Staff Spotlight: MacKenzie Abundis, Lead Equine & Livestock Specialist

“I just recently got to meet a very famous thoroughbred race horse named California Chrome, pictured above!”

This week’s staff spotlight features MacKenzie Abundis, our Lead Equine & Livestock Care Specialist. She oversees the daily feeding, cleaning and medicating of the horses, and assists SPCA of Texas veterinarian Dr. Heather Larson during medical procedures.

We asked MacKenzie a few questions about herself so we could all get to know her better!

How did you get into animal welfare?

When I was growing up my family fostered a lot of dogs for a local rescue, mostly litters of puppies and then we would adopt them out once they became healthy. After I got my first horse I began to research local horse rescues and saw that SPCA of Texas was very close to me! Just like most people, I didn’t even know the SPCA of Texas had horses! I started volunteering with the equine/livestock department back in 2013, when I was 17. That’s when my passion for animal welfare took off. I saw the cases that came in and wanted to be part of the team. A year after I graduated high school I began working for the SPCA of Texas. The rest is history!

What are your hobbies or passions?

I grew up in a family who loved and taught dance but my passion/hobby has always been horses! I am lucky enough to have a job where I get to work with them every day. I love taking my horse and dogs trail riding and camping. I also enjoy watching the cowboys play every Sunday! Even my dogs wear jerseys!

Who is your favorite animal right now at the SPCA of Texas?

Right now my favorite animal is a thoroughbred filly named Darling. We have been rehabbing her wounded knee for a few months. She has the biggest personality! I always enjoy walking into the barn every morning and hearing her nicker at us (mostly for us to feed her). She’s spunky but I love her!

Stay tuned for more staff and volunteer spotlights – we’re eager to introduce you to more of the faces that make our organization so special! Want to join our team? Visit spca.org/careers.