While searching for a new purpose for her life, this month’s featured
volunteer found fulfillment by giving of herself to nurture our horses
Have you ever felt like skipping for joy? And singing at the top of your
lungs? This is how Lonnie Parsons describes her days at Red Bucket.
“From the moment I first drove down English Road, I felt a sense of
comfort,” Lonnie describes to me. “And when I pulled into the driveway at
Red Bucket I felt like I was home. I couldn’t believe how clean and bright
the Ranch was! All of the horses seemed happy and content, not like
animals I’ve seen at other rescues. The energy was palpable! I just knew
this was the place for me.”

Lonnie is a stay-at-home mother of two, at a point in her life when her
children are less dependent on her and she is seeking ways to occupy her
time. Flashback to her 11th birthday when she received a special gift, a
beautiful dapple-gray Mustang! “I was the happiest girl in the world and my
horse was my best friend and constant companion,” Lonnie recalls. “Now
being older with two children, I was trying to figure out what to do with my
time and energy. I’ve always wanted a horse again, and one day I heard a
story on Channel 5 news about a horse rescue in Chino Hills. I dropped
everything and became absorbed in the story about Red Bucket Equine
Rescue, and immediately contacted them to find out about volunteer
opportunities.”

She started with feeding and cleaning waterers twice a week, and then
participated in the Curry Comb Club to learn the Red Bucket way to groom
and handle the horses. “I follow Barbara Todd and Cathy Hessman around
like a puppy dog,” she explains to me. “I’ve learned so much from these
amazing women! I’ve also been working with assistant trainer Lauren
Harms who is so patient and helpful answering my endless stream of
questions.”

Lauren appreciates the questions as a sign of a deep desire to serve, and
explains to me how Lonnie came to be honored as our special volunteer of
the month. “Lonnie is a wonderful, hard working woman with a ‘can do’
attitude. She drives all the way from Redlands every Monday and
Wednesday and gives a full day. She brightens everyone’s day and is
always looking for more ways to help. She’ll do anything from scooping
manure to taking on extra horses, all the while asking questions to further
her knowledge. She has a very sincere and loving heart, and we are very
excited to have her as a volunteer! She completely exemplifies the Red
Bucket culture in her team work with others.”

Karen McGarrah couldn’t agree more: “If you ask Lonnie to do something,
she says ‘yes’ before you can finish your question! She’s just that kind of
gal, jumping in with both feet right from the start. I recall the first day I met
her at orientation; she was so grateful and excited to be a part of our group.
She helps with everything, from special projects to grooming to deep
cleaning Finbar’s stall for the gala. You ask her and she’ll just do it! And
she’ll do it with a smile and a laugh and a song. She is the cheeriest and
most optimistic person, working with such enthusiasm and passion. She
LOVES being at the Ranch and being around the horses, and she
genuinely LOVES being around other Red Bucket volunteers. She brings a
great energy to the Ranch and is a kindred spirit. We are fortunate to have
her with us.”

And laugh and sing she does! It is not uncommon to find Lonnie jubilantly
making her rounds and playfully conversing with each horse. “When I
arrive at the Ranch I feel like skipping and singing. It is the most rewarding
feeling in the world to know that these amazing horses are waiting for me,
and that I can make a difference in their lives,” Lonnie explains. “I’ve
always shied away from working with rescue groups because of the grief
and despair I’ve sensed which physically hurt my heart! With Red Bucket
there is nothing but positive enthusiasm and an unbridled passion for
helping hoWalkin’ on Sunshine.

While searching for a new purpose for her life, this month’s featured
volunteer found fulfillment by giving of herself to nurture our horses
Have you ever felt like skipping for joy? And singing at the top of your
lungs? This is how Lonnie Parsons describes her days at Red Bucket.
“From the moment I first drove down English Road, I felt a sense of
comfort,” Lonnie describes to me. “And when I pulled into the driveway at
Red Bucket I felt like I was home. I couldn’t believe how clean and bright
the Ranch was! All of the horses seemed happy and content, not like
animals I’ve seen at other rescues. The energy was palpable! I just knew
this was the place for me.”
Lonnie is a stay-at-home mother of two, at a point in her life when her
children are less dependent on her and she is seeking ways to occupy her
time. Flashback to her 11th birthday when she received a special gift, a
beautiful dapple-gray Mustang! “I was the happiest girl in the world and my
horse was my best friend and constant companion,” Lonnie recalls. “Now
being older with two children, I was trying to figure out what to do with my
time and energy. I’ve always wanted a horse again, and one day I heard a
story on Channel 5 news about a horse rescue in Chino Hills. I dropped
everything and became absorbed in the story about Red Bucket Equine
Rescue, and immediately contacted them to find out about volunteer
opportunities.”

