In 2014, I adopted two horses. The first in February and the second in May. I always figured I would get a horse, but I wasn’t quite ready because we had just moved from the city. In the meantime, I came across a few horse rescue places on the internet and followed them – sometimes donating to help a horse get out of a feedlot and into a home – but still wasn’t thinking about rescuing. I was fairly green and wanted a horse that was safe and bomb-proof. Something for trail riding.  There is usually a demand for these horses and they rarely end up in a feedlot.

However, by February – an off track standardbred was running out of time. She was being shipped to slaughter the next day. Someone was set to take her, and I had offered to help with transport, but then the person couldn’t take her. So I made a rash decision and bought her. Didn’t know a thing about her — I remember panicking — I need hay, I need this, I need that. How do I get her here? But it worked out — not fine — we had our setbacks and learning curves and one unfortunate accident — but that was my fault not the horse’s — but by and by she is the best impulse purchase I have ever made. Her name is Banon.

But horses are herd animals — so I had to get her company — and I rescued a second one. This time a quarter horse cross. She was from the same feedlot, but I think she would have most likely been adopted regardless – I wasn’t the only one considering her.  I was told she was a saddle horse, but she actually has a deep hatred for the saddle. Along with several other – I don’t want to say problems – so lets say —idiosyncrasies. For one, I found out two days after I got her she can’t be cross tied.  She completely freaked out.  About a month in — I started realizing this horse must have been abused. Or maybe a few very bad experiences that soured her. But personality by the bucket load. She was easy to love.  Her name is Bourbon.

I now had both for seven plus years and I still keep thinking about rescuing a third.  I hope that happens but like always with me — I need to get a little more organized. We have lots of space for them but depending on the horse our fencing might not work — so I need a round pen and a few other additions here to accommodate another horse. I guess my next rescue doesn’t have to be a horse, but I do keep looking at them. Especially mustangs. My gosh, it is sad how many need homes. Or another standardbred, because they’re like the greyhounds of the horse world. Discarded easily once their racing days are up because their gait doesn’t suit a new career as a saddle horse.  

Anyway, I just wanted to add a page here for my horses and my other critters — current and future.