Looking Back at March
WE’RE GLAD TO HAVE YOU ON THE TEAM
BACKGROUND IN EQUINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Elise is hoping to discover what kind of equine-based career she wants to dedicate herself to in the future.
Intern Spotlight
Why did you decide to intern at DEFHR?
I wanted to learn more about the horse care and equine facilities operations. I want to continue a career with horses and by doing the internship I wanted to educate myself more, and figure out what field in the equine industry I would want to pursue.
Do you have a favorite DEFHR herd member? If so, who?
My favorite is Genie. Hes cute and can be very lovey.
How did you initially find out about us?
On TikTok! A video came up on my feed and I saw that it was close by. Now I get to help make TikToks!
Intern Spotlight
What's been your favorite part of being a DEFHR intern?
I’ve enjoyed working with the horses of course, but I’ve really loved getting to know all the volunteers who help make DEFHR operate. After rediscovering my love for horses I learned that I also missed sharing the love with horses. It has taught me that I want to continue working with horses and people.
Did you have any previous equine experience(s) before coming to DEFHR? What was it?
Yes. I was first put on a horse when I was 2 years old and have loved it ever since. I road up until college on my college’s Varsity Equestrian Team I had past jobs working as lesson assistants and at riding camps.
Court Case Updates
Anne Arundel County
Charges are pending.
(Dapper Dylan)
Prince George’s County
The Animal Control Commission hearing was held. Waiting on custody ruling.
(Fionn’s Fight, Gizzy Gizmo, Happy Harmony, I’m Iverson)
Prince George’s Count
Ongoing investigation. (Breezy, Corduroy)
Carroll County
Charges pending.
(Jean Jacket, Kindly Kalani, Little Lou, Madame Merlot)
Queen Anne’s County
Probate. No criminal charges.
(Ipsy, Julius, Kelpie, Lennox, Moose, Nicolette, Odessa, Penny, Queen, Ronald, Satta, Tito, Utah, Veronica, Whimsy, Xanadu, Yemin, Zizi, Azula’s Allure)
HORSE SPOTLIGHT
Nifty
This lovely bay Thoroughbred had a racing career in her former life but now enjoys the leisure life of sunbathing and coming in for some work out sessions. She’s been a pleasure to get to know and has been affectionately dubbed ‘Big Mama’ as she is one of the tallest mares in her field right now.
So far, she has accepted a retraining program with grace and seems to enjoy the interaction. Nifty loves grooming sessions and has been a quick study with dusting off the cobwebs with long-lining, lunging, accepting a saddle and bridle and working on up to the fence to prepare for accepting a rider in the near future.
We are excited to be a part of this beautiful mare’s journey, can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!
“Nifty loves grooming sessions and has been a quick study...”
Volunteer Spotlight
Paige Junghans
How long have you volunteered with DEFHR?
Almost exactly a year. I started at the end of March 2024.
Do you have a favorite DEFHR herd member, past or present? If so, who?
I really loved Navi. She was always so sweet and her little nickers whenever it was time to get turned back out were adorable. I'm so glad she got adopted and has her own person now though!
How
did you
initially find out about us?
I believe I found out about DEFHR close to 20 years ago when I was looking for horse related volunteer opportunities I could do to get my SSL hours. Over the years I remember periodically thinking about starting to volunteer at DEFHR but it wasn't until a year ago that I finally signed up for the training and started volunteering.
What's your favorite part of volunteering with DEFHR?
My favorite part about volunteering at DEFHR is that being at the farm and around the horses never fails to make me completely forget about any stresses, forget about anything bad that might have happened during the last week, and stop thinking about everything I need to get done in the coming week.
Did you have any previous equine experience(s) before volunteering with DEFHR?
What was it?
I did have previous horse experience. In high school I volunteered at a therapeutic riding center. Then in college I volunteered at a farm animal sanctuary that had several horses. I was also a member of the equestrian club in college which meant helping take care of the horses on the campus farm. That was also where I started taking riding lessons for the first time. And I've been riding ever since.
Hands, Hearts & Hooves
BarnVolunteers
Volunteers support our staff being able to effectively and efficiently take care of our herd and their needs; we frequently have NO volunteers on the listed days. Consider helping out!
FacilitiesVolunteers
As a working farm, things are always needing fixed. If you’re interested in learning what it takes to keep a farm going, what it takes to be ‘handy,’ or just want to build things, let Mattie know and you can join our FOT! (Farm Operations Team)
VisitingVolunteerGroupPoint Volunteers
Any organization can contact Days End to schedule a day to come out and volunteer as a group. We need one of our volunteers to be their eyes and hands, making sure they have what they need and that they can navigate the farm!
