July 3, 2025
As a kid, Nina Chastain was obsessed with horses.
“I just turned four years old, and a Christmas gift from my dad lit a spark inside me: a Mattel pinto rocking horse named Blaze,” she recalls. “I remember unwrapping this giant package next to the tree and jumping into my dad’s arms with joy. From that moment, I wanted to be a cowgirl, jockey or trainer.”
Nina’s life took her in other directions with a career focusing on people. Then, five years ago, she discovered Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. She realized working with horses could be a part of her life as a volunteer.
She grew up volunteering for nonprofits, political causes and neighborhood organizations, but volunteering with animals was new to her. Her little-girl idealization of spending all day surrounded by horses was quickly replaced with the reality of daily life at a barn.
“I discovered I love the challenge of the hard work, and the camaraderie of knocking out the chores together,” Nina says.
For Nina, a typical volunteer day at Longmeadow means arriving early to help toss hay and help with turnout, then cleaning stalls, coops and pens, and refilling bedding.
If time allows, Nina likes to get in some grooming with detangling a mane or tail.
“It’s just good to be available for whatever’s needed. That can range from rounding up chickens, catching a goat, or holding a horse while staff administer medicine. Sometimes, it can simply be washing a window or refilling a water bucket.”
Nina says the most meaningful aspect of being a Longmeadow volunteer is playing a part in restoring horses’ physical and mental health. Many horses arrive underweight, fearful or shut down. Nina thought she wanted her own horses but now finds it most rewarding rehabilitating horses who’ve been abused or neglected.
Nina definitely recommends giving volunteering at Longmeadow a try to make new friends of all ages and backgrounds, and see your work make a difference.
“You will leave tired. I always leave tired and happy.”
Learn more about volunteering by clicking here.
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