When we first ‘meet’ our rescue horses, our hearts clutch with despair at the sight of them, their physical condition sadly but truly described as skeletons with hair tarps thrown over. Most often, they step their way onto our trailer with neither the energy nor the will to protest--with no interest in what lies ahead. Over the next few months, we watch as their bodies and minds transform into healthy, opinionated and energetic horses, physically indistinguishable from their healthy herd mates. But what comes next? With the crisis phase managed and a chance for these horses to learn that human hands can be a source of kindness and nurturing, what is their fate? Tomorrow, our hearts will ache again--bursting with pride and love for our horses in the Trainer’s Challenge. For Hope, who may be the most introverted and self-protective rescue we’ve seen, we have watched love win her over. She is a horse that needed love to learn to love. Re-reading Leanna’s first few blogs about Hope, she wrote that she expected Hope to trust and respect her and she would do the same. In her most recent blog, Leanna talks of her love for Hope. At the practice Challenge a few weeks ago, Leanna (and Hope) came to the rail to chat with us. Hope hung her head over and nuzzled us. Leanna has taught Hope not just the tremendous skill set she demonstrates but more importantly, she has taught her that people are worth loving back—that it is a two-way street. For Raayna, the worried mother who sacrificed her own well being on behalf of her son, we have watched her let her worries go. She has formed a partnership with Maddie that has taught her that she can rely on others to help her, she is not in this alone, and she is worthy of a partnership. Raayna is brave, resilient and energetic-exactly like her trainer Maddie. This team works under the presumption that “We can do this and we will do it together.” Every decision is not on her shoulders. She trusts not just herself, but Maddie, too. For Raayna, letting go of her worry has given her wings. Raayna has learned to fly—not just over jumps or through the arena. She has developed a sense that she has a place in the world. That her life is out there waiting to be explored. Johnny, Raayna’s baby boy, has always had a trusted protector. His mom did everything in her power to not let him fail. She screamed if he was out of her sight even as a three-year old. He was a stallion, unweaned and untrained but never without her love and support. His magical pairing with Dusty started as a blank slate. The warm, welcoming barn embraced Johnny as their own, showering him with gifts, treats, and attention—and a new moniker, Gentleman Johnny. Dusty set high expectations of Johnny, instantly assessing his looks, temperament and potential and seeing him as a show horse. Those high expectations were realized on the first day. Dusty learned that Johnny could not be stumped. He could not be tired out. Johnny never failed him. And Dusty never failed Johnny. The path he set for Johnny was to ride him into his future. Johnny’s best hope for a good life ahead was to show the world Johnny’s enormous capacity for success—whether it is Dusty, his dog or the 7 year old beginner rider on his back, Johnny takes it all in stride (and we have to mention what a smooth and beautiful stride that is)! It has been our great privilege to host Dartagnan, Liberty the horse and Denny with their outstanding trainers while they have pursued the hopes and dreams of these amazing horses, too. We open our hearts to a new future, new partners for these cherished horses and undoubtedly a few more heartaches as we send them on their way.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 04:35:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015