Nancy Downey has served as our Board Secretary since 2018, using her computer and business background and other talents to excel in her position and keep the organization on track! Nancy says while she’s not around the barn as much anymore, serving as secretary has been fun and rewarding. She helps with fundraising and volunteering at events, and as a retired college professor, her higher education background helps her thrive with back-office work and organization.
Nancy has loved horses all her life, owning her first horse at the age of 14 and constantly having horses in her life ever since. She competed with her current Palomino mare in the local American Trail Trials Association events where at ranches
and state parks they showed off their skills on natural trails, like crossing streams or dragging logs, and won many times in their division. Nancy, who has owned her horse “Blondie” for 20 years, says she is the best horse she’s ever had and she is now retired at age 28 into the quiet life of an older horse.
Nancy’s daughter caught an interest in horses from her mother competing in Western Pleasure horse shows since the age of 8. Now, years later, Nancy and her daughter still share the same passion and love for horses.
Nancy started her journey with Between Horses and Humans by meeting Barbara Slade, the founder of BHH, through another nonprofit called Carson Valley Trails Association where they helped to create recreational trails for hiking and equestrians. She started as a substitute instructor for BHH and helped Barbara with computer clerical and computer database work for the organization. Nancy was then voted onto the board as secretary and has served in this position ever since.
“Everyone on this board and especially Seanna, our new program director, all bring dedication and valuable individual talents to the board,” Nancy said. “Horse people are wonderful, and we have a great group that works well together, putting together fundraising events and working as a team, and it's very fulfilling and fun work. It is one of the things that I do that gives me a lot of meaning in my own life, to know that I'm giving back in some way.”
Nancy says it’s inspiring hearing from program participant's parents, and from the participants themselves, about how Between Horses and Humans has improved their lives. When it comes to BHH, Nancy sees the gratitude and positive feedback families give about the organization on a consistent basis.
“Our mission is to provide the best and highest integrity horsemanship program that we can to produce a safe and empowering space for children and youth to strengthen their leadership abilities and skills, and to be more resilient in coping with their life challenges, whatever they may be,” Nancy said.
Nancy loves working with her fellow board members and volunteers and witnessing the passion they have for Between Horses and Humans. If you have a heart for horses, youth, or both, consider volunteering with this wonderful group of people. You can contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteers.bhh@gmail.com to get started!
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