home of "Horses Helping..."

The 'Other' Herd

The volunteers come - Oh happy day! They mow, they trim, and they pull those infernal weeds! They clean barn and corral and all without pay! I say simply "Thank You" before they go away. Without them, you know, there is no Refuge Farms. Thank you, I say, to each of you at the end of this day. The volunteers come - Oh happy day! They clean barn, they pick the corral! They clean tanks, and they help with anything on the list! "We take care of you", one said, "So you can take care of them." No payback expected - only recurring gifts. I thank the Lord for each and every one At the end of every single day.
	Kathy - Operations Manager (Menomonie, WI) A retired 30-year UPS® driver, I now find myself the Operations Manger of Refuge Farms. THE FARM is my new journey in life. It is here that I find peace and quiet as I train new volunteers, tend to the horses and do other chores. Really, I see my role as doing whatever it takes to get "it" done! And I find true happiness when I can use all of my tools from all of my toolboxes while doing maintenance!! The mission - horses and Human Beings being rescued - gives me purpose and gratification. As I watch while they relax and enjoy each other, I feel renewed.
	Brianna - Volunteer (Menomonie, WI) I love horses and was very excited the first time I came to THE FARM with my mom and neighbors. I didn't want to leave! My mom brought us to THE FARM the next day for the Open Barn and we were hooked! I LOVE it at THE FARM - all the animals and humans!! Everyone is so great! Also, I want to be a veterinarian when I get older.
	Cass - Volunteer (Menomonie, WI) I've been coming to THE FARM since before it became "Refuge Farms". Something about these horses has drawn me in. I wrote an article once that sums up how I feel. I said, "And so we say we own these horses but really, they own us." I love the horses of Refuge Farms and also the people there, too. Oh, and by the way, some of the photographs on the calendar and in the notecards and on this very website are examples of my work!
	Cathi - Volunteer (St. Paul, MN) Hello. I seem to have multiple tag lines at Refuge Farms. You may see me referred to as Cathi, Catpooh, or City Girl. There are long stories that go along with each one of those names. I came to THE FARM in September of 2006 with the intention of sponsoring a horse for an 8 year old friend of mine. But, I subsequently found out that I came for just me as well. All aspects of Refuge Farms have unexpectedly and dramatically enhanced/changed my life at a core level. There's nothing that I wouldn't do for Sandy, the horses, or this mission. Currently, I am the Healing and Wellness Program Coordinator at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and reside in St. Paul. I am also certified as an Energy Healer and offer energy work to the horses as requested.
	Chad, Colena, and Shannon - Volunteers (Menomonie, WI) Our family lives in Menomonie and has been crazy about horses forever. Colena works at Thomson/West in Eagan, MN; Shannon is a 7th grader at the Menomonie Middle School; and Chad is a 4th grader at Oaklawn Elementary. We are active in 4-H and learned of Refuge Farms through our club. Shannon is determined that she will own at least 3 horses (one for each of us) before she is out of high school. Time will tell...!
	Cindy - Volunteer (Little Canada, MN) My name is Cindy. I grew up in California and finally talked my parents into a couple of horses. After that I didn't have much horse contact 'til I bought a house in Baldwin a few years ago. I started riding again first by leasing a horse (Tony, a part Arabian retired polo pony - very spirited). The woman who leased him then talked me into raising a paint foal (Shalom), who is now about 4 (I think). I still ride her and another paint (Gabriel), given to me as a baby by a friend. I keep them on a farm in Woodville. I retired last February from the Minnesota Department of Health and have been looking for a volunteer job that fits my interests (not sure about skills!). Refuge Farms seems to fit the bill. I love being outside and am spending one afternoon a week helping Kathy with whatever needs to be done. I have nothing but admiration for everyone involved in Refuge Farms!
	Colleen - Volunteer (Eau Claire, WI) Hi, my name is Colleen and I live in Eau Claire. A few years ago I came across THE FARM at a Pet Expo. What a unique place it sounded like...unique in that it not only helps homeless and abandoned animals (always a good thing in my book!), but that it combines helping people as well...what a wonderful concept. In a world where we are overwhelmed by so many negative issues, it gives us such a feeling of self worth to help others, whether they are four-legged, or just two. I’m rather unfamiliar with horses and being around them is new to me, but I’m looking forward to getting to know these wonderful personalities! In some of my first Farm visits, several stood out right out right away - Babee Joy, Big Guy, Grace...but recently Josephina has captured my attention. And now Addie, and...hmmm...who else? There’s that MAGIC, I guess, huh? I’ve been on the fundraising committee of our local animal shelter for about 17 years, and so I’m always trying to think ahead to "what else, what else, what else can we do?" Now, I hope I can come up with ideas for Refuge Farms as well!
