Timber's Grateful Companions: Serving the Senior Horse

Inspired by Timber's story and because they are invested in equine welfare, a dedicated team of people are leading Timber's Grateful Companions.

After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Karen Gustin enjoyed a 30+ year career with the National Park Service (NPS) as a Park Ranger and Superintendent where her work focused on conservation and interpretation of our country’s cultural and natural resources. Midway through her NPS career, she rekindled her relationship with horses.  After the NPS, Karen served as the Executive Director for over 10 years at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, where she and her staff helped hundreds of horses find new adoptive homes. 

Michael Mills is a CPA with Addington and Mills as well as an attorney, serving the Bluegrass area for over 40 years.  He graduated from University of Kentucky with an accounting degree and later, a law degree.  Mike has been a supporter and advocate for horse welfare organizations for the last 15 years, and enjoys the trails with his snappy little mare, Bling!

Laurie Metcalfe was born and raised in Madison, WI where she grew up with her identical twin Jen, and their Arabian horses.  She completed her Animal Science degree and went on to veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.  Upon graduating, she completed a one year hospital internship, followed by a one year ambulatory internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.  She has remained an ambulatory veterinarian with the clinic ever since, specializing in neonatal medicine, enjoying foals, herd heath, and general medicine.

Voted Kentucky Farm Manager of the Year in 2011 by her peers, Sandy Hatfield brings a lifetime of horsemanship to her crucial role at Three Chimneys. Since January 2000, she has spearheaded the care and management of Three Chimneys' stallions and orchestrated the breeding shed activity. Eight years as stallion manager at Gainsborough Farm, two years at Calumet Farm and seven years at North Ridge Farm helped prepare her for this responsibility. Sandy acquired her love of horses from her father while working with their ranching business and racing Quarter Horses in Oklahoma. She came to Kentucky after attending Oklahoma State University, earning her degree in Animal Science from Murray State University.  

 In addition to the Board, we have talented people serving as Technical Advisors.  Each person brings a skill set that helps us take better care of our horses!

Keely currently works as a Barn Manager at a private farm for retired horses in Woodford County. Keely has been a horsewoman for over 20 years, and graduated from University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Equine Business and Science. Her experience includes working at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital as a nursing technician, Broodmare and Yearling groom at Three Chimneys Farm and Equine Handler and groom at the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park. Her interests are in equine lameness and caring for horses with special needs.  Her expertise is in providing excellent daily care for horses, ranging from basic feeding/grooming  to medical treatment.

 Virginia graduated with a B.S. degree in Equine Studies before starting her 40+ year career in the Kentucky Equine Industry. Her well-rounded experiences include foaling out 100+ Thoroughbred mares, prepping young Thoroughbreds for sale, working with them in their training program, flying young horses to Australia, nursing technician at two Central Ky Equine Hospitals and Asst Barn manager at an all-breed rescue. Virginia  cares for all creatures that God puts before her; equine, canine or feline. Her expertise includes providing top notch medical care as well as photography. 

Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in the lives of others. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Let us know if you are interested!

Have a question or want to get in touch? Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

director@timbersgc.org

360.775.5690