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Tammie Mueller!!
How did you find out about SMILES and how long have you been volunteering here?
I knew about SMILES from being originally from the Delavan area and always told myself that when I retired, I would volunteer if I was able. When I first retired in 2020, COVID played a part in delaying when I could begin, but in 2021, I was able to sign up for training and I have enjoyed it ever since.
Tell us who your favorite SMILES horse is and a special memory you have with them:
Lincoln will always be special because he was the first horse I had for HEARTS and that I led in a session with an independent rider. I was so nervous because I was not used to big drafts, but through the SMILES’ staff encouragement and allowing me to bond with him outside of class by grooming him in his stall and having extra one-on- one time and the encouragement of my mentor, Mark Hanson, I grew to really love this big guy. Turtle was another heart horse for me that I still miss each time I go to the barn. And, of course, the late, great sweet Miss Sarah. They will all have a piece of my heart always.
What is a memory with a horse, client, another volunteer at SMILES that you treasure?
I have so many memories with students, horses and instructors. One special memory was when one of the students I had who was very shy and didn’t talk a lot through the session suddenly on the last day of session told me all about his summer plans. It was such a sweet moment.
What is the best part of volunteering at SMILES for you?
It’s hard to focus on one best part. I feel like I get so much more out of volunteering than I put in, even if it’s just doing cleanup in the barn. SMILES enabled me to reconnect with horses and that’s always been something I wanted. And seeing how much joy the students get out of coming to SMILES each week is such a wonderful thing. I don’t think it’s possible to volunteer here without leaving the barn with a smile and a warm heart.
Do you think any of our SMILES horses reminds you of a famous celebrity and why?:
Lincoln reminds me of a Captain Jack Sparrow type. I know not a celebrity but, rather, a character in Pirates of the Caribbean, but he has such a comical, quirky personality. And with his one beautiful eye he makes a perfect pirate.
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