APRIL APRIL Volunteer Newsletter Volunteer Newsletter
Thank You
Dear Volunteers,
AprilisVolunteerAppreciationMonth,andwewant totakeamomenttorecognizeYOU,our extraordinaryvolunteerswhogiveyourtime, energy,andcompassiontoDEFHR.
Yourwillingnesstoshowup,rainorshine,(sleetor snow)makesarealdifferenceinthelivesofthe horsesinourcare.Whetheryouaremuckingstalls, grooming,assistingatevents,filingpapersinthe office,orsimplyofferingagentlehandtoahorse, yourworkdoesnotgounnoticed.
Becauseofyou,thesehorsesreceivemorethanjust care.Theyreceivekindness,patience,andasecond chance.Yourdedicationinspiresuseveryday,and thisworkwouldnotbepossiblewithoutyou.
Kelsey Swann Volunteer Coordinator
Legacy Breakout Camp Ages 7-11 9am-4pm
April 9th & 23rd
April 17th & 18th
April 20th-24th
April 26th
Farrier Day
Tink’s Tack Room Opening Hours 9am-4pm
DEFHR Celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Week
National Help a Horse Day
HORSE SPOTLIGHT
Mochi
Mochi is a classic, distinguished looking young Thoroughbred gelding who enjoys the process of learning new things whether that is a new groundwork exercise or picking up a new trick. He is the happiest when he is hanging out with his people receiving words of affirmation, snuggles and scratches. Mochi was a part of large seizure in Jefferson County, WV in 2024. He was a body condition score of a 1… my what a glow up and transformation he went through both physically and mentally!
Upon further investigation with our vet, it was recommended that Mochi be adopted out as a non-riding horse due to some mild neurologic deficits. It is hard to even tell as he is a lovely mover and enjoys doing roundpen work walk/trot/canter as well as in hand work.
Mochi is a lovebug who loves being the center of attention!
Mochi LOVES to meet new friends during our educational events!
Check out a Mochi video here!
Comings and Goings
Comings
Goings
Tito
Ulia
Lyric (RIP)
Newton (RIP)
Owen (RIP)
Tito
Lyric
Manny Newton Owen
Lyric
NEWBARNSTAFF
CHARLES
Charles comes to DEFHR with a background in harness racing and is excited to get to know everyone. Give him a warm DEFHR welcome next time you’re at the farm!
HORSE WORLD EXPO RECAP
Trainer Leigha Shrader and DEFHR Ambassador Zillow gave a heartfelt Liberty performance during “Equitianment” hour each day. Truly showcasing their special bond and the resillience of a rescue horse- there was not a dry eye in the house!
Pictured: DEFHR Ambassador Rooster participating in a Liberty Training Clinic with Leigha. Our horses got the chance to participate in lots of fun clinics with different trainers over the weekend!
toour superstar volunteer team!
VOLUNTEER
APPRECIATION WEEK
April 20th-24th
Monday 4/20
Check your email for a special thank you message
Donuts and Coffee Day!
Grab a treat before both AM and PM shifts!
Wednesday 4/22
Tuesday 4/21
Photoshoot with a DEFHR Ambassador
Snap a forever memory! Sign up instructions below
Picnic Lunch with Mini McJagger
Bring your lunch and chow down with fellow volunteers and our mini’s! 12:30pm
Friday 4/24
Thursday 4/23
Tie Dye till the cows (horses?) come home!
We’ll provide the shirts + dye, you provide the creativity! 4pm-5pm
Volunteer Appreciation
Photoshoot with a DEFHR Horse!
Sue Holechek
CELEBRATING YEARS OF
VOLUNTEERING
From the minute I pull into the driveway at the farm, I am at my HAPPY PLACE! I love being part of this wonderful organization- I come to get my “ horse fix” and to be around the friends I have made at the farm.
This April marks Sue’s 13 year as a volunteer and we are so grateful for her willingness to do everything and anything around the farm. You’ll find her giving tours, doing laundry, weed whacking, grooming and helping us with our new Norman’s Farm stand partnership! We are so lucky to have you on the team Sue! th
NATIONAL HELP A HORSE DAY
At DEFHR we help horses everyday- what a great day to celebrate by signing up for a volunteer shift or making a donation!
SUMMER CAMP S U M M E R C A M P
Ages 7-11
June 29th-July 3rd
July20th-24th
August 10th-14th
Educational Events
OPENING HOURS:
April 17th & 18th 9AM-4PM
Helpusgrowour Help us grow our CSApartnershipwith CSA partnership with
Encourage friends, family and neighbors to sign up for a subscription box for peakseason fresh local produce. Each week you’ll receive a variety of fruits, veggies and herbs-hand selected by the farmer himself. A great way to support the farm, an the environment all while enjoying fresh veggies!
If you’re a new volunteer...
