Stories

My big, lanky Thoroughbred who is supposed to be an English horse is a big, tall, neck-reining trail boss! Scotty ended up 14th in Ranch Work at the makeover and received a TCA (Thoroughbred charities of America) award in Ranch Work at the Retired Racehorse Project.

I had not intended on adopting a horse that day, but in that moment, I knew I had to have her. It was an instant heart connection. I did not grow up with horses nor have had a lot of hands on experience, but Sugarfoot proved to be such a gentle and patient teacher.

She is now solid, strong, fast, agile, confident, and one of the finest performance horses I have ever met. She is a gem, a gem that was sitting among so many other gems at a horse rescue just waiting for her chance to show the world what she could do.

After our first full year of training, and we qualified for our regional championship, and from there qualified for the USDF Nationals in 2016. Kyff is my partner, my friend, my heart horse. We are on a journey to inspire others to adopt, and to pursue your dreams, no matter your age.

All these horses could have had a totally different ending. I adopt because the animals left behind deserve humans that won’t fail them. They deserve to know love. I rescue through Copper Horse Crusade because they are honest people, doing amazing things.

Bodacious and Shawnee have forever homes with me. Thank you to my husband that encourages me every day to follow my dreams. Julie thank you for all you do in saving good horses and giving them hope. Here’s to many happy trail rides and countless hours in the saddle.

A non-profit called Mustangs Forever whose mission is” to save and preserve these magnificent animals and help people by bringing the two together” had won the bid and given Levon back to me. The feeling of relief and euphoria at that moment is hard to describe.

She is so much a part of my life that I cannot imagine not having her. I give credit to the Lord for leading me to her that hot summer day in 2015. I have trained a lot of good horses over the past six decades, but I have to say that I am as proud of this mare as any horse I ever dealt with.

I often catch Maddie in the pasture with Moxie just talking to him and hugging on him. I would love to know what all they talk about. He attentively listens to her and seems to love her hugs.

The volunteers constantly asked “When are you taking him home?” Finally, the day came for me to move on to start my own business. As soon as that decision had been made, so had another. I couldn’t leave him behind. In the two years of being there, our bond was undeniable and unique.

I have always believed in adopting…rather than purchasing pets or horses. Several months ago I learned of a wonderful rescue group called Love This Horse Equine Rescue, Inc. In December, Vera mentioned a yearling gelding was available for adoption. His name was Astro.

FOCUS agreed to give her back to me. Their help with Sky inspired me to get involved in another rescue that focuses on draft breeds. Sky was my six year old daughter’s birthday present. She is happily boarded not too far from us and I believe she is happier to be back with people she knows!