A Horse Whisperer In Training
One of our youngest and newest volunteers quickly earns the trust and respect of our horses and members.
At an age when most girls are focused on boys, parties, and hanging out with girlfriends, Emily Stoddart has chosen a different path: she prefers to “hang out” with rescue horses.
Two years ago Emily set out to find a horse related group that she could join, where she could make a difference in a horse’s life. After graduating school and obtaining her driver’s license, she pursued an opportunity to volunteer at Red Bucket Equine Rescue in Chino Hills. “I found out about Red Bucket while searching online. When I read their mission statement, I immediately knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of,” Emily explains. She joined Red Bucket Equine Rescue in September 2012 and has since become entrenched in her volunteer services while also becoming an indispensable member of our team. “When I think of our mission statement, I think of the unconditional love that we provide, and the unconditional love I have for all of the horse I’ve had the chance to care for. I’ve learned the power of patience while volunteering for Red Bucket, and how small accomplishments can create huge advances in these animals’ lives.”
Emily drives over 45 minutes each way from Lakewood every Tuesday and Sunday, and enjoys her current role as morning feeder while she aspires to learn more about grooming and caring for the horses. In the short time she has been at the Ranch, she has fallen in love a few times. In Emily’s words, “Dublin is the love of my life! Anyone that works with me at the Ranch knows how I feel about him. He is a gorgeous paint that I fell in love with the moment I first saw him in his stall. I had an instant connection with him and I think about him every day. He is a big troublemaker and a pain in the butt, yet I love him dearly! If I had the money I would want nothing more than to be the one to provide him with his forever home and love him every second of every day.”
Dublin is obviously the focus of Emily’s life, and she could go on forever with silly stories about this handsome paint. “Dublin definitely loves his carrots, and during Christmas he really liked candy canes. He is super silly, and he likes to chew on things when I clean his water. He will grab the bucket I’m using to bail and try to pick it up; it’s hilarious! I think he is nearly perfect. The day I met Dublin he stole my brand new Red Bucket hat I had received for Christmas. It was a cute moment we shared because he didn’t chew on it, just sort of held on to it as if trying to see what it was. I’m not sure if I’m his ‘person’, but there are some days that I feel like we share special moments; it’s as if he knows how much I love him and sends love right back to me.”
Susan Peirce, founder and President of Red Bucket, absolutely lights up when she speaks of Emily. “She is SUCH a sweetheart, and so delightful to be around. Emily came to the Ranch on Christmas morning with special treats for all the horses. It was touching to see her give up her own Christmas to spend time with the horses. I never have to worry about her showing up. She is very dependable and is always there wholeheartedly for the horses. The horses follow her wherever she goes; she just has that kind of presence and love within her. Emily is very responsible, grateful, and truly mature beyond her years.”
Jenon Mathes, our Breezeway Coordinator, sees such great potential in Emily. “Emily is very bright and conscientious,” Jenon shares. “I only see her on Sundays, but her enthusiasm is contagious. She always goes the extra mile with any task she assists with. It’s not uncommon to see her cleaning waterers or adding bedding to a stall on her own accord. I look forward to seeing her and appreciate her commitment to our horses.”
Working at Red Bucket Ranch is very satisfying, rewarding, and fulfilling, and even tragic events teach us important life lessons. Emily memorializes Haze in this heartfelt recount: “The recent loss of Haze touched me in a very moving way. He was a gentle souled horse who was dealt a bad hand in life. While in our care he had good days and bad, but he was always showered with lots of love, and there was always someone to check on him. During my feedings, I took the extra time to sit with him and make sure he was taking his medicine. He was adopted before we lost him and was given a place to call his forever home. Haze was so sweet and gentle, and although his time with us was short, he left this world knowing he was loved.”
Through good times and bad, for better or for worse, Emily has joined Red Bucket for the long haul. The lessons learned go beyond horse care, and Emily appreciates the life lessons she garners from her days at the Ranch. Reciprocally, her enthusiasm, compassion, and endless love for the horses are greatly appreciated by us all!