Palatine Stables Names 2016 Volunteer of the Year

When a young woman wants to spend countless hours in a place full of large four-legged creatures, no matter the temperature or the smell, you know love, passion and dedication exists. Taryn Kobeski was just awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for Palatine Stables for 2016 for just those reasons.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, the Palatine Park District held a luncheon at The Cotillion in Palatine to honor the "Volunteers of the Year" from 20 groups that operate under the district's guidance. Four new Honor Roll Inductees were also introduced.

The introductions and welcome were given by Dennis Hanson, Volunteer/Honor Roll committee chairman, and then opening remarks were given by Alissa DePue, Volunteer coordinator for Palatine Park District.

The Volunteer of the Year video gave the audience insight as to what being part of those district activities entails. Following the family style luncheon and words from the guest speaker, Dick Quagliano, The Volunteers of the Year were introduced individually and then presented with plaques and pins.

Also in attendance was Joanna Walus, representing Palatine Stables and Taryn's mother, brother, and grandmother.

Taryn was nominated for this designation by Toni Bruns, the manager of Palatine Stables, who has been Taryn's trainer and mentor for over 12 years. Taryn's relationship with Palatine Stables began years before her years of volunteering did with having her own pony birthday party there and attending Summer Horsemanship Camp. Now she is able to provide those experiences for others through her volunteering.

Equestrian adoration isn't always pretty since there are stalls to be mucked and jumps to be reset, but that is balanced out with great rides with friends that have a common understanding of the love of horses. Palatine Stables prides itself on the tradition it has of promoting riding from the beginning riders who can then advance to the Show Team and continue in competitive riding at regional and national levels and venues. This ongoing lineage of riders is encouraged by volunteers like Taryn who act as role models, instruct others on the proper etiquette of showing and care of horses, and express their genuine love of horses.