Legacy Mustang Preservation - Part 4 (Final)

By Craig Dodson
Legacy Mustang Preservation
Continued from last week...

Since the event in 2011, Jamie, Craig, and Christina have founded Legacy Mustang Preservation, in Louisa, VA. The nonprofit organization is committed to finding homes for the forgotten. They take the unadopted mustangs from auctions, unsuccessful adopters, or rescue, as well as unadopted mustangs from BLM adoptions, gentle them, and find them suitable adoptive homes. Since 2011, the organization has placed over sixty mustangs in forever homes. Each of these horses were bound for facilities like the one Willie was in or worse. The three trainers also serve as often as possible as clinicians and judges for ACTHA events, promoting the mustang and sharing what the mustang has taught them with ACTHA members and riders.

This is not the story of some famous movie or trick horse. This is not a story of some rich person who threw marketing money at making herself famous. This is a woman with a dream and the horse that ignited a passion. As a result, the Legacy crew have committed to saving horses like Willie for a lifetime. He is the proof that the mustang is not only viable in the East, but can compete with the best. He is not the most beautiful, nor is he the biggest or the strongest. He does, however, have the heart of a horse that understands what his owner wants and chooses to give her everything he has. If the stars had lined up any other way, Willie would still be standing in a pen in Wyoming with no family, no purpose, and no future.

Sixty of his fellow mustangs would probably be there, too, were it not for the love he experienced with Jamie Dodson.

One Foot in the Stirrup

A wise Jedi Master once said, “The truths that we cling to rely greatly on our point of view.”
When Robin had her awesome idea to have everyone on the ACTHA staff write something so that our members could get to know us better, I suddenly felt like the new kid at school. What if they didn't like me? As I hesitated, Robin threatened to write my piece herself. She was going to tell you all how I spend my days on a beach in Key West, sipping Margaritas and chasing cowboys. Wow, that sounds great! I told her I couldn't wait to read it. Then it occurred to me: If you're someone in Montana who is just thawing out from last winter and here Thanksgiving is right around the corner...you might also view anyone living in Florida as having some sort of Disney World life. Meanwhile, I look around here and see beautiful lakes that I can't swim in because of the gators. I see mosquitoes the size of Volkswagon Beetles, snakes, spiders and multiple bugs I can't identify. Endless piles of sand in my boots, and hurricanes, lightning strikes and sinkholes that have us mortgaging our first-born children to buy more insurance. Millions of people save for years to spend a few precious vacation days here, and I see greener pastures up north. There you have it: Point of View.

So are you a 'glass half-empty' or a 'glass half-full' kind of person? Seems like we rarely find anyone in-between. I try to be half-full, but then there are 'those days'. We all have them. What really inspires me is watching folks overcome the worst, and that pushes me to try to do better: I've seen Ride Hosts persevere...gritting out a genuine smile and forcing a bounce in their step to see their ride through...even though their daughter was in the hospital after falling from her horse, or a storm had completely turned their arena to quicksand, or a government shutdown had closed the state park where they were supposed to ride. I've seen Riders overcoming extreme challenges with their health, determined to have one more day in the saddle. I listened like a little kid to the story of the wild mustang who won an ACTHA ribbon just a few weeks after experiencing a human touch for the first time. There have been hundreds of owners bringing rescued horses back from the brink and showing them how to enjoy life again. I've seen juniors terrified of their horse transform into confident riders who just can't wait to ride again tomorrow. These folks love to ride. They love the causes the rides support, and they love the beauty of the next trail and the challenge of the next obstacle.

Then there's the other point of view. Perhaps the truck broke down or the ride started late. Perhaps the horse was too frisky or the porta-pots never arrived. Maybe some judges didn't show up or they ran out of burgers. Maybe there was some unsportsmanlike behavior that got on everyone's nerves, or absolutely nothing went right and the host hid in the barn. There are hundreds of things that could go wrong throughout the day, and the irritation of these items can quickly overshadow all the good stuff. It's so easy to vent, especially with the online media and the pop culture that loves the drama and venom of those so-called reality shows. But ultimately, it's each person's point of view that decides the overall success of the day. How else could you explain the email I receive? I'll get an indignant note letting me know that 'X' ride was 'the worst one ever!'. Yet a few messages down and I find another note from another rider filled with enthusiasm, telling me what a great time they had on that very same ride and how they've already signed up for their next one! There you have it: Point of View.

