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Billy is a 30-year-old Quarter Horse/Arab cross. He is the inspiration behind the Center and the wind beneath my wings. We've spent over 20 years together and have been through many good and bad times. Billy has been ridden in the Mountains, done cattle penning, gymkhanas and taught many young inexperienced people to ride. He is that steady good-natured horse that everyone looks for. He strives to please and has the ability to make you feel safe, confident and secure. Billy is retired from riding now, however, he participates in our program helping participants work through their fears, providing safety and security and sharing his great wisdom with us all |
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Misty is a 25-year-old Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred cross. She was previously trained and ridden dressage.
I met Misty at a Rescue Centre I was volunteering at. Her previous owners were getting divorced and could not decide what to do with her. Lost in that mess, she ended up at Rescue Center. She is a very strong lead mare who has opinions on most things and is not afraid to share them with you. Misty leads the herd and takes her job very seriously. Her leadership skills are transferred into her work in the program where she is excellent in teaching effective communication, boundaries, assertiveness and self-esteem. |
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Thunder is a 7-year-
old Percheron/Thoroughbred cross. At the age of 2 Thunder found himself in the meat pens awaiting slaughter. What could he have done to deserve such a fate at such a tender age? Tragically, his only crime was he was not colorful enough. He was bred to be a flashy black and white Paint Sport Horse and so this was not acceptable. He was rescued from the meat pens and brought to the Rescue Ranch to await adoption. This is where I met Thunder or should I say he met me. I was cleaning and he kept following me around and making himself seen. |
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| We decided to adopt him and just before we went to pick him up, none other than a flashy black and white Stallion attacked him. He was hurt very badly protecting a young Morgan mare that the Stallion wanted. Once he was stabilized we brought him home to rest and recover Thunder is a kind, loving horse with an incredible nurturing instinct. He seems to understand when someone is scared, sad or hurt and is able to help participants work through these issues. Thunder harbors a lot of fear and sadness and never outwardly shows it, however I think that is why he sees it in others. Thunder is excellent in this program as he teaches participants about connection, attachment and empathy in the therapeutic relationship and in our lives. He truly is our Gentle Giant. |
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Vana is a 5-year-old Quarter Horse. She is physically handicapped. She sustained a blow to the head by a gate as a young weanling and has wobbled ever since. It is intermittent and some days are better than others. We have had her checked by Vets and Chiropractors and all say she is not suffering in pain. She is an accepted member of the herd and depends on them for safety. When we went to pick up Thunder, he had taken Vana under his wing. She was scheduled to be euthanized the next day and the rest is history. |
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| She jumped in the trailer with Thunder and home they came. She was under l at the time and looks to Thunder for protection even to this day. She is a beautiful sensitive girl and loves to be brushed and fussed over however she insists on a soft kind hand. Vana knows she is not physically like the other horses and yet it does not stop her from being emotionally like them. She is just starting in the program this year and I anticipate she will have much to teach participants. It will also be good for Vana, as it will give her a purpose and more consistent equine/human communication. |
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Montana is a 5-year-old Tobiano Paint, a very good-looking boy who is so very easy to love. He is very smart, expressive, cute and loveable. He will lick you to death if you allow him. Although this is so cute, it masks his own insecurities. Montana is constantly trying to do the right thing and he needs lots of safety, security, reassurance and routine.Montana wants to please and sometimes has to be reminded of boundaries as he sometimes tries so hard he comes across as too overbearing. |
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| One of his greatest gifts is his ability to pick up on his handler’s feelings.Montana will be starting the program this year and I anticipate he will be able to teach many participants about relationship and trust. As he has quite a sense of humor, he will undoubtedly provide each workshop with a few humorous moments. |
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Silver is a miniature horse that belongs to my neighbor. He came from a neglect situation and would have nothing to do with people when he first arrived. With my neighbor’s tender love and care, he has come a long way. Life is difficult for miniatures. People tend to treat them like dogs and they end up not responding well to that. Then they become labeled as “filled with attitude”.He wants to be treated with the same respect you would treat a big horse. He became ill in November and has spent the winter recovering in my barn. He has become a good friend and stall mate to Billy. My neighbor has graciously allowed me to put him in the program this year. I am looking forward to seeing what lessons he has to teach us all. |
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Chip's story will be up shortly...he is a very interesting boy this one. |
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