Carol Knapp has never had a horse, though she used to argue with her mother about getting one when she was younger. It was only when a friend suggested that they volunteer with horses that she became involved with the Colorado Horse Rescue.

Colorado Horse Rescue is an organization dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for abused and unwanted horses, as well as equine education for the surrounding communities.

"It isn't all fun and games," she said of the work. Only certain volunteers are allowed to ride the horses. She mostly just mucks out the barn. Still, volunteering is rewarding. "Horses do have personalities, and quirky moves," she laughed. "It's nice to know you can help them out."

Barn work isn't the only thing Knapp contributes. She is on the board of directors for CHR, and was the chairperson for the Mane Event, the main fundraiser for the organization.

"Ten years of work there, I've seen a lot of good changes. I help out with as much as I possibly can."

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