Can things go wrong? Sure. Are some things inexcusable? Of course. Should we try walking in the other guy's boots or try helping? Naturally! Should we always try to do better and learn from our mistakes? Absolutely! Yet for anyone out there who feels like a crispy critter, I'd like to say that while the criticisms can get disheartening at times, I choose to see hope. After all, we would never roast a stranger, a client, or even a friend the way some of us get raked over the coals. The only people we tell how we truly feel are family. Why? Because at the end of the day, we are still family, and we know they'll forgive us and love us anyway. So regardless of your point of view, whether you're the fire-breathing dragon or the toasted marshmallow, we're so glad you're in this family. Our family. The ACTHA family. As we approach Thanksgiving and I'm asked what am I thankful for this year, my answer has to include my large, new, wild, unpredictable, uniquely wonderful ACTHA brothers and sisters. Definitely a full cup!

So let me raise a toast with my Margarita glass that this next year will find all our glasses half-full: That we'll see the thousands of things our website does right, instead of the 7 things it can't do yet. That we'll see all the hard work the hosts put into their rides, instead of the glitches that slip through the cracks. That we'll laugh with each other out on the trail and lend a helping hand and a supporting word where it's needed most. Working together we all win. No...much more than that...the horses win! Now if you'll excuse me, I'd better head back to the beach. You never know when Master Kenobi will come loping along on his Boga and ask me to go for a ride!

By Ann Kinsey

Charity of the Week: WHY Ranch

By Amy Meyer

It all started with a vision that began a great adventure in my life. I had dedicated 12 years of my life to take care of my Grandparents and Aunt. When the last of my relatives in Las Vegas, my Grandmother, went home to be with the Lord in 2005, I began to pray for God to reveal His purpose for my life.

After hearing the Testimonies of Kim & Troy Meeder about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, OR, I knew the calling on my life. The Calling? To reach out and positively change the lives of Socially-Challenged youth and their families in Las Vegas. Kinda Cool, huh?

Like Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid standing on the edge of the cliff getting ready to jump into the unknown, I entrusted my life to God, made a choice, took a step and surrendered to a journey ahead. Now, I could fill you in on each and every little thing that's transpired since that fateful day when I realized the calling on my life. But, you can read it ALL for yourself on whyranch.org .

First, let me share some exciting news... WHY Ranch is bringing the Celebration to the Nation as we launch our powerful, gripping and sometimes funny Documentary Fall 2013. I want you to be the first to see it. So, keep visiting whyranch.org for details.

Come, now. Skip down the path with me to present day.

Eight years in the making... to now CELEBRATE FIVE Incredible Years of the WHY Ranch 'Diamonds in the Rough' Equestrian Education program!! We have successfully & positively changed the lives of 35 Socially Challenged youth, their families, their school situations and our Community. I can't help but SHOUT about the Stories of these courageous kids. They Made a Choice. Took a Step. Followed Through.

The kids who join our program, such as Angela, learn to proactively handle adversity they may face when being bullied, judged, made fun of or encouraged to "go along with the group." Angela came to WHY Ranch a year and a half ago. Her parents were distraught over Angela's "friends" encouraging her to end her life. Watching Angela today, you'd never guess that she actually entertained the thought of ending her life. You'll see a smiling, confident young woman ready to face her next adventure.

The Greatest Gift I've Ever been given is when a mother, and especially a father, come to me with tear-filled eyes expressing, "Thanks for giving me back my kid."

My Secret? Y'all, I'm not doing anything special that anyone of you couldn't do. I've simply Trusted God. Made a Choice. Took a Step and Followed Through. I didn't embark upon this adventure alone. I've surrounded myself with amazing people who have a Passion for Horses and making a positive impact in the lives of youth who are falling through the cracks and simply need a 'Leg Up.'

Now, I know that many of you are asking, "why is WHY Ranch so small? Why does WHY Ranch operate out of Host Stables?" Well, all I can say is that WHY Ranch is a 'Grassroots' organization. We've started small and have experienced steady growth through the years. We're very grateful to our partner ranches and stables that opened their facilities to assist us while we grow. However, Our Goal is to have our own property to serve more kids every day of the week. However, we can't do it alone. I'm going to be BOLD here. You are our Community. The very community WHY Ranch is changing every year. One Child at a time. WHY Ranch Cannot Survive without Your Financial Support. ALL donations go directly to our program unless otherwise stated. I pray that through reading our article, your heart has been touched, softened and open to starting a monthly sponsorship or one time donation.

Make a Choice to support WHY Ranch. Take a Step and visit whyranch.org . Follow through by supporting WHY Ranch with a Monthly Sponsorship.