	Dawn - Volunteer (Wilson, WI) I started working with animals in 1994 at my sisters horse boarding facility in California, I decided then that I wanted to work with animals. I have worked at a few Veterinary Clinics; including the University of MN, and I've worked at a few Humane Societies, the last one was the Humane Society of Pierce and St. Croix in River Falls, where I was the Director of Operations for 5 1/2 years. I'm currently attending school to become a Certified Veterinary Technician, in the hope that I will be able to work at a Humane Society that takes in all animals, and does what is right and humane for each individual animal. I think that Refuge Farms is a great place where a horse can be a horse, and it's a great place where a person like me can help a horse, and in turn those horses help others.
[photo by D'Angelo]	Devon - Volunteer (Clear Lake, WI) I am Toni's granddaughter and a 5th grader at Clear Lake Elementary School. I love horses and Neopets and have been volunteering at Refuge Farms since July of 2005. So far, I have helped with fund raising activities and have hopes of becoming a leader in the hands-on duties of keeping the horses healthy.
	Famous Barb - Volunteer (Minneapolis, MN) I was given my nickname by Sandy Gilbert after I confessed to her my lifelong dream of becoming a "Real Writer". As it turns out, THE FARM is helping me accomplish my goal! I sold an article to MORE Magazine (a glossy national women's magazine) about Refuge Farms and my bond with Joseph, the horse. I hope it will be published soon and make THE FARM famous! I first came to THE FARM because I wanted to be around horses again -- like when I was a kid and had my own beloved horse, named Chiquita. I found more than horses: a whole herd of fun and caring human volunteers!
	Heather - Volunteer (Hudson, WI) Hi! My name is Heather and I was introduced to Refuge Farms through my loving mother, Carol. She had came across an ad in the local paper regarding an auction and open barn event. Since that day, my life changed and Refuge Farms is an everyday word in our home. My husband Jason of almost 6 years and I live in Hudson. We have 2 children, 1 in heaven named Hope and the other is a 2 1/2 year old son named Landon - the love of our lives. We also have 2 cats and a black schnauzer named Harley. I have always loved animals and I know my parents and any one who has ever met me know that. I have a degree in occupational therapy, but for now I am taking a break to spend time with my son. I work as a daycare provider for dogs at a doggie daycare and boarding facility here in Hudson. Refuge Farms means a lot to me - it is a place where I can go when their are some rough patches in my life and I know the animals or The 'Other' Herd will be there to pick me up. My hobbies include shopping, attending my weekly Bible study, socializing with friends, family and neighbors, gardening and being with animals. I am excited to learn more about horses and like I have told many, there are 3 hero's in my life my parents in no particular order and then Sandy Gilbert. I hope I can learn as much from her and my fellow farms sisters and brothers that someday I can open my own rescue!
	Jamie - Volunteer (Elk Mound, WI) My name is Jamie McR. I came to Refuge Farms for something to do on my days off, and for some much needed unconditional love and understanding. I am a Registered Nurse at Red Cedar Clinic in Menomonie, but only work 3 days per week. I have 2 children, but they attend daycare 5 days per week for structural/personal reasons. I have been to “THE FARM” already and have fallen in love. I have definitely found the love and understanding that I so desperately needed.
	Jessie - Volunteer (Menomonie, WI) Well, my name is Jessie A. I'm 15, I'm from and live in Menomonie, WI, and I started volunteering for Refuge Farms in April of 2007 at an Applebees® fundraiser breakfast. I've loved horses all my life and still do. I learned about Refuge Farms through my darling cousins Shannon, Chad, and Colena. Knowing my love for horses, wanting/needing something to do in my free time, having already known people there, and the fact that it was fairly close to where I live, I thought, "What the heck." So, umm...yeah. That's me for ya.
	Kate - Volunteer (Clear Lake, WI) I like to go fishing or doing things with my hands and love horseback riding. I have always loved horses and have six of my own. Refuge Farms has made me see that there are a lot of things in this world that most people don't want to see. THE FARM helped open my eyes to how cruel "some" people can be and yet, at the same time, how merciful and caring "we" can be.
