Our featured volunteer of the month is Stephanie Fennell!

Stephanie has been an active member and volunteer at Lancers since 2017. “I think the volunteering came as soon as I started to ride. Helga's spirit was the driving force behind my volunteer commitment. Helga had a unique ability to find a task for each volunteer and she made sure that each volunteer knew how much they were valued and appreciated. I try to keep that spirit alive.” Stephanie and her whole family have put in countless hours of hard work and have had a big impact on the barn and community.

Stephanie rode as a kid and then started again after her daughter Evelyn was born, she was originally riding at another barn and then made her way to Lancers. After patiently waiting to turn 8 years old and for a spot to open on the waitlist, Evelyn also started riding at Lancers! Stephanie has taken part in every volunteer opportunity: hay and shavings deliveries, accounting/tax insights, August clean up, garden maintenance, therapeutic riding, and assisting “Bill the Volunteer” her husband who has been instrumental in both the repairs upkeep and modernization of the barn! This year we are excited to have Stephanie as the Volunteer Coordinator for our Musical Ride! “Lancers could not operate without its volunteer commitment. It is a volunteer environment where you feel appreciated and can look back on the activity and know you made a difference. It is hard to find that in today's world. There is no comparison to other volunteer opportunities.”

Lancers has become such a huge part of Stephanie's life and most of her family’s life at this point. I like to give my time because others have given their time to the community and it is a community that Evelyn has benefited from greatly. I also enjoy volunteering at Lancers as I get to be a part of my child's life and be around for the key moments. We are benefiting from years of volunteers before us. I am grateful for the opportunities that Lancers provides for junior riders to develop skills that are foundational to their lives." One of Stephanie's favorite memories at Lancers was watching Evelyn canter for the first time and hearing her whole ride cheer her on.

Lancers has benefited greatly from so many of Stephanie’s efforts, and we love how she’s always encouraging others to get involved. Her appreciation for Lancers is so genuine, and we all, especially the horses genuinely appreciate her too!