It’s not unusual to have a person moved to tears when touring the Ranch. Our featured volunteer shares with me her emotional journey with Red Bucket that is proving to be a life saver, and a bit of a tear jerker. “I was referred to Red Bucket by a friend that read Doug Saunders’ story in The Sun,” shares Andrea Velarde. “When I viewed the website I was instantly hooked! I scheduled a visit to the Ranch with my nieces, and during the tour with Angela I spent most of the time bawling! I was so moved by their stories of recovery and triumph, by the emphasis on healing and thriving, that I felt compelled to join this group of selfless caretakers.”

Andrea quickly signed up to be a feeder and worked a couple of nights a week with Diana. When she realized how much more she could give and recognized the long, hard hours Diana was putting in, she stepped it up. By offering to do more, she realized that there is always more to do. I really take my time with each task, and bask in each horse’s personality,” Andrea explains. “It is important for me to spend quality time with the horses, and I make sure to never rush, and in doing so I feel like I have a special connection with many of them.” Andrea soon began training to groom with Jenon Mathes and found herself at the Ranch 4-5 days a week. “I’ve learned so much from Jenon and Diana. They both have such a great demeanor, and they’ve taught me to be calm and patient around the horses. They put their heart and soul into the Ranch, and it shows in the horses’ happiness.”

Jenon further explains Andrea’s growth with Red Bucket. “It seemed that from the minute she became involved with us, she became a daily fixture. She has a wonderful ‘will do’ attitude and is not afraid to tackle any task thrown her way. There have been a few times when our regular weekend morning feeders have been unavailable, and Andrea never hesitates to fill in. She will even come in for just an hour or two to deliver lunch buckets on the rare occasion I need help, and while there she always asks what she can do to help and what is needed, right down to stopping to pick up water on the incredibly hot days we’ve had this summer.”

When Jenon noticed how calm and patient Andrea was around the horses, she coaxed her to start grooming. “The first time I sent her out on her own to groom, she wasn’t able to complete her list because she got caught up loving on our own handsome Shavers,” Jenon recalls. “She apologized profusely but as I often explain, ‘It’s not a list to be checked off…grooming is about touching and connecting’. Shavers thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the time Andrea spent on him! Any horse feels lucky to get that kind of attention. I deeply appreciate her ability to focus on detail in every aspect of her volunteer duties. Andrea is reliable, and if she says she’s got it covered, I believe her. She truly is a role model as a Red Bucket Volunteer!”

Susan Peirce recalls that day when Andrea got caught up with grooming Shavers, and explains why she is such a valuable asset to our group. “Every time I look up, she is there! Andrea is the epitome of Red Bucket Red; she really wants to be a part of Red Bucket. This is a personal mission for her, and the process is a very important part of her job. She doesn’t ever rush, she is very process oriented, and she thoroughly enjoys what she does and how she does it. I recall that day when she had a lengthy ‘to-do’ list, yet I saw her still grooming Shavers; it was beautiful! She really stays in the moment and savors every detail of the task at hand, never rushing and always so patient with all of the horses. Andrea just dove right in on her very first day, and she truly enjoys feeding and grooming and just being at the Ranch.”

Andrea learned about horses when she was young, spending time at her Aunt and Uncle’s farm in Chino where she taught herself to ride and barrel race. Although she knows the basics about horse care, she has come to realize that she has only viewed the tip of the iceberg. “It is amazing to see how well the Ranch functions, and how hard everyone works. I can’t explain how rewarding it is to be a part of such a committed cause. It is such a great group, and everyone works so well together. Nobody questions why they are here; we are all dedicated to serving the horses. It is this common cause, and the like minds, that create such a positive energy.”

While developing her horsemanship skills, Andrea also developed a strong bond with the horses. “They are ALL my favorites, although I must admit to a soft spot for Kolcheck. He is such a gentle giant! I knew as a kid that you had to be patient with horses, and I recognize now how even more important it is.” A recent personal crisis has required Andrea’s attention away from the Ranch, and she has come to realize that this is the time she needs horses the most. “My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and I need to be there for her and for my younger brother. This is a challenging time for our family; however, I find the Ranch is the perfect place for me to reconnect and recharge. I find strength in the horses. It is almost as if I am getting from them what I need, and they are getting from me what they need.”

One day after her Mom’s mastectomy, Andrea was grooming Chili Dog, and the peace and quiet of the Ranch helped her to put things in perspective. She found the courage to be strong for her Mom. “All of the horses that night seemed to have great empathy for me, and I sensed a tremendous sense of gratitude from them. It was a very moving moment, and I draw on that whenever I am feeling weak or stressed. The horses are truly my saving grace right now! Sometimes I wish I didn’t have to leave at night.” The other wish Andrea has is that Red Bucket finds a way to raise more money to save more horses. “I admire what our founder has built. She is truly a pioneer and has such great strength and dedication. I just know we can do more if we had additional financial support.”

We admire Andrea’s dedication and drive to help the horses and the Ranch thrive, and in giving thanks for her continued support we also wish the best for her Mom and her family. From all of us, Andrea, big hugs and kisses!