EducationVolunteers
We’re entering the busy season for scheduled tours, field trips, and education events at DEFHR - check out how you can plug in with field trips and beyond to support DEFHR educating the general public below!
UPCOMING GROUP VOLUNTEER VISITS
Visitors can choose to sign up and help DEFHR through a group volunteer session, which lasts at least 2 hours and provides visitors with an educational introduction talk to the organization, a tour of our immediate facilities, an opportunity to complete a project-based volunteer session, and ends with a horse meet-and-greet.
April 12th 1-4 pm Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy
April 19th 9am - 1pm Towson University Equestrian Club
Calendar of Events
To register for events, go to www.defhr.org/calendar.
April 10th
April 12th
April 18th - 19th
April 18th
April 19th
April 21st - 27th
April 24th
May 3rd
Farrier Day
Volunteer Group - Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (see page 15 for details)
Tink’s Tack Sale
Legacy Breakout
Volunteer Group - Towson U Equestrian Club (see page 15 for details)
National Volunteer Appreciation Week
(see page 14 for details)
Farrier Day
SCOUT DAY
National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
April 21st - April 27th
SATURDAY April 19th WEDNES Apr 23r
Volunteers can sign up to have their picture taken with their favorite horse! We will have two openings for signup: Mares, 9 - 10 am
Geldings, 2 - 3 pm
Only 16 Slots available per hour!
Please sign up for your shift depending on whether your favorite horse is a mare or gelding. CLICK HERE TO
Our residential internship program is in need of a reliable used vehicle to support our interns as they travel between our facilities and the local community for essential tasks.
If you, or someone you know, has a car or truck they no longer need and would be willing to donate, it would be a tremendous help to our program and the dedicated interns who help us every day. Your generosity would directly support our mission and allow our interns to focus on their work with the horses.
Contact our Equine Programs Director for more information.
DE ETTE HILLMAN
Shop #4thehorses
All donations are tax-deductible!
If shipping directly to our farm, please ship: "Attn: Lynn" (horse-related) or "Attn: Sarah" (office-related)
Be sure to include your name and contact info in a note or separate email so you can recieve your donation receipt.
Thank you in advanced, and always, for your ongoing support of DEFHR's herd!
Donate #4thehorses
Many employers offer matching funds and paid time off to volunteer and give back to the community? Corporations and businesses are getting on board with matching donation amounts for their employees. For example, you donate $10 each paycheck (via automatic payroll deduction) then your employer matches your amount to your chosen charity!! Your employer may also offer paid time off to volunteer with your co-workers. Businesses partnering with local non-profits is a great way to show their support and give back to their local communities. Plus, employee group volunteering serves as a team building experience.
MCCORMICK SPICE, UNITED HEALTH CARE, T. ROWE PRICE, HOME DEPOT, RAYTHEON, CLOROX, CONSTELLATION ENERGY AND CVS HEALTH ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY COMPANIES GIVING BACK THROUGH THEIR EMPLOYEES.
Check with your employer’s human resources department for the give back programs they offer or about starting one! For corporate/business group volunteer opportunities, please email welcome@defhr.org.
Shop #4thehorses
Our horses' needs are constantly changing and their Amazon wish list is constantly being updated. Check out what's what they need to stay healthy and happy!
Amazon Wishlist
For every NEW customer referral, we receive $15 directly from Chewy. Be sure to use the referral link below to make the first purchase and donate to the farm!
Chewy Wishlist
Item(s) Highlight on Wishlist for April:
MERCH DEFHR
DEFHR's Online Store
Refresh your wardrobe and support DEFHR, all at the same time! Each design is offered in a range of colors and styles, so there is something for everyone to wear while supporting the horses. Happy shopping!
Shopify Online Store
Tinkerbell's Tack & Treasures
OPEN 3rd Saturday and preceding Friday of every month. New and gently used equine tack, equipment, clothing and other related items.
Stop on in and get your shopping fix! You never know what you may find. All sales proceeds go back to DEFHR to continue with its mission.
NEXT SALE DAYS: April 18th - 19th
Open 9am-4pm.
Email info@defhr.org with questions.
Res-Que License Plates
Show off your DEFHR support wherever you go and get your DEFHR Res-Que license plate today!
All you need to do is: stop by DEFHR's office fill out & submit an application submit $50 fee Once you receive your new plates in the mail, drop off your old license plates at the MVA or mail them in.
Email info@defhr.org with questions.
is
April 18th - 19th 9am - 4pm Page 25
Volunteer Resources
Have feedback for DEFHR?
Need access to resources?
Follow the links below!
Online General Feedback Survey
Volunteer User Tutorial
Video Series
Bloomerang Volunteer
Bloomerang
