Erika Hoffmann has developed quite a bond with Austin, a mustang at Danada Equestrian Center, since she started volunteering in 2021.
“Austin is a wild mustang and he is partially blind,” said Hoffmann, of Lombard. “Mustang is my favorite horse breed, and my dream is to adopt one from the Mustang Extreme Makeover.”
Hoffmann lived in South America for more than two decades. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she and her family have lived in DuPage County since 2010; she became a U.S. citizen in 2019. She works in finance, but her real passion is working with horses and spending time outdoors. She has two dogs, schnauzers Gracie and Gianni.
“Danada is my happy place,” Hoffmann said. “I also enjoy water and winter sports.”
Here’s her story.
Being from Brazil, I was practically raised outdoors. I spent a lot of time on sailboats and began riding horses at a very young age.
I discovered DuPage forest preserves when I first moved here. I fell in love with Fullersburg Woods. Ever since, I’ve visited almost every forest preserve in DuPage County. I highly recommend downloading the map and exploring them!
It’s a tie between Fullersburg Woods and Danada. They both bring me the same amount of joy and peace. My favorite season to visit is winter and I’m a sunset lover.
My volunteer job at Danada Equestrian Center and the great outdoors. I say it all the time, nature is the best gym and it’s free!
I enjoy volunteering with horses, taking pictures, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Nature is good to everyone. We need to be kind to the environment and wildlife, and respect both.
It inspires me to be a healthier and more patient person. The horses at Danada also bring me so much joy, and I’ve learned so much from my Danada crew: Bill, Tom and Tad.
“Real freedom lies in wilderness, not civilization.”
~ Charles Lindbergh
I feel much freer in nature, and it is a wonderful feeling.
The great outdoors is so beneficial to you. Spending time with nature is good for your mind, body and soul. I’m a true believer in finding all the inspiration you need in nature.
If you have a fun or unique way of catching nature in our preserves and would like to be featured in a “Catching Nature” blog, please contact Deb Humiston at dhumiston@dupageforest.org.