	Kim - Volunteer (Menomonie, WI) I am so happy that we were introduced to "THE FARM"!! It is very peaceful and everything and everybody are great. As a child I always wanted lots of animals and my daughter is now following in my footsteps!! Thank You Refuge Farms for this great opportunity to help the animals!
	Kristin - Volunteer (Eau Claire, WI) I am an artist, goldsmith, and designer currently building my jewelry designing business - Blexrude Design. Animals are often the inspiration for my designs and paintings. My love and appreciation for them runs deep. Refuge Farms is an incredible place to help animals and I feel real love and compassion just by being around the horses. There is a wonderful, positive energy at Refuge Farms...I believe everyone should experience it.
	Lady-the-Dog - Volunteer (Spring Valley, WI) Bark! Bark! I am a "rehab project" that never left THE FARM! Being newly amputated, I came to this little piece of land fresh from surgery with tubes and hoods and meds and wounds and today you just couldn't tell any of that! Thanks to Tara, Aunt Virginia, Kathy, and Lynn I now have legs! Yes, I was gifted a K-9 Cart for Christmas and I can now run like the wind! Amazing, it is! When you come to Refuge Farms, I am the first to greet you and the last to show you to your car when it's time to go. And no, I'm not trying to climb in to your car - just checking the floorboards for all those food pieces that you've dropped while you've been eating and driving! See you soon!
	Lambing Barb - Volunteer (Eau Claire, WI) Sandy attached the name "Lambing Barb" to me because of my annual treks to Montana for spring lambing. Lambing has always given me a sense of spiritual renewal while watching nature at her best! Guess that is also the reason I was so drawn to the mission of Refuge Farms. Retirement in 2000 has given me the opportunity for community involvement from reading stories to a kindergarten class every week to ushering at the Regional Arts Center in Eau Claire, WI. Since Feb 2005, I have had the good fortune to discover The Herd and its human caretakers! Everyday farm chores, cleaning (mucking barns), unloading wood chips, loving and grooming the horses, assisting visitors in meeting The Herd and educating about the mission of Refuge Farms are all equally special to me.  As always, "for the love of horses".
	Luretta - Volunteer (Baldwin, WI) Luretta is a real estate agent who writes: "I have had a love for horses all my life. Being around them brings great joy to me. I am grateful for Refuge Farms where I've found warm and caring people who have a great love for these awesome animals."
	Lynn - Volunteer (Menomonie, WI) I am currently employed at Werner Electric and grew up in northern Wisconsin on Chequamegon Bay. I ventured to Refuge Farms after reading a newspaper article that caught my attention and since that first visit, I have been hooked. I enjoy the physical activity, the camaraderie of the other volunteers, meeting visitors and having fun with children's groups that come out for special events. At Refuge Farms I find my Peace and Tranquility by brushing, walking, and hugging the horses. What a dream come true!
	Mary - Volunteer (Clear Lake, WI) My daughter (Kate) got me to come to Refuge Farms and we soon found out - we love both of the herds! We are hoping to make a long term commitment to Refuge Farms, a commitment for as long as Sandy and both herds will have us. Personally, I like reading, knitting, and horseback riding with my daughter and her friends. I've worked at Amery Regional Medical Center for the past 25 years, have three children and a new puppy named Bob. THE FARM has allowed Kate and I to experience things we would have never dreamed of doing. Because of this, we have now encouraged Kate's friend, Ashley, to join us as volunteers.
	Mechanical Mary and Greta - Volunteers (Hudson, WI) They call me Mechanical Mary - guess that's because I try to do just about anything that's on the To Do List! I am the married Mom of Greta and Andrew and work full-time as the secretary of EP Rock Elementary School in Hudson, WI. My youth was spent growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and I was involved with horses in 4-H and on the farm. In my spare time (?), I am a bell-ringer at Bethel Lutheran Church here in Hudson and involved in mission trips to Jamaica and Tanzania. Refuge Farms and Sandy came in to my life at a meeting of Fresh Brewed Life, a women's group at Bethel Lutheran. Sandy and THE FARM give me a chance to get back to my "farm roots" and I go for the hugs, the horse contact, the companionship and the peace I receive from being around these gentle creatures. I feel I give so little but receive so much!!!
