08/28/2026
🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Katie VanEgeren 🌟
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and this month we're excited to introduce one of our incredible volunteers, Katie VanEgeren. Katie took some time to share what SMILES means to her, some of her favorite experiences at the barn, and the impact being part of the SMILES community has had on her life. Read on to learn more about her story and what makes SMILES so special to her! ❤️🐴
About ten years ago, I saw a small article in the newspaper looking for volunteers at SMILES. So, I stopped in at their office and told the staff members that I would like to volunteer.
"Do you have any horses?", they asked.
I said, "Yes, eighteen of them!".
Their faces lit up as they shouted "Great!"
I added, "They are all about twelve inches tall and made of plastic."
Laughing, they replied, "No worries. We will train you."
All these years later they are still training me, but with patience and kindness.
Now let me tell you about one of the most amazing young ladies and her SMILES moment. I met Krista in the barn one morning fresh off the Inspiration Ministry bus. She came to do the "HEARTS" program. It was also my first time working with a "HEARTS" student. I introduced Krista to Marshmallow, our calm white pony. Krista was brushing Marshmallow and teaching me all the parts of the pony's body. Krista, in her sweet voice, was explaining which brush to use as Marshmallow stood in the barn. What amazed me was this beautiful little lady was teaching ME, and yet, Krista was confined to her electric wheelchair and could use only one arm. Krista was one of the most admired people I have ever met. We became pals. One day I asked her if she would like to be in the SMILES Horse Show. Her face said it all! Our instructor, Katie Boss, agreed that Krista could be in the show.
A few weeks later, Krista came riding in with her Horse Show entry fee in a glass jar; the story continues... I had to find an associate at Inspiration Ministry to transport Krista to and from SMILES on a Saturday: another angel! The annual event is an opportunity for all of our riders to showcase their equestrian skills. For Krista, it would be a demonstration of how she could work with Marshmallow. Holding the lead rope in her immobile hand, and controlling her wheelchair with her fully functioning hand, she guided Marshmallow through a course laid out with orange cones. I saw a brave and determined gal, undaunted by her physical limitations, showing off her skill before a packed arena. Krista was awarded a blue ribbon and a trophy that day in recognition of her performance.
Weeks later, my neighbor informed me that my picture was featured in "At the Lake" magazine! I said I was sure she must be mistaken but had to eat my words a few days later when I picked up the latest edition. There I was, pictured alongside my star SMILES student! With magazine in hand, I quickly drove over to Inspiration Ministry where I found Krista having lunch in the gathering room. Krista's friends rushed over with excitement as a I opened the magazine to the page with her picture. One of her friends yelled out "Krista, you're FAMOUS!!". And indeed she was.
Krista is just one of many stories I could share about the many fearless riders and kind volunteers who make these precious moments possible. I keep her show picture on my car visor as a daily reminder to have courage and do the things you love.
If you would like to learn about another one of SMILES great success stories, simply click on the YouTube link below...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvL6nyi9VXM
