Volunteer Spotlight: Kandace and Her Passion for Wild Horses
Kandace is a dedicated volunteer with both Wild Horse Connection and LRTC’s Large Animal Rescue Team. Her journey with wild horses began when she moved to Reno and discovered a group of horses being helped across the road by a volunteer. This encounter led her to join the effort, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working with horses. In this spotlight, Kandace shares her experiences, favorite memories, and what wild horses mean to her.
Getting Involved with Wild Horses
When I was a young girl, I loved horses, and my favorite movie was Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken. It inspired me to dream of having a horse of my own. Years later, that dream persisted. After moving to Reno, I encountered a band of horses and a lady helping them cross the road safely. She explained it was volunteer work and encouraged me to join. It felt like a dream come true, so I did!
Favorite Part of Volunteering
Learning about these beautiful, majestic creatures is my favorite part. Although we face tough losses, the victories, like saving a horse, overshadow them and make me proud to contribute to keeping them wild and free.
Why Wild Horses Are Special
Wild horses are special to me in many ways. They are smart, sweet, sassy, and bring a sense of peace and calm. Helping them alleviates my anxiety and depression, giving my life purpose and meaning. A wild horse represents beauty and freedom. “I have seen things so beautiful they have brought tears to my eyes. Yet none of them can match the gracefulness and beauty of a horse running free.” Author Unknown
Day Job
During the day, I work full-time as a Compliance Coordinator for a local real estate company.
Favorite Memory from the Range
My favorite memory is of a sweet little foal named Sadie, who was found wandering the range without her mom. I was called to keep an eye on her, hoping her mom would be found. She quickly bonded with me, and although her mom was never found, I assisted in her rescue and visited her until her adoption.
Other Animals on the Range
On the range, I have seen deer, coyotes, sheep, snakes, and a bobcat.
Favorite Animal Aside from Horses
Aside from horses, I absolutely love turtles!
Theme Song for the Range
If a theme song played every time I go out on the range, it would be Jason Aldean's Dirt Road Anthem.
Favorite Meal
If I had to eat one meal every day for the rest of my life, it would be TACOS!
Next Travel Destination
The next place on my travel bucket list is a trip along the East Coast, stopping at Assateague Island National Seashore and visiting Salt River, Arizona, to see the wild horses!