Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Tahlia Fischer of All Seated In A Barn Is Helping To Change Our World
Leadership to me is the ability to follow through and inspire those around you to believe in what you are doing and wanting to help. An example of that would be simply in those who choose to share our posts, talk to those around them about what is going on, they get involved.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tahlia Fischer, Co-founder and Director of All Seated In A Barn.
Tahlia’s passion for saving horses and donkeys is rooted in her childhood. All Seated in a Barn has given her the platform to share her passion in making a difference and changing the horse industry. Outside of the barn she enjoys spending time with family and her dogs.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Interestingly enough, it was while watching the Bachelorette with my sister. She was following someone on Instagram when they reposted a photo of a donkey at a kill pen who was in danger of shipping to slaughter the next day. She mentioned to me that I should save him. My response to her was “WHAT am I going to do with a donkey?!” — I didnt know anything about donkeys, their care, their personalities. Nothing. A few glasses of wine later and the donkey was paid for. Everything else is history. He inspired all of this!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
The most interesting story — I couldnt pick one story. This whole barn is made up of so many. Where it started. How its grown. The corruption. The people I have met. The horses, donkeys, alpacas,ducks, zebras, the yak that have all been given a safe landing. This whole barn is one massive compilation of interesting stories.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
The funniest mistake was thinking this was going to be easy. This is not easy. This is the hardest thing I have ever done.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
All Seated In A Barn is making a significant social impact through education and bringing about awareness to a problem that has gone unchanged for so long. Bearing witness, posting pictures that need to be seen, videos that need to be watched. The only way there is going to be change is if people realize WHAT needs to be changed and making a plan from there.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Ron from Oscars Place. He watched a TikTok video of one of our big donkey rescue missions and became so inspired he started what is, in my opinion, the greatest donkey sanctuary and rehabilitation facility in the country. Give it 5 years and he will change everything for them. He is that badass.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
- Regulations and accountability at the horse and donkey auctions.
- Creating and implementing a plan for individuals who cannot care or who do not want their horses.
- Funding to help organizations like All Seated In A Barn, and others, so that they can continue to help this whole disastrous situation.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership to me is the ability to follow through and inspire those around you to believe in what you are doing and wanting to help. An example of that would be simply in those who choose to share our posts, talk to those around them about what is going on, they get involved.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1. This is going to be hard
2. You are going to be alone
3. You are going to get extremely introverted
4. Your heart is going to hurt extremely bad
5. You need to remember to breathe
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
That they need us as bad as we need them. Horses are healers. They are so special in that their intense sensitivity almost becomes a mirror of ourselves, our feelings, our rawness. We need to protect and do right by them.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is relevent in my life because I believe in treating everyone how you would want to be treated. Show kindness — above all. Just be kind to those around you. Be honest. Keep your integrity.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Taylor Swift. She is a kind soul who I believe has the reach to impact and inspire and make a difference.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Visit us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allseatedinabarn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allseatedinabarn
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allseatedinabarn
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Tahlia Fischer of All Seated In A Barn Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.