Learning to Love and Trust Again
Without hesitation Jessica Gutierrez has learned to trust horses, and in turn, they have learned love and trust from her.
Jessica learned about Red Bucket from a good friend, Susan Vanden Bos, who has her horse Buckshot in the Red Bucket training program. Jessica came to us in January 2013, with no horse experience and began her journey with Red Bucket.
Jenon Mathes recalls when she first noticed Jessica at the Ranch: “There were days that she would come to the Ranch and sit outside Nalah and Winni’s stall and read to them. Some might have thought it strange, but I remember when I had my own horse years ago. On rainy days I would sit in his stall and read while scratching his head or stroking his muzzle. Bonding and trusting is such a big part of Red Bucket, and Jessica seems to have a natural instinct for this.”
For Jessica, the ability to bond with Nalah did come naturally. “All of the horses at Red Bucket hold a special place in my heart, but the one that holds a little more space in there is Nalah,” Jessica shares. “When I see Nalah, I see a brave soul that is willing to erase the past but has a big brick wall around her preventing her from trusting humans completely.
Most of the volunteers that come to Red Bucket are looking to gain something, a better understanding of horses, an opportunity to make a difference in the equine world, or perhaps a chance to have an impact on healing. Whatever the charitable motivation may be, nearly every volunteer comes away touched in a special way by our remarkable horses. Susan Peirce, President and co-founder of Red Bucket Equine Rescue, shares her insight into this phenomenon: “Volunteers find Red Bucket because we complete them somehow, even if they don’t know what it is they need. It has been rewarding to see Jessica develop a bond with Nalah. Everyone that comes to the Ranch falls in love with Winni, Nalah’s foal. Who wouldn’t fall in love with such an adorable creature? Nalah was often overlooked and stayed in the shadows, yet Jessica continued to visit with her and has spent countless hours in her stall just connecting with her. This is a wonderful example of how someone can join our group, someone with little or no experience, and provide the nurturing love that allows our horses to thrive. Jessica does whatever it takes when it comes to fulfilling a task, though it is her intuitive gentleness that is having such a big impact.”
When asked about the role she plays within the organization, Jessica is quick to respond. “I do not see myself as much more than just a feeder or groomer for the horses. I can only hope my small contribution of love can impact the horses and add to the enrichment process that Red Bucket provides.” Jessica also elaborates on how she has evolved and grown over this past year as a result of her journey with Red Bucket. She explains, “The horses and Red Bucket volunteers have allowed me to refocus, and the horses have taught me two things; the first is unconditional love and the second, patience. Each day it gets a little easier to incorporate both ingredients into every aspect of my life. I cannot thank everyone enough for all the support and love they have provided me along with the horses. I am grateful and honored to be a part of the Red Bucket family.” Everything happens for a reason, and through life’s twists and turns we are reminded of one thing: you get what you give. From the bottom of our hearts we thank Jessica Guttierez for offering up HER heart and soul to our horses.