Hug A Horse

 

With rain…..come rainbows.

My entire family recently attended a local horse rescue’s fundraiser called ‘Hug-A-Horse’.

The horse rescue, Walkin N Circles is only about 20 minutes from my home and I know of several people who have adopted horses there, including one of my physical therapists (who adopted Holly, the foal that was attacked by dogs and then left for dead by her owners) as well as volunteered for this wonderful organization.

While we were there for the Hug a Horse event, I was invited to be a volunteer and help make a difference in some of the horses’ lives there at the rescue. I had actually considered volunteering over 2 years ago, but for some reason I just never got around to it. This time I had a little encouragement from human and horse alike.

 

That’s Otis over there on the right. He’s a 19 year old QH who suffered from an injury to his left foot and can only do light trail riding now. He tugged at my heart strings and I just wanted to wrap him up and take him home, and spoil him rotten. He's the first and only horse that has actually given me kisses. He kissed my arm, my hand, my neck and even my face. What a sweetie.

That’s Major over there on the left sticking his tongue out at me, because I had run out of cookies. He’s an OTTB who suffered an injury to his fetlock bone during a race, but has since healed and can now be lightly ridden. He’s a very big boy and slightly intimidating.

Awww, aren’t they cute? And just look at Otis. Don’t ya just want to kiss him? I do!

My twinling son Jax, has a wonderful rapport with horses and enjoys being around them almost as much as I do.

While we were there, this shy, scared mare spoke to me. Her name is Shelby and though she was fed well in her previous home, she wasn’t give any human contact or training, and she was housed in a tiny stall.

She broke my heart with her haunted eyes, inability to trust humans, her scar covered hide, and her lop-sided right ear.

 

I hung out with her for quite a long while, just talking quietly with her, offering her cookies and encouraging her to stand beside me. After a while she would stand by me at her door, and even allow me to lightly scratch her neck, but if anyone else walked up, she would bolt. She also didn’t know what to think about my camera and would stay away if I took it out.

  

I tell ya. Her eyes and troubled spirit just broke my heart. I’m looking forward to reaching out to her again soon.

While we were at Rockin N Circles Ranch we also enjoyed visiting with the beautiful foals and their Mamas.

We also watched a demo on groundwork.

And we enjoyed a bite of lunch while listening to some great music by The Sons of The Rio Grande.

A terrific way to spend the day, helping out a good cause, while being around great people and special horses.

From the Tower of,