The “Rock” of the Red Riding Hoods

Oftentimes volunteers come to us hoping to rekindle fond equine memories from their youth, and occasionally a spark ignites in a volunteer that creates the passion that defines Red Bucket Equine Rescue.

When Susanna Woeste’s husband pointed out an article last summer in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin about a horse rescue group moving to Chino Hills, she loaded up her vehicle with hay and Purina Equine Senior and headed down to Red Bucket Ranch. Her husband has not seen her since.

“I was not sure what I would find, but was very impressed with the facility and the care the horses were receiving,” Susanna recalls of her first visit to Red Bucket Equine Rescue in Chino Hills. “I knew I wanted to help, and I have some free time since I semi-­‐retired. I have horse experience but was a bit rusty; Jenon was really great with training me and getting me on the right path. She is totally devoted to the horses!”

Susan Peirce, co-­‐founder and President of RBER, recalls the day that Susanna showed up at the Ranch with her arms full of supplies and food for the horses. “Susanna personifies our Red Riding Hood! She jumped into volunteering with both feet, and she is so delightful to work with. We have been eager to integrate our organization into the Inland Empire community, and we are happy to see volunteers like Susanna that are joining us with open arms and hands and hearts.”

“I have been thinking about taking lessons to see if I can get my seat and legs back. I am 60 and I have not been on a horse for 15 years!” Susanna confides. “I’ve not been back in the saddle yet, and for now I really love grooming and just being with the horses and lavishing them with affection. I have a fondness for all of the horses, but I adore Cash, Robin and Dalton. When I first started working with Robin, he was such a little devil, but he has grown on me. Currently I am Dalton’s guardian and I just love working with him.”

It’s not just the horses that attracted Susanna to Red Bucket. “I was extremely impressed with Susan and Kimberly. I know how passionate they are, and I now understand the hard work and dedication it takes to keep Red Bucket moving forward. I also enjoy all of the volunteers and am amazed at the dedication and commitment of this entire organization. I enjoy simply chatting with each member of the group, when we have the time, and of course the conversation always revolves around horses!”

When talking about her favorite horses, Susanna fondly recalls the day she met Cash. “I was attracted to him initially because he looks so much like my first horse, Chummy. Cash was one of the first horses I worked with and I loved his looks, and his manners were wonderful.” When Susanna found out that he had been abandoned in a riverbed with severe injuries, he became even more endearing to her.

Jenon, our Breezeway coordinator, can’t say enough about the impact Susanna has made on the Ranch. In her own words, “Susanna came to us early last summer. We were in need for people to help with the daily care of our horses. I remember watching her the first time she groomed Jack. Her approach was quiet, not nervous or apprehensive, just ‘at home’. She told me that she had been involved with rescue horses before and I listened. When she left that day, I was hoping she would come back. She did, and has become in so many ways ‘My Rock’.”

Jenon elaborates on how valuable Susanna has become to the organization. “On weekends when I am leading the volunteers and she is there, I always know that she is capable of whatever task needs attention. She is 100% present and always willing, and is so generous with her support and donations. She often delivers much needed applesauce, fly spray, salt rocks and other items in addition to the hours she spends with our horses. She is quiet, reserved and stoic, yet on some of the saddest days we have shared, is not afraid to cry, hug and mourn. I feel so lucky to have her as part of our family. Susanna is truly a blessing to Red Bucket and to all who know her.”

At least twice a week Susanna can be found grooming, hand-­‐walking, helping with turnouts, and tackling just about any other task that might come up. But that’s not enough for this re-­‐born equestrienne! “I wish I had more time to volunteer; I just have too many other commitments at the moment,” Susanna explains. “This summer I plan to add an extra day or too, and I plan to attend a Fireside Chat soon. I just love the smell of horses, the smell of manure, the smell of hay and the wonderful feeling of going home filthy rotten dirty and knowing that it is all for a great cause. I love it all!”

And we love Susanna for giving herself so completely to our cause and our horses! Thank you Susanna, for all you do and for all you bring to our group.