Volunteer Spotlight: Joanne Contino

Originally from Long Island, NY, Joanne moved to Colorado last November to work as one of the chefs at Zach’s Cabin. She was supposed to work at Red Sky Ranch this summer; however, the pandemic had other plans and she was furloughed.

Their loss was our gain.

If you’ve looked at the volunteer calendar at all this summer, you’d have noticed Joanne’s name under the “PM Feeding” shift almost every night. You see, when Vail Resorts closed its mountains in March, Joanne decided to pursue the opportunity to volunteer with our horses. Unfortunately, the Rescue closed to everyone but our staff around the same time, so she had to wait.

Shana was finally able to get Joanne out at the beginning of May for her orientation. “I fell in love with the place on that very day”, she says.

Ten years ago, when she lived in Myrtle Beach, SC, Joanne got a job at a barn helping with chores, feeding and turnouts. By the end of her time there, she was the assistant barn manager, overseeing the care of the horses herself. Because of her experience, she was able to graduate to the PM feeding shift quickly. This gave our caretaker, Joel, a much needed break after the shut down, and gave Joanne the opportunity “to volunteer as much as possible.”

Joanne’s favorite horse is Tango, our new, pregnant mare. She is currently helping to sponsor her and wants to adopt her when both of them feel ready. “She will be the first horse I ever own.” That doesn’t mean Tango will be leaving anytime soon though. Joanne plans on boarding her at the Rescue, so she and Tango can continue to learn from Shana and Joel. Joanne has been extremely impressed with the talent, professionalism and knowledge both our executive director and caretaker/ trainer possess (as we all are), and plans to soak up all of the wisdom she can.

We could not be happier or more grateful to have Joanne join our MVHR volunteer family this summer. Her experience, passion, and dedication have been priceless. We look forward to having her around for a long time, and think she does, too. As she told us recently, “This is only the beginning of what I will learn and experience from the horses, Shana, Joel, and all friends that I am making at the rescue.”