She started with feeding and cleaning waterers twice a week, and then
participated in the Curry Comb Club to learn the Red Bucket way to groom
and handle the horses. “I follow Barbara Todd and Cathy Hessman around
like a puppy dog,” she explains to me. “I’ve learned so much from these
amazing women! I’ve also been working with assistant trainer Lauren
Harms who is so patient and helpful answering my endless stream of
questions.”
Lauren appreciates the questions as a sign of a deep desire to serve, and
explains to me how Lonnie came to be honored as our special volunteer of
the month. “Lonnie is a wonderful, hard working woman with a ‘can do’
attitude. She drives all the way from Redlands every Monday and
Wednesday and gives a full day. She brightens everyone’s day and is
always looking for more ways to help. She’ll do anything from scooping
manure to taking on extra horses, all the while asking questions to further
her knowledge. She has a very sincere and loving heart, and we are very
excited to have her as a volunteer! She completely exemplifies the Red
Bucket culture in her team work with others.”

Karen McGarrah couldn’t agree more: “If you ask Lonnie to do something,
she says ‘yes’ before you can finish your question! She’s just that kind of
gal, jumping in with both feet right from the start. I recall the first day I met
her at orientation; she was so grateful and excited to be a part of our group.
She helps with everything, from special projects to grooming to deep
cleaning Finbar’s stall for the gala. You ask her and she’ll just do it! And
she’ll do it with a smile and a laugh and a song. She is the cheeriest and
most optimistic person, working with such enthusiasm and passion. She
LOVES being at the Ranch and being around the horses, and she
genuinely LOVES being around other Red Bucket volunteers. She brings a
great energy to the Ranch and is a kindred spirit. We are fortunate to have
her with us.”

And laugh and sing she does! It is not uncommon to find Lonnie jubilantly
making her rounds and playfully conversing with each horse. “When I
arrive at the Ranch I feel like skipping and singing. It is the most rewarding
feeling in the world to know that these amazing horses are waiting for me,
and that I can make a difference in their lives,” Lonnie explains. “I’ve
always shied away from working with rescue groups because of the grief
and despair I’ve sensed which physically hurt my heart! With Red Bucket
there is nothing but positive enthusiasm and an unbridled passion for
helping horses.”

According to Susan Peirce, “Lonnie is a wonderful woman who gives of
herself several days a week with no ego or expectations. As an example of
how Lonnie fits with our culture, there was an incident a few weeks ago that
really opened my eyes to the true character of this generous woman. She
left Legacy’s gate unlocked and he got out which could have caused grave
danger to himself AND to others. When I inquired as to how this happened,
Lonnie squared her shoulders and took responsibility without excuses for
her mistake, and she assured me it would never happen again. And I
believe her. It takes a strong woman to hold herself accountable like that,
and I knew instantly that she was Red Bucket red through and through.
We all make mistakes, but it’s how we handle them that shows our true
character. It is important to learn and grow from our mistakes. Lonnie
embodies the Red Bucket spirit with her healthy energy and great
enthusiasm. She displays tremendous leadership and integrity, and I have
complete trust and confidence in her.”

Recently Lonnie was privileged to bring her 14 year-old son to the Ranch
as part of his community service for school. “We scrubbed stalls for the
gala. It was back breaking work but worth the effort!” Lonnie shares. “He
is fascinated by my passion, and he wants to learn more about how he can
help. I love how this group just sucks you in! The more I give, the more I
want to give. I am fulfilled beyond my wildest dreams, and I hope that I can
contribute to my fullest potential.”

We are honored to have Lonnie as one of our esteemed volunteers, and
we are blessed that she gives of herself so unselfishly. Thank you, Lonnie,
from the bottom of our hearts!rses.”

According to Susan Peirce, “Lonnie is a wonderful woman who gives of
herself several days a week with no ego or expectations. As an example of
how Lonnie fits with our culture, there was an incident a few weeks ago that
really opened my eyes to the true character of this generous woman. She
left Legacy’s gate unlocked and he got out which could have caused grave
danger to himself AND to others. When I inquired as to how this happened,
Lonnie squared her shoulders and took responsibility without excuses for
her mistake, and she assured me it would never happen again. And I
believe her. It takes a strong woman to hold herself accountable like that,
and I knew instantly that she was Red Bucket red through and through.
We all make mistakes, but it’s how we handle them that shows our true
character. It is important to learn and grow from our mistakes. Lonnie
embodies the Red Bucket spirit with her healthy energy and great
enthusiasm. She displays tremendous leadership and integrity, and I have
complete trust and confidence in her.”

Recently Lonnie was privileged to bring her 14 year-old son to the Ranch
as part of his community service for school. “We scrubbed stalls for the
gala. It was back breaking work but worth the effort!” Lonnie shares. “He
is fascinated by my passion, and he wants to learn more about how he can
help. I love how this group just sucks you in! The more I give, the more I
want to give. I am fulfilled beyond my wildest dreams, and I hope that I can
contribute to my fullest potential.”
We are honored to have Lonnie as one of our esteemed volunteers, and
we are blessed that she gives of herself so unselfishly. Thank you, Lonnie,
from the bottom of our hearts!