THE WHACKY ADVENTURES OF THE NEW RED BUCKET VOLUNTEER TEAM

What do you get when you cross “Thelma and Louise” with “Vacation”? Read about the crazy yet productive antics of the newest group of volunteers to join Red Bucket Equine Rescue.

When Susan Peirce told Karen McGarrah that there was a load of hay being donated to Red Bucket Equine Rescue, and that someone needed to pick it up and deliver it to the Ranch, Karen jumped into action and sent out a plea to several members. Within minutes, she assembled a group of three able bodied volunteers. Make that two and a half, as one of the volunteers had her arm in a sling. Aisha Saleemi, Kiana Flores, and Gustavo (Gus) Diaz Cruz enthusiastically accompanied Karen on the road trip to Rancho Santa Fe where 81 bales of hay awaited them.

“It was the hottest day of the year, and these kids did not whine or complain once,” Karen recalls. “We all set out in my truck and trailer and drove to Rancho Santa Fe, laughing and talking like we were old friends. When we arrived, there was a mountain of hay, 81 bales in all, and five layers high, with just the four of us to load it all up. As I searched for a ladder, Aisha made a ninja-like move to the top of the heap and began hoisting the bales down. Mice began scurrying out from under the hay, causing a great deal of commotion and squealing, but once past that little surprise, we got into a rhythm and just got the job done. Each bale weighs a hundred pounds, about as much as each of the girls weighs! Through the heat and the mice and the strenuous work, not once did these kids complain.”

After a grueling two and a half hours of backbreaking labor in the sweltering sun, the team packed it up to head back to the Ranch. But not without a quick pit stop at a nearby In-And-Out! As they pulled into the parking lot, they noticed a large crowd of youngsters in formal attire. “It was prom night!” explains Karen. “Here we were all dirty and smelly, and we just walked amongst these teenagers with their beautiful gowns and handsome tuxedoes. It was hilarious! We were starving, so we didn’t really care how we looked or smelled! We just fueled up and were grateful for the big load we were hauling back to the Ranch.”

During the long drive home, the group once again engaged in stimulating and humorous conversation, so much so that they didn’t even realize when they arrived back home. It was then that the weary team realized something however; somebody had to UNLOAD all that hay! Fortunately the group was able to catch a little shuteye and recover a bit before returning the next day along with a few new recruits to unload and store 8,100 pounds of hay.

The team reflects the culture of Red Bucket, a “what can I do to help” attitude that has attracted and developed some amazing volunteers! Susan Peirce elaborates: “It is so compelling, this meaning of our work; there is a certain rhythm and status quo that go with it. We have been able to assemble people that truly want to serve, and it is HARD work! No complaining, no glamour, this is tough, dirty, sweaty work. The team represents the type of person Red Bucket is looking for in a volunteer, lots of energy, a positive attitude, and a motivation to serve.”

Shortly after the hay delivery expedition, the Team had another assignment. A 24X24 pen was being donated to Red Bucket, and it needed to be picked up in Phelan. “I received the call on a Friday night, and we had our quarterly leadership meeting scheduled for the following day,” Karen recalls. “I knew I could get the team together for this mission, and I hated to miss the meeting because it was the 1st year anniversary meeting, but it was more important to get the pen. Everything we do is for the horses; this donation was far too important to put off another day.”

So Karen sent out a message to Aisha, Kiara and Gus, and received confirmation within minutes that the group would be ready first thing the next morning. “We took off in a 26’ U-Haul, and laughed and talked during the entire one and a half hour drive to Phelan. I didn’t even know where Phelan was!” laughs Karen. “This is the greatest group of kids I’ve ever met. Not only are they hard working and dedicated to our organization, they are also very positive and motivated to make a difference. They are truly dedicated to helping our horses, and that’s what it’s all about.”

We appreciate that dedication and commitment to Red Bucket! Thank you team for all you’ve done and continue to do for our horses.