If you spend any time at the ranch, you’ve likely crossed paths with the lovely Colleen Turay. She volunteers her time and talents at least 5 days a week horse leading in classes, supporting the equine team training, helping volunteers, participating actively in equine care, and of course, being a part of her beloved Sunday barn team, where it all began!
When you ask Colleen what her favorite part of volunteering is, she’ll tell you that her time with the kids is so rewarding, but it’s her time working with the herd that is most fulfilling. “Seeing what the herd does for the humans who need them is just amazing,” Colleen said. Watching her rider’s progression and seeing the potential in both riders and in the horses is what makes Colleen a special and impactful member of our amazing volunteer force.
When she and her husband moved to Colorado in 2016, after retiring from a 30-year law-enforcement career, they were looking for connection in their new community. The first few years of snow birding to Florida wasn’t helping her to feel connected in either community and she liked the feeling of coming home to Hearts & Horses and seeing the familiar faces welcoming her back. Thankfully for us, she and her husband decided that they wanted to be here in northern Colorado full time.
Since she lives right up the road, Colleen is always only a phone call away for reliable, capable, and loving support when she’s needed at the ranch. In addition, Colleen brings an immense amount of compassion and a knack for mentorship from her long career in law enforcement.
Colleen said “My favorite job of my whole career was being a patrol sergeant, mentoring new officers and helping them develop their skills. I was good at it because I really cared about their careers. I also enjoyed my time as a school resource officer where I made connections with youth-at-risk and helped positively impact their lives. After learning about the Changing Leads program, it drew me in from my personal experiences.”
Recently, Colleen has been working with Blossom in equine care and has found a deep understanding of what Blossom’s feelings and personality traits are and what she likes and dislikes. “Blossom has sensitive skin, and a sensitive personality, so she likes soft, slow, calm brushing. But when we’re getting her groomed for class, we have limited time, and she can feel that energy and can get rigid because of it.”
Colleen has worked with countless riders and has had the chance to share what she’s learned about Blossom. One in particular, “Was about 10 years old and was so respectful and took in everything I said, and approached Blossom exactly as I told her to, and they were so sweet together! The mutual respect each showed for one another was almost instant and you could tell Blossom really appreciated being approached in that way.”
It’s no surprise that Colleen’s impact is felt at every level of the organization. For Colleen, she “just loves being a part of helping these horses do all that they do for our riders, and anything [she] can do to help them perform at their best. That’s what [she] really loves to do.”
Colleen was nominated for a volunteer spotlight by the amazing Rachel Karneffel.
Nominate a special H&H volunteer here!
