08/31/2026
🐴 Meet the Two-Legged Herd Monday: Jolanda 💙
This week, we’re introducing you to one of the longtime members of our volunteer herd — Jolanda!
Jolanda began volunteering with The Saddle Light Center in April 2007. After moving to the United States, a delay with her work visa left her looking for something meaningful to do. Having grown up around neighborhood friends who had horses, volunteering at SLC seemed like the perfect fit.
Nearly 20 years later, she’s still part of the Monday volunteer crew!
Over the years, Jolanda’s involvement has extended beyond the barn. With a professional background in accounting, she stepped into the role of Treasurer on SLC’s Board of Directors when Kerstin asked if she would be interested. Although she eventually stepped away from the Treasurer role as her career became busier, Jolanda continues to serve as a Board member and helps with office billing when needed.
🐴 Why has she kept coming back all these years?
The horses, of course — but there’s more to it.
During years spent working in a stressful career, Jolanda found that being around the horses gave her a place to slow down and de-stress.
She has also seen firsthand that the impact of therapeutic riding goes far beyond physical benefits. One memory that has stayed with her involves a young rider with autism who rode Napoleon. The little girl would arrive at the barn without even saying hello, but once she was on Napoleon, she would begin talking about her school day and her pets.
💙 Moments like that showed Jolanda just how powerful the connection between our riders and horses can be.
A Few Jolanda Fun Facts:
🐴 Favorite horse: Tanzi. Jolanda says they have the same stride, and when they walk together, it feels like they both get “in a zone.”
She also remembers Native fondly. Native helped Jolanda regain her confidence around horses after many years away from them.
🐎 A horse who taught her a lot: Stetson, who has since returned to his owner. He taught her how much a horse handler’s attitude and confidence matter — especially the difference between “Walk on?” and “Walk on!”
🧹 Favorite barn chore: Cleaning Max’s stall! Those who know Max probably understand why getting it clean can be especially satisfying. 😄
🚴 Outside the barn: Jolanda is an avid road cyclist and typically rides 7,000–8,000 miles a year! In July, she completed a 200-mile ride from Seattle to Portland in ONE DAY! She also enjoys hiking, traveling to visit family overseas, spending time outdoors, and her cat, Luna. 🐱
And what would Jolanda tell someone considering becoming an SLC volunteer?
“Just give it a try! It is so satisfying to see the gains our riders are making.”
Thank you, Jolanda, for nearly two decades of dedication to our riders, horses, volunteers, and The Saddle Light Center. We’re incredibly grateful for the many ways you continue to be part of our herd. 💙🐴
