Hay There, Sue!

Our lovely long-term volunteer, Sue, is in the spotlight for this month’s Hay There!

At The Horse Trust our volunteers are a crucial cog in the wheel. Without dedicated volunteers like Sue we simply couldn’t achieve all we set out to do and we appreciate each and every one of them. Whether working directly with our horses, helping out at events, or assisting in the Black Beauty Tea Room interacting with our visitors – every action counts.

Let’s find out about Sue!

Hi I’m Sue and I volunteer at The Horse Trust! It all started back in 2009 when I read an article in the Bucks Herald about The Horse Trust, and at the time I was looking for something rewarding to do on weekends. I had been looking after my Sister in Law most weekends when she was poorly but she had sadly passed away and I knew I had to do something worthwhile which involved animals.

“When I began volunteering every other weekend I was ‘hooked’, mucking out and grooming the horses”

There was one particular horse, Myrell, who I really enjoyed the company of. Myrell seemed to pick up on my grief and would look at me as if he understood how I was feeling. From then on we became good friends.

“Just being in the company of these beautiful creatures is a privilege, and to work closely with them and the grooms is very fulfilling”

I started out volunteering as a groom at The Horse Trust, where a typical day included mucking out, sweeping, keeping the yard clean and tidy, putting hay and water in the stables, taking the horses and donkeys in from the fields to the stables for visitors, making up feeds for the afternoon, doing field checks and then taking the horses back out to their fields at the end of the visiting time.

“These days I am an ambassador for The Horse Trust and I offer my time to answer questions from the public, give talks and tours to groups and promote the Sponsorship of the horses”

Other ways I’ve helped The Horse Trust over the years, has been donating money from ‘table top’ sales and collected Bric-a-Brac for the summer fundraising event, Horses, Hounds & Heroes, which I run with my daughter. I also sometimes purchase treats for the horses when I can, such as Salt Licks, melons and ginger biscuits!

Sue also works in the Black Beauty Tea Room and gift shop. You’ll often catch her whizzing about during busy periods, but she never fails to find time for a laugh and joke with colleagues and visitors alike.

Sue has been volunteering with us for an amazing 14 years and is a pleasure to work with and learn from. Her knowledge of, and deep connection with, the horses at The Horse Trust is an invaluable asset. When she engages with visitors her passion is obvious and uplifting and we hope to keep her with us for as long as she would like! 

If you are interested in volunteering in any of the positions mentioned, please visit the Volunteer page on our website and fill out our application!

Volunteer