“It was a birthday surprise that first brought me to the Ranch that the Horses Own!” shares Michelle Walker, volunteer extraordinaire. “A dear friend of mine had the entire day planned, red shirts and all!  Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by MJ, who introduced us to the stunning Malone. I was captivated by MJ’s compassion and honesty in sharing Malone’s story, and I was enthralled watching the love Malone had for her guardian. It was as if I found heaven on earth! Or should I say that Red Bucket found me?”

That first tour of the Ranch led to orientation, which led her to a Stable Service Day with Karen McGarrah, which led to working with Jenon Mathes. “I was beyond thrilled at the possibility of working directly with the horses,” shares Michelle. “Grooming meant touching our horses with my own hands, and learning how to responsibly and compassionately serve the unique needs of our horses. Shortly thereafter I began to manage turnouts and assist with medical care; my most treasured and fulfilling moments are spent walking around our Ranch with the sole purpose of serving our horses.”After her initial tour of the Ranch, Michelle was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. “I was grateful to Susan Peirce, the many dedicated volunteers and supporters of Red Bucket, and of course to the horses who have blessed us with their capacity to forgive. There were no expectations, only a profound desire to serve.”

About nine months ago Michelle approached Susan Peirce about a position she found on Volunteer Match – Our very own Red Bucket was in search of a Director of Finance. And so the dialogue with Susan began. Her background as a CPA at DeLoit, a USC graduate and public accounting experience and her expressed desire to support our organization in any capacity was a perfect fit, even if that meant trading in her curry comb and hoof pick for a laptop and ten-key. Susan and Red Bucket Leadership Team graciously welcomed her as our organization’s Director of Finance. “I am honored and grateful for every opportunity to serve as a volunteer for Red Bucket,” she explains. Susan could not be prouder of Michelle. ”If I had a daughter like her, when I died I would be happy knowing that I made a great contribution to the world! Michelle joined us last June and has been learning and growing ever since. She is incredibly positive, one who truly walks the talk, and is a living, breathing example of our culture. She is so gracious and lovely in all of her communications, and so completely and thoroughly dedicated to our cause. And most of all she truly cares about our horses.”

Michelle has an insane work ethic; she just rolls up her sleeves and digs in. According to Susan, “There have been times when I’ve had to kick her out of the office around midnight! She truly wants to learn and grow and make a difference with Red Bucket; she is a class act. Michelle took on a huge responsibility and is committed to being a leader, giving great attention to detail. She is delightful, intuitive, and a perfectionist, perfect for the job!”

The accolades for Michelle Walker continue to pour in. Michelle Mendez has this to say about our dynamic volunteer: “Michelle Walker always, and I mean always, displays a ‘can-do-attitude’, always willing to help, to learn, and to go the extra mile. You can count on Michelle to help until the very last horse is put to bed at night. It is inspiring to work alongside someone with such a positive energy. I can’t help but be inspired to believe that anything can be done, and it can be done with a smile.”

Michelle’s life has been profoundly impacted by the relationships she has cultivated at the Ranch, in particular with Jenon Mathes and Susan Peirce. “I will never forget my first training session with Jenon,” Michelle recalls. “She sat with me patiently explaining the ‘Red Bucket Way’ and the importance of touch. The experience was engaging and peaceful; Jenon is a powerful example of someone who leads by example. She always has the well-being of our horses first and foremost, and she has an eye for spotting anything that looks or feels out of place. I am sincerely grateful to Jenon for all the time and love she has invested in me and my growth. I will continually strive to emulate the standard of care and compassion she bestows on our horses!”

And what could be said about Susan Peirce that hasn’t been articulated by hundreds already? “Over the past few months I have had the privilege of working closely with Susan Peirce,” Michelle shares. “Amidst the millions of responsibilities bearing on her shoulders, Susan has a remarkable and genuine way of engaging and being present with you in a way that is personal and meaningful. It is in the quiet and subtle moments when I am most affected by Susan’s character…the late night rounds dedicated to ‘tucking-in’ our treasured horses, or the Sunday task of picking up manure from Finbar’s arena (on a broken knee no less!) to ensure our Ranch is exquisitely presentable for our interested visitors and contributors. Her compassion, integrity, and steadfast commitment to our horses and the Red Bucket community inspire me to live by her example.”

Jenon elaborates on the significance of Michelle’s generous and determined nature. “I knew from the moment I saw her handle her first horse that she had the ‘calm quiet’ approach that is so important and valuable in a volunteer. She fell in love with Micalley, a young thoroughbred that had been isolated for most of his 6 years. She is always available to help with the day to day handling of our horses when she is at the Ranch, and she is well received by everyone she meets and is a wonderful representation of the Red Bucket Culture!  Michelle will do whatever one asks of her without hesitation. She is generous, trusting, and more important trustworthy. I am thrilled to have her as part of our team!”

The Red Bucket Mission Statement, “To save and rehabilitate horses, restore their trust in humankind, and find them safe, loving, and permanent adoptive homes,” resonates with Michelle. “It involves every waking minute that we devote to the care of our horses,” she explains. “It is the early mornings and the late nights, and it is the overwhelming love and support of our dedicated volunteers and supporters who have collectively have made a difference in the lives of more than three hundred equines who have benevolently chosen to love us in return.”

It is the dedication and devotion of esteemed volunteers like Michelle Walker that weave the fabric of our Red Bucket organization, and it is with great appreciation and love that we honor this generous young woman.