Thank You for Positively Impacting on our Community, One Child at a time.

Be Blessed & Stay Groovy!

This is My Trailhorse: Cotton Pickin Blue, aka Bluebell

Hi, my name is Deb Carnes and about 3 years ago I fell in love with the man of my dreams!  He was just a green broke high spirited fellow.  My uncle, who I can accredit all my knowledge, love and passion for horses to  said "You know that little mare of yours is too big to ride, take the little blue roan and see what you can do with him."  That was it, my Uncle Hank knew what he was doing.  I was in love!  Needless to say he never went back to my uncle's house.  After careful negotiating, we purchased the blue roan named Cotton Pickin Blue.

 

Well me and this boy have climbed some mountains in our short career together.  We have both overcome our stubborn streaks on certain days.  We have climbed hills in West Texas together, ravines and valleys in East Texas, swam in rivers and lakes.  Suffered long separation after I had to have 2 shoulder surgeries last year and a couple of injuries.  He has tolerated everything I can throw at him, and trust me I come up with some doozies.  Everyday he wakes up and probably says, 'what has that crazy woman built in my pasture today!?'  

 

But most of all he is my friend.  He knows I will lead him down the trail safely and I know he will carry me down the trail safely.  I have a three year old granddaughter and she loves to ride Blue, and this horse carries that baby anywhere she wants him to go!  We have even done the charity events for handicap children.  It amazes me that this horse knows that these are children with special needs!  It reflects in his every action while they are on his back. Every time I look into this horse's eyes I see a beautiful soul, and I am amazed at the accomplishments this fellow and I have made together in just 3 years.

 

Our latest venture is ACTHA,  and we sure have had some fun doing it.  We don't always place but we are both new to this style of riding and excitement, and loving every minute.  I now make every event possible!  Why? Because there is nothing better than riding a fine horse through new country and the friends and fellowships we have made is beautiful! 

 

This may not be a loving rescue story but this is our love story and I know in my heart that I have found that special relationship all the big trainers talk about.  I have found my forever horse.  After all isn't that what it is all about!  I look forward to maturing and spending my golden year on this handsome, trustworthy fellow!  Love ya Bluebell and you too Uncle Hank!

Many thanks to Durvet Apple Wormer for sponsoring "This is my Trail Horse". Bluebell will receive a gift from Durvet. www.applewormer.com Share your "This is My Trailhorse" story with ACTHA by leaving your story with a photo in the private message box of the ACTHA Facebook page or by emailing alex@actha.us. 

Meet the Staff: Robin's Story

If it’s true what they say about being lucky to have one or two good horses in your lifetime then I have been truly blessed. I look back over the past +30 years that I’ve had horses and can count many as my special friends. Even the “problem children” have a spot in my heart and I’m grateful for them, they taught me to be a better rider, problem solver, and I’d like to think, a better person.

My all-time favorite horse is my 28 year old Arabian, Nacho. I’ve spent the last 20 years with him and he’s carried me many miles. From endurance, hunting, showing, team penning, working cattle, to trail riding, we’ve tried it all. We got him from a show barn, as a “crazy Arab burn out” who after 5 successful show years, now couldn’t even be ridden without cow-kicking and laying down. His future wasn’t bright and he was destined for auction. It broke my heart that he was being so callously tossed aside after he just wouldn’t perform to the standards anymore. After some much needed rest, we hit the trails and never looked back. Oh, the obstacles we had to overcome! He’d never been out on the trail, wouldn’t cross water, didn’t know how to navigate even the smallest ditch and I often wondered “what have I gotten myself into?” After spending two hours at a small ditch that you could just step across, he finally just put his nose down, sniffed, and stepped across. Really?? But because I was patient and waited instead of fighting and forcing, we set the stage for everything else he’d encounter on the trail. 

He began to enjoy the new challenges and look forward to every trail ride. We found his true love in being a trail horse and he quickly got to where he’d load himself on the trailer at every opportunity, ready to go! Over the years, our partnership developed and he blossomed into my “go to” horse instead of my biggest challenge. Trail riding has been so much a part of my life, that my husband and I were married on a trail ride, on our trusty mounts (yes, Nacho was my guy!). He’s my best buddy, my partner, and he’ll always be the horse that all the others are measured by.

