at equine charities across the United States receive an Ariat Gift Card, valued at $270, for a pair of Ariat Boots each quarter. Ariat International sponsors the EQUUS Foundation
Champions
program, which aims to stimulate and reward volunteerism on behalf of horses.
The EQUUS Foundation would like to congratulate the winners for the second quarter of 2024: Ginna Jones, Kirsten Kisling-Costello, Hilary Lind, Ivette Ruiz Babylon, and Debra Vallely. 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.
Kirsten Kisling-Costello
Kirsten Kisling-Costello with Titus and her son Jonathan with Zane
Kirsten Kisling-Costello had not had any experiences with horses until she began volunteering at Horses with Hope in November 2022, alongside her husband and young son, Jonny. Together, they participate in a family-oriented program that allows them to care for two miniature horses, Zane and Titus.
They walked through the gates for the first time just as her little boy was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Marfan Syndrome - a disorder that affects many of the systems of his body and impacts his daily life.
"It's a lot to cope with, especially for a child," said Kisling-Costello, "but beyond the gate of Horses with Hope is a haven. "We didn't know how much we needed the love of a horse in our lives until we walked through that gate. We came believing that we had come to serve our local community, but our perspective about who was serving who was about to change."
Zane had a particular fondness for Jonny. When everything inside Jonny made him angry about his circumstances, want to give up, or feel helpless, Zane would come by and nudge him with his nose. In facing the challenges of caring for Zane, Jonny has found confidence and courage to overcome his own challenges.
Ginna Jones
Ginna Jones with Lucky
Ginna Jones has been a long-time volunteer at RTT - leading horses in mounted sessions. She also assists in therapeutic driving sessions and with the schooling of horses.
For Jones, the clients are her biggest joy, but, said Jones, "my heart is with the horses. They are the heroes in my book. Being just a small part of their story has been an honor and privilege."
Jones recalls, "Just this week I witnessed what RTT is all about: A timid rider, a steady horse, and instructor who leads with her heart -- all with the biggest, sweetest smiles as the three connected. They lit up the space between them with a soft glow and I was awed. I hope to never forget the wholesomeness of each moment we're in each other's lives, brought together through horses."
Ivette Ruiz Babylon, CPA
Ivette Ruiz Babylon with Tess
Ivette Ruiz Babylon started riding in her early forties when a friend invited her to a "mom class" where her daughter was taking riding lessons. Falling in love with horses was not something she expected when she began her career in banking and after several successful ventures, founded her own company, Babylon Consulting LLC.
She was thrilled to join the board of directors of Granite State Adaptive in 2018, where she could combine her passion for horses and her desire to give back to the community.
She has volunteered her services as the organization's treasurer, assisted in converting to new accounting software and has served as a volunteer horse handler and in various fundraising activities.
"I love seeing the kids' faces light up as they interact with the horses and learn about their care, body language and riding," said Ruiz Babylon.
She also serves on the Board of Directors and volunteers for several local organizations. When not working, she can be found in her garden, sailing with her husband, Mike, horseback riding, cycling or hiking with her dogs.
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Hilary Lind
Hilary Lind with Oak, a 7 year-old OTTB gelding
available for adoption
Hilary Lind grew up with horses in Washington state and worked her way up through Pony Club. When she left for college, she had to leave her horse Preppy behind, but she carried her love of horses with her.
Marriage, kids, living abroad, a career and settling in Massachusetts - the next 30 years flew by. Lind said, "I found myself missing being surrounded by ponies, itching to get my hands dirty again." She could not believe her luck when she discovered NEER North nearby.
"What a magical place to volunteer," said Lind. "Every single equine is treated with such love and respect while they wait for their forever homes. I love all the friends I've made here. So many, like me, young 'horse girls' who never quite grew out of it. I'm so lucky to have found NEER North."
Debra Vallely
Debra Vallely with Skippy
Debra Vallely and her husband moved to Florida from California to be close to family in January 2022, having retired from the District Attorney's Office as Director of the Victim Witness Unit.
"I knew that volunteering and working with the horses was my calling," said Vallely, when she learned about ERAF and began volunteering in March 2022. "I even learned how to drive a tractor -- and I fell in love with a thoroughbred racehorse named Skippy. Needless to say, I love my time at the barn."
Vallely sponsors Skippy as part of the ERAF Champions Program. "As a volunteer, you not only make a difference in the lives of the horses, but also meet some amazing individuals who all share a common bond -- the love of horses. My experience at ERAF will forever be in my heart."
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Learn more about Champions here
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