TRIPLE D
Discipline, Dedication and Drive, the traits that attract most members to Red Bucket Equine Rescue, are also the finely tuned qualities found in our featured volunteer.
What began as a business relationship soon developed into an addiction to horses. Michelle Mendez met Susan Peirce during a work training program. When the discussion turned to proper business attire, Michelle glimpsed a bit of Red Bucket that fascinated her.
“We had a topic of discussion on attire for the company, and I remember Susan mentioning that she is much more at home in her dungarees. Then the conversation moved to horses and what she does,” Michelle explains. “It was very casual. I was extremely interested and really wanted to be a part of Red Bucket, but I didn’t want any special treatment just because I was Susan’s client. It took me a year to fill out the application and sign up for the orientation, still never mentioning anything to Susan. She only knew I completed the application because she recognized me at orientation last May!”
Michelle was drawn to our group because of the horses AND because of the way it is run. “I loved the way Susan coached our company team,” she shares. “Her patience and knowledge really impressed me, and I figured this same work ethic surely must be applied to running the Ranch. And I wasn’t wrong! I went to orientation and Susan pulled me from the group and immediately put me to work. This was a huge surprise to me since we never even spoke of my horse experience! I partnered with Jenon, our Breezeway Coordinator, and instantly bonded with her. I knew I was in the right place at the right time and I was happy to be able to donate my time.”
With a fierce determination and strong drive, Michelle dove into any task that came her way. She can be found around the Ranch most Saturdays, and sometimes Sundays, working hard with grooming, turnouts, and any other chore Jenon assigns to her. Jenon shares how indispensable Michelle has become: “Michelle began volunteering about a year ago, and she has considerable horse experience, which has been a blessing. What has impressed me most is her desire to gain a deeper understanding of horse behavior. She has learned to gain control of a situation when a horse becomes concerned, which is crucial to being a leader that a horse will trust and follow. She challenges herself daily to master her skills and learn new ones. She is encouraging and welcoming to all our Red Bucket family, and on the occasions when I am unavailable, I can confidently leave her at the helm. She is reliable, extremely organized, and her time management skills are often the reason we are able to accomplish so much in a day. I know when Michelle arrives that she is with us for the entire day and that she is always willing to do whatever is needed. Her energy, attitude and work ethic are inspiring and a wonderful example of our Red Bucket culture. It is a pleasure working alongside her, and I can tell you my job would be a lot tougher without her!”
Michelle’s “real” job is quite stressful and chaotic, involving a lot of traveling and requiring supreme organizational skills and a strong work ethic. She finds her work skills transfer nicely to her volunteer duties, which has not gone unnoticed by Susan. “I met Michelle through my business and she has become a tremendous asset to our group,” Susan explains. “She is always willing to help, and she has become a fixture at the Ranch on the weekends. She is dedicated to serving the horses and serving our organization. To sum her up in one word I would say ‘WOW!’ She is extremely generous with her time and her energy; she is a true force of nature and is always happy to be helping our cause.”
For all of the pressures of her job during the week, Michelle finds solace in working hard at the Ranch on the weekend. She explains the side effect of volunteering with Red Bucket: “I’ve learned to give unconditionally, to put my wants and needs aside and work solely for the horses. I have a great deal of pressure and responsibility at work, and now I am learning how to just be of service and not stress about being in control all the time. It’s a great feeling to ‘do’ for others.”
Michelle feels blessed for the opportunity to work with and learn from Jenon, Susan and others at Red Bucket. “The passion from the leaders and all the volunteers is inspirational AND contagious! It is so great to be around like-minded people. I learn from each and every person I come into contact with at the ranch, and I am so grateful to Jenon; she is amazing! She has a way of teaching that is gentle and respectful. I would do anything for her!”
We are all so grateful for Michelle, for her discipline, dedication and drive that make her “Red Bucket Red” through and through! From all of us, including Memphis and Cece, we thank you from the bottom of our Red Bucket hearts.