By Sharla Kershen, July 8th, 2026.
Some volunteers leave footprints in the arena. Others leave hoof prints on our hearts.
For New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy, Rachael is one of those unforgettable volunteers whose journey continues to inspire everyone who has had the privilege of knowing her.
Rachael volunteered with New Hope from 2015 to 2017 while in high school. During those years, she quickly became a dependable member of our volunteer family. Whether she was leading horses, assisting riders, or helping wherever she was needed, Rachael approached every task with compassion, humility, and an eagerness to learn.
When graduation arrived, Rachael honored New Hope in a way that deeply touched our founder, Sharla Kershen. At her “Night of Stars” graduation celebration, Rachael invited Sharla to attend as her special guest—a meaningful expression of gratitude for the mentorship, friendships, and experiences that had shaped her high school years.
Her love for horses extended beyond volunteering. While attending UT Austin, Rachael worked alongside local equine veterinarian Dr. Piper Norton in her ambulatory veterinary practice, gaining invaluable hands-on experience caring for horses in the field. That experience reinforced something Rachael has always believed: exceptional therapeutic riding programs begin with exceptional horse care.
“You can’t have a good program without healthy horses,” she often says.
Today, Rachael’s journey has taken her across the Atlantic to the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, one of the world’s leading veterinary schools.
What excites her most about the program is its innovative, holistic approach to veterinary education. Rather than dividing students into specialty tracks early in their training, the curriculum prepares future veterinarians to care for all species throughout their education. This broad foundation allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of animal health while appreciating the interconnectedness of veterinary medicine.
Even while pursuing her veterinary degree, Rachael has remained connected to New Hope. She recently returned to complete a summer internship with us as part of her Animal Husbandry program, bringing new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our horses. Rachael spent several weeks working closely with our barn manager Kim getting valuable hands-on horse care experience. She also assisted our veterinarian Dr Jenn Voellinger during calls to New Hope, getting some real-life insight on what her future as a large animal vet could hold. As a parting gift to New Hope before heading off to her next internship, Rachael and her dad Jim (who also volunteers here) spent a long hot day building a much-needed paddock cover for Flash and Cleo. Her time here this summer was a true blessing!
Her willingness to give back reflects a guiding principle she has embraced throughout her life:
“To whom much has been given, much is expected.”
Those words are evident in the way Rachael serves others—with generosity, excellence, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of both animals and people.
We are incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished and grateful that New Hope has been part of her journey. We look forward to welcoming Rachael back next summer as she hopes to complete an internship with a local veterinary practice specializing in equine reproduction and horse breeding.
Watching volunteers grow into professionals who continue serving the equine community is one of New Hope’s greatest joys. Rachael’s story reminds us that volunteering isn’t simply about giving time—it can become the foundation for a lifetime of purpose.
We can’t wait to see where her journey leads next. We know the horses—and the people who care for them—will be in excellent hands.