Tim and Megan Feebeck
with Colorado Horse Rescue

Whether they are feeding horses, grooming manes, or cleaning out the barn, the father-daughter duo of Tim and Megan Feebeck love volunteering their time for Colorado's oldest horse shelter, Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) in Longmont.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency relief, shelter, care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted horses, CHR provides community resources through equine education, counseling, information and referral services.

The Feebeck's adventure into volunteering with CHR began when Megan, now 18, was in middle school. As part of her graduation requirements for middle school, Megan had to serve her community in some manner. With her love for horses, CHR was at the top of Megan's list. Since Megan was a minor at the time, her father, Tim, came along to supervise.

Now, over four years later, Tim and Megan are the Sunday morning shift leaders at CHR. Together, from the early-morning hour of 7:00 a.m. until at least noon, Tim and Megan lead the other dedicated CHR volunteers in performing the many chores that go hand-in-hand with caring for 47 rescued horses. This can include, but certainly is not limited to feeding, watering, mucking, grooming, facility maintenance projects, along with keeping an eye on the horses during their shift.

I didn't know anything about horses prior to volunteering with CHR," says Tim. "What I came to find out is that some of these horses have a lot of personality. They're always glad to see you," Tim adds.

For Megan, it's her love for horses that makes her volunteerism so enjoyable. "My favorite horse at CHR is named Spade, and since I'm trained I even have the privilege of riding him once in awhile," says Megan. As a CHR volunteer, Megan also familiarizes herself with the special needs and idiosyncrasies of each horse she cares for. When the horse is adopted, Megan and CHR relay the information to the new owner so that each and every horse is properly cared for, even after they leave CHR.

Most importantly, it's Tim's and Megan's commitment to CHR's mission of providing care and rehabilitation to abused and neglected horses that keeps them going back to CHR week after week. "Some of the horses come to CHR in really bad shape. Based on their past abuse, they shouldn't trust any human again. CHR restores that trust," Tim says proudly.

For information about volunteering with Colorado Horse Rescue or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.