	Melody - Volunteer (Menomonie, WI) My name is Melody (I'm Jessie's mom). I began volunteering at Refuge Farms because Jessie wanted to, but she wasn't old enough to go by herself then. Now that she is old enough, I go for me. I go to get my "fix" for the horses (believe me, I have had a passion for horses all of my life, and never had one of my own) and I get a good dose of love and fellowship from The 'Other' Herd. I so admire Sandy and Kathy for their dedication and passion for the animals. I'm always up for meeting new people and learning new things. Each day spent at THE FARM is a new experience - literally. Jessie and I talk about THE FARM with pride all the time. We try to recruit new volunteers so they can experience what we do. Spend a little time out there and you'll understand what the logo means, home of "Horses Helping..."
	OS Rose - Volunteer (Ellsworth, WI) I live about 20 miles away from Refuge Farms in Ellsworth, WI. I have a couple dogs and five cats, but no horses of my own, so I volunteer at Refuge Farms for my horse "fix". I work in an office supply warehouse and have the opportunity to donate salvage items to Sandy and The Herd. Hence the name: OS Rose. The "OS" stands for Office Supply (or "Out of Sight", depending upon the day and the circumstance!).
	Sabra - Volunteer (Bloomington, MN) My friend Cathi (aka Catpooh, City Girl) introduced me to Refuge Farms in October 2006, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with those beautiful, amazing horses, and the mission and "Magic" of THE FARM. I also volunteer for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN, Home for Life Animal Sanctuary, and the MN Valley Humane Society. I share my home with 5 dogs and a gerbil – all of whom are rescues (of course!) and very much my beloved kids. I’m currently a Quality Engineer, but I’ve finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up; my goal is to someday work full-time at an animal sanctuary.
	Sally - Volunteer (Spring Valley, WI) After accepting a teaching position at UW Stout I moved to Spring Valley from Green Bay, WI. Every day I went to school I saw this place called Refuge Farms and the beautiful horses in the field -- they have presence. I was at Open Barn in September and was overwhelmed by the stories of The Herd. Things got busy and winter hit! However, on a cold day in February I went to THE FARM and knew I had to be part of the mission. I knew I could help Sandy with paperwork as well as in the barn. So the rest is history -- I'm in for the long haul.
	Suzie the Gardener - Volunteer (Menomonie, WI) Hi! I'm Suzanne, also known as "Suzie, the Gardener" by the other volunteers at Refuge Farms. It all began one day while talking to my friend, Kathy, who asked me if I would like to go out to THE FARM with her and help plant some flowers. I said "Sure!". Not fully knowing what this place was all about, I was in for quite an experience! I now help to maintain the attractive "Memory Gardens" of the horses that have crossed. I also love the many horses that Sandy unselfishly cares for. Plus, the other volunteers are great to work with and fun to be with! It has been a very rewarding experience for me.
	Tara - Volunteer (Baldwin, WI) Hey everyone, I'm Tara (a.k.a. Shorty)!! I've been coming to THE FARM for over 3 years now. My first visit was when I was a mere 16 years old!!! I'm in dance (that includes basically every type), coach softball, and am an active member in our school band. Next year I will be starting a pre-vet program at the UW-River Falls. When I'm at THE FARM, I let all my problems, frustrations, etc., just slip away and enjoy the "Magic" of Refuge Farms. I find it an "escape" from everything and really do enjoy the work and coming home smelling of horse. I even had my senior pictures taken at THE FARM with my favorite horse, Jimmer.
	Toni - Volunteer (Spring Valley, WI) I am self-employed in the business of human natural health products. It was July of 2005 that I first drove in to Refuge Farms. Since then, I have been helping with fundraising activities and am looking forward to learning how to care for the horses. I am personally willing to do whatever is needed to keep this marvelous mission of Sandy's moving forward. Oh, and by the way, that darling Devon is related to me!
	Tracy - Volunteer (Spring Valley, WI) Since I already have a horse, I come to THE FARM to get my "people fix" from the volunteers. This is the greatest team - caring, funny, hard-working, committed, and loyal. They're the sisters I never had. I enjoy the range of projects - I've been a Wal-Mart® greeter, tour guide, and manure handler. In a time of global uncertainty, you never know - these experiences could come in handy. I share my time with THE FARM among varied other interests - llamas, tai chi, Third World travel. I worked for years in public relations and advertising, which I now teach at my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Guest Bloggers
	Gayle		Diane & Terry