Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Larouche

Originally from Quebec, Canada, Diane moved to the Denver area in 2012 because of her love for the outdoors and the mountains. Now in East Vail, she discovered MVHR when her partner and MVHR supporter, Kenny, thought she might want to put her passion for horses to work as a volunteer.

Diane is an English rider and previously owned 2 horses. Sadly, the first – an off the track thoroughbred – “got injured and could no longer do what I needed her to do despite months of rest and treatment.” Diane worked with a local horse rescue to find a nice family where the demands on her would be less. Her second horse is now in the care of her trainer in Broomfield, CO “who adores him and I visit him still.”

At MHVR, Diane helps with all the daily chores. “I enjoy the workout involved with mucking stalls and watching the horses rest, play, gallop up and down the field, bicker between them and more. They are all very sweet and curious.”  She also touts the calm and therapeutic environment at the Rescue, saying when you are at the barn “you don’t think of anything else except what’s around you.”

The most rewarding part about volunteering for Diane is witnessing the recovery of the horses. “With the good care provided by all at MVHR, to see these horses gain weight, recover ability to walk again (for some), trot and canter is absolutely heartwarming and amazing. For others, it’s learning to trust again and get over some PTSD from neglect as Joel would say!”

When asked if she has a favorite horse, Diane says she loves them all! Roman’s funny personality puts him towards the top of the list, but Phantom has become her true favorite.

Thank you, Diane, for sharing your love and horse experience with the entire Rescue herd (and cats and chickens!) at MVHR. We hope you remain part of our volunteer family for years to come!