Kirsten Ghaster

I joined the ATHA Board because I am so passionate about ATHA! I starting volunteering there in 2019 to reconnect with horses while grieving the loss of both my parents. I had a beautiful and feisty Arabian gelding who was my best friend as a teenager. I went 30 years without having the luxury of having a horse until I called After the Homestretch and asked Dannielle about volunteering. I starting coming twice a week and through the time spent there, things in my life all started to get better. Being around horses and horse lovers is what I had been missing. It didn't take long until I fell in love with a horse named Jackhammer. He is the most empathic creature I know. My husband saw how much joy he brought into my life and surprised me by working with Dannielle secretly to adopt him for me for my birthday in September 2019. The best gift ever!

 

I am so thankful to ATHA and Dannielle for this. Over the years, I have been a volunteer, adopter and donor. I am honored to serve on the board to give back in some small way for what ATHA gave to me.

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In my spare time, I like to hang out with my horses. I have six – four retired racehorses, one senior Quarter Horse and one baby foal.  Every morning feels like Christmas being able to go out there and kiss all their noses.

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I am inspired by people who overcome all odds and never complain. My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease very young and I watched her bear up with strength and grace as the disease progressed. She never, ever complained about it. I admire this trait so much in a person.

 

My super powers are: Problem solving! It is hard to see a mess and not want to clean it up, or to see a problem and not try to fix it. I love finding a solution to a problem that seems insurmountable. I would say my other strength is giving.  I love it when there is a need that someone has and you can fill it.

 

I can’t live without many things…..God, my husband and large family (5 kids plus their 4 spouses and 9 grandkids), my horses and dogs, and of course travel! Which I do a bit less of now that I have so many horses.

 

My credentials are:

I started riding in third grade and devoted myself to learning all I could about horse care and handling. I bring my knowledge and intuition as a 'horse mom' to the table. I freely admit to being a 'helicopter horse mom'.... sorry, not sorry!  I look forward to putting my skills and  experience to work for ATHA. 

 

One of my favorite quotes about life is "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." I know how this feels first-hand. Riding a racehorse for the first time was much harder than I thought. But despite being scared to death, I kept climbing in the saddle anyway. Always remember in life that fear is a reaction, but courage – that is a decision!