Born to Ride and Living to Give

What started as an interest in horseback riding has turned into a full-fledged passion to

help save horses’ lives.

In learning we grow, and in growing we give. This month’s featured volunteer has grown

exponentially with our group and continues to give of herself in ways that amaze us!

“Bethany Goodfellow has been a terrific volunteer for us for about three years,” shares

Susan Peirce. “She helps care for our horses, and she never has any expectations

when she arrives at the Ranch. She truly comes to serve and completely embraces our

culture and work. From the very beginning she just wanted to be a part of our team and

is always asking to help. You won’t find anyone with a bigger heart; she is truly Red

Bucket Red! She understands and loves the work, and of course she loves the horses!

Bethany is one of those individuals who always wants to learn and grow, and she has

grown exponentially in this past year alone. Plus she adores Pixie, and I’m sure she will

tell you all about her!”

Bethany does tell me about Pixie, and much more. “I started at Red Bucket three years

ago last month. I wanted to volunteer for a horse rescue group so that I could spend

more time with horses and help them. While researching online, I came across Red

Bucket. I really liked their philosophy and approach so I applied to volunteer.”

We were delighted to have someone who shares our passion and love for horses.

Bethany states, “My primary duties include hands-on horse care and whatever head

trainer Shona Barnthouse needs me to do. Turn-out, lunge, hand walk, groom, bathe,

and I help with whatever else needs to be done.”

Shannon Gibbs has this to say about Bethany: “She has been working with us for a few

years and is such a huge help to Shona. She is a good sport and fun to be around! She

is enjoyable, friendly and personable; everyone at the Ranch appreciates her upbeat

personality, ESPECIALLY the horses! She makes the long trek from Los Angeles and

spends ALL DAY with the horses and is physically and emotionally 100% present for the

horses the entire time. Bethany is very dedicated to our cause and to helping others.”

While everyone knows that Bethany loves all of the horses at the Ranch, it’s obvious

that she has a special love affair with one in particular. “I have a lot of favorites,”

Bethany tells me, “but the horse that has my heart is Pixie. Besides her adorable, flashy

good looks, she is the biggest cuddle bug around.”

With all of the energy Bethany brings to the Ranch, she continues to learn from our

horses and our team. “It’s an amazing place to absorb information and to grow,” she

explains. “It is profoundly amazing to see the ability that these animals have to forgive

and move forward and trust and build relationships after so much that they have

endured. I believe that horses, like people, are uniquely individual. They may not be

suited for every job or lifestyle. People really try to fit the horse they want into what they

want it to do. I think Red Bucket does a great job of finding a lifestyle and home

appropriate for every individual horse where they will be able to live out a life that is

most fulfilling for them.”

“I have learned that horses are resilient beyond much of what we can understand,”

Bethany continues. “They forgive, move forward and thrive again if they are allowed to

live a life that fulfills them. There are no bad horses. I believe most undesirable behavior

is a result of being in pain or being mistreated. I’ve learned so much from Red Bucket,

from the group, and from certain individuals, about horses and myself. There is

something to learn from everyone and every horse at the Ranch.”

We are grateful for all Bethany has learned which has benefitted our precious horses

tenfold. Thank you Bethany, for all you do to help us help the horses!