Volunteer Spotlight Ava Smith

How long have you volunteered with DEFHR?

I don't remember the exact date, but it's been almost a year!

Do you have a favorite DEFHR herd member, past or present? If so, who?

RODGERS! To me personally, he's the cutest horse in the field; he's also the sweetest. It's a fact. He's the sweetest in the field. (That's him and I, above).

How did you initially find out about us?

I was just standing/sitting somewhere in my room, and my mom came up to me and said "There's this farm that you can volunteer at, and they have horses and other cool stuff." And when she said horses, I excitedly said "Yes! I love horses!" This love comes from years of my mom taking me on vacation to Chincoteague Island and getting to see all the wild ponies - it created a strong love and interest for horses.

My mom found the orientation information online, we attended, and the rest is history.

Did you have any previous equine experience(s) before volunteering with DEFHR? What was it?

If you count "horse riding," then kind of. But before volunteering here? Not really, no.

What's your favorite part of volunteering with DEFHR?

Probably going out and like having to go out in the gator and help barn staff blanket horses that need it, or going out and helping barn staff do the extra feedings for the mares at noon and 4 PM.

Cleaning mini (pony paddock) water with Julianna!