Stories of Success
Nahla Rose
Nahla was a long time resident, and we didn’t know if she would ever find her person. She had major anxiety and a long history of being passed from person to person and not being treated kindly. One of our apprentices, Rachel, took a shine to Nahla, and it was quickly apparent that Nahla liked them too. Over three years, Rachel has patiently worked with Nahla to bring her out of her shell, help her learn self regulation, and even ride again. Their relationship is a testament to the powers of trust and patience, and is an example we can all learn from. Though Nahla was originally part of the sanctuary herd, it was decided to allow Rachel to adopt her because of their special bond. They are now working together at a new barn closer to Rachel’s house where they see each other daily. We can’t wait to see what comes next for this fairytale team!
Chutney
Chutney came to us smack dab in the middle of our fall festival one year, and was in pretty rough shape. She was skinny, under muscled, but so sweet and took everything in stride that we knew she would be ok. She got her name because she immediately clicked with Marmalade, and they were so similar she needed a similar name. Fast forward a couple years, and Chutney settled in as one of our best lesson horses. When we needed to move locations, two of our students were not going to be able to make the move with us, and asked if they could lease Chutney off-site instead. They found a wonderful little barn, and have been leasing her ever since. They even took Chutney to 4-H Fair! Recently, both of the families asked if they could make the leap from leasing to shared ownership, and we were overjoyed! Chutney, the best red dragon mare finally has her forever home- just in time for christmas!
Marmalade
Marmalade came to us as an owner surrender with her colt. She was incredibly obese, and exhausted from being in a tiny space with her colt. With time and rest, she became a wonderful ally and teacher, and lesson horse extraordinaire. Despite being fantastic as a lesson horse and doing well at shows, she made it clear that she would prefer just to have her own person and preferred to be out on the trail. Luckily, the exact right person came along! Jody (in gray shirt) adopted both Marmalade and Ben to go play up in the mountains on long trail rides!
Ben
Ben came to us from the feedlot via rescue connections. The person who paid his bail was an elderly woman who had had horses her whole life. as she got older, she was no longer able to care for them herself, but her husband drover her to see her beloved animals every day, until his passing. Ben is named in his honor. Ben is a super friendly little guy, who is easy to work with and easier to love! He was adopted by Jody, who also adopted Marmalade, to be a packhorse and trail ponu up in the mountains! We wish for all good things for his future!
Zorafina
Zora joined us several years ago from a breeder who was retiring her as a broodmare. Last Christmas, she was given a human of her very own- Katt, one of our apprentices! Katt has been spending time slowly bringing her along and putting a full re-start on her. We’re so excited to see what this team will do together in the future!