Some of our Volunteers
Carolyn Sealey
Carolyn Sealey has had a love for horses since the age of 4. She began riding at 12 and became owner of her first horse, Tela, in 1990. Tela was green when she first got her and Carolyn took great pleasure in training her.
She rescued Tara, a sweet Arab mare and beloved companion of Tela, 6 years ago. At PHH, you will often find Carolyn working as official "PHH Photographer", as well as grooming, riding, and helping with general administrative tasks. She most enjoys the immediate relaxation one feels at the barn working with the rescues.
Cindy Buckingham
Volunteer of the month of September 2008 Cindy Buckingham graciously gives of her time every week to help PHH as we work towards a better world for all equines.
We thought it only fitting to take a few moments to share with all of you a few fun facts about Cindy.
Here’s five at the top of the list:
Fun Fact #1: Cindy was seven when she received her first horse. He was a sorrel gelding named Gunsul and thanks to his fun yet challenging personality, she learned a lot from him!
Fun Fact #2: Cindy loves jumping, an activity she was introduced to when, at the age of 12, she had the opportunity to join her cousin in Virginia where she excelled at showing Hunter and Jumper.
Fun Fact #3: Some of the first horses Cindy worked with at PHH included Red and Whitey, two charming geldings who have really come into their own after suffering from malnutrition and abuse. She’s currently spending time with Sadee, perfecting ground manners.
Fun Fact #4: Cindy spent nine years working as a software engineer before recently starting her own leatherwork business. She graciously donated some amazing pieces to the Dancin’ in the Dirt Auction and Dance.
Fun Fact #5: Cindy began volunteering at PHH because she needed to take action against the cruelty and neglect of horses. She feels that any amount of time a volunteer spends with one of the rescue horses goes a long way towards improving their lives and futures. We couldn’t agree more!
Holly Nilson
In Holly's own words:
"The first horse I remember was a buckskin named Tequila. Tequila lived in a pasture on the other side of “The Field," an old walnut orchard next to our house. As a child, I ate and slept in the house but mostly lived in “The Field” and was always playing horses.
I took a horsemanship class from Camp Fire Girls so that I could take care of horses for owners on vacation while I was in Junior High. I took out trail rides for a Girl Scout camp and a day camp in the summers when I was in college. Now that I’ve completed my soccer, baseball, basketball, band, PTA, choir Mom duties, it seemed to be about time to cowboy up. Got the truck. Got the dog. PHH has the horses, so there you go!
I enjoy landscaping and working on drainage challenges to help keep the critters, two and four legged, clean and comfortable so that’s what I have focused on so far.
The PHH horses don’t seem to mind being showered with attention, unlike some snooty horses one might find elsewhere. The people are fairly friendly, too.
I think we seek balance in life. There is a time to play and a time to be a grown-up. Dealing practically and compassionately with unwanted or abused animals is one of those grown-up things where you celebrate the happy endings and dread the sad ones.
I feel good about supporting people willing to step up and do the hard work of planning and carrying out the rehab for each animal. At the same time I get to enjoy the critters, the outdoors, and watch the great clinics and demos.
Laura Laney
Growing up on a small ranch in east Texas, Volunteer Coordinator Laura Laney developed a love of animals from an early age. Her time spent at Texas A&M, where she received a degree in Agribusiness, honed her skills at the business side of country life. But four years in the city left her lonesome for the wide open spaces of her youth.
Determined to re-immerse herself in the pastoral, Laura signed up for riding lessons at a nearby barn. Before long she was working there, which she continued to do until her move to Washington.
Once firmly planted in the Pacific Northwest, a quick search on the internet led Laura to People Helping Horses, and in the summer of 2008 she took on the position of Volunteer Coordinator.
Laura has a passion for taking care of abandoned animals—current count finding three cats and two rescued dogs in her home—and she’s thrilled to have the opportunity to put her passion to good use.
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Lilia and Stefanie Hargreaves
Lilia Hargreaves appreciates all that city life has to offer, including a stellar soccer league, tap dance classes, and yoga. But she really lives for the weekends when she escapes to Arlington and the lovely company of her many equine friends. Her favorite horse by far is Mystic, though you’ll find that each one of her Breyer model horses bears the name of one of the rescue horses she’s had the immense pleasure to groom, lead, and love. She’s very grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a special endeavor and would like to thank all of those associated with People Helping Horses for their patience, knowledge, and kindness.
A freelance editor and writer, Stefanie Hargreaves has always loved horses, though it’s been years since she owned one of her own. When her daughter suggested that they volunteer with rescued horses, Stefanie happily looked into local opportunities. The pair eventually found there way to People Helping Horses and they couldn’t be happier.
As for favorites? Well, if pressed, Stefanie would say Tia. Or maybe Raven. No, wait, make that Howdy. Or perhaps Lily? Let’s just say it’s a good thing she lives in Seattle where the neighbors frown on grazing horses in the backyard.
Maghan Powers
"I've always liked trying new things!" It's that positive attitude that finds Maghan Powers the PHH volunteer of the month for October 2008.
A horse crazy kid, Maghan has always had horses in her life and she can't imagine it any other way.
Here are five fun facts about this exceptional woman:
Fun Fact #1: Maghan's first horse was a Pinto pony named "No Name." He wasn't very good about being caught, so a rope was always attached to his halter.
Fun Fact #2: Maghan purchased her first show horse when she was 12. He was an Appaloosa gelding named Sergio.
Fun Fact #3: Throughout her youth, Maghan trained and showed in the ApHC. Showmanship and western riding and trail are her favorites, though she has also tried jumping, dressage, and reigning.
Fun Fact #4: Maghan takes pride in offering her skills and compassion to the PHH rescue horses. She feels honored to be involved with an organization where the horses's health and welfare is put above all else.
Fun Fact #5: Maghan feels it's vitally important to volunteer. In her opinion, it's the volunteers that provide the backbone of the organization and give the rescues the love and attention they so richly deserve.
Matt Sealey
Matt Sealey has been raised around horses all his life. He attains many of his community service hours for school by volunteering with People Helping Horses. Matt helps by grooming and working the shows, but he most enjoys being able to come up and ride.