I had the opportunity to take our horses up to our local church recently for a function, to provide “pony rides”. It was on a weeknight, I’d worked all day, and was tired. Everything that could go wrong while we were getting things ready to go, did. Two horses had found a way out of the fence and disappeared, the truck was not facing the right way, the weather was not cooperating, and I was late. In my haste, I forgot brushes, mounting block, helmets, you name it, I forgot it (at least the horses were on the trailer); we’ve all been there, right? I hop on the phone, and one of my dear friends (whom I’ve roped into coming to help) brings the missing articles from her barn, and we’re off to the races. If you’ve never had dozens of sugar-crazed children, dressed in costumes, charging at your horses in the twilight, give it a try…talk about desensitizing! I watched my old Arabian, drop his head and patiently wait for the children to untangle themselves from around his legs and pet him; the look of a wise old man was so apparent. Humbled, I forgot my impatience and embraced the moment, and was able to enjoy the obvious delight of the children to be around the horses. Talk about a wonderful night…all because my horse showed me what I should be doing and what was important.

Our horses can teach us so much if we take the time to listen and learn. I truly believe many of life’s lessons can be learned around your horse. I don’t subscribe to any one clinician’s philosophies, but wholeheartedly believe that if you find a way to communicate with your horse, work hard to keep the communication going, that together you’ll develop the most incredible friendship and relationship you’ll ever experience. It’ll touch your soul and you’ll never be the same.

Although he’s mostly retired now, he’s still the horse that’s always at the gate with kisses, softly blowing in my ear, nuzzling me and wrapping his neck around me. Occasionally, we’ll saddle up and take a quiet, easy hack along our beautiful trails and we’ll both be reminded of the trails we traveled and the sights we’ve seen together. I encourage you to develop the partnership with your horse to be all that it can be and remember that your relationship with your horse can be one of both teaching and learning and it’s not just about riding, but life that are the lessons to be learned. Get out and learn! See you down the trail!

-Robin

Legacy Mustang Preservation Part 3

By Craig Dodson Continued from last week... On the weekend of the first ACTHA event, Willie was barely two weeks under saddle. He had a bit of obstacle work in the arena and several trail rides. Craig and Christina Flint, Jamie's Assistant Trainer at Legacy Horse Training, rode trusty quarter horses to babysit the young mustang. Ironically, as the ride took shape, Craig's horse struggled at a few obstacles. Christina's horse did well but not without difficulty. Willie, however, was both calm and confident, acting as though he had been there for years.

Following the ride, Willie was invited to the awards presentation. He stood under the tent, with each award winner pausing for a photo with Willie, the ribbon winning must. As the awards were announced, Jamie was shocked to hear Willie had earned sixth place in the Pleasure Division, just two weeks under saddle! The first experience was a weekend with a warm reception, new friends, and competition without regard to breed, confirmation, or who has the most expensive shirt and saddle. The Legacy crew not only found success, but also found a calling.

While at the Palmyra ride, Jamie and Willie were invited to an ACTHA ride near Roanoke, VA, on the day that ACTHA was hosting rides all over the country to benefit the American Mustang. Willie was asked to come down and represent the breed for the ride. Doing the same as before, but adding camping to the list of challenges. Willie spent the weekend tied for the first time. As expected, Willie out shined his trusty companions.

Christina was able to earn a ribbon, while Willie became the only mustang in the United States to win one of the "Ride for the Mustangs" events. At the time of the ride, Willie had been under saddle six weeks.

Gaining some confidence and steam from the win, Jamie completed her 90 day preparation with a third ride in Palmyra, hosted again by Robin.  She earned a second place, but most of all, her mustang was ready for action. At the Makeover event in Tennessee, Willie and Jamie earned an eighth place overall finish. The hardest part of the event was the auction following the show, but Jamie was able to purchase Willie, bringing him home once and for all.

Charity of the Week: Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy

Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy

Working at a therapeutic horseback riding center gives me so many inspirational stories that it is hard to choose just one. So I decided to write about a volunteer/rider that participated in the ACTHA competitive trail ride last April at Dogwood Farm in Axton, VA. Michael Netherton began volunteering at Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy, Inc. a year and a half ago. He is an intelligent and very hard working man but he was forced to retire early because he has early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. As he entered the moderate stage of the disease, he could no longer continue to work at his demanding job, so he became a daily volunteer for Tackfully Teamed. The first thing I noticed about him was no matter what job you gave him, he did it to perfection. He took pride in everything he did, even cleaning stalls, but he could not remember simple two step directions. I had very little patience at first, because I felt like I did not have time to watch him or retrain him each day. Then I began to see a very kind sensitive person emerging. The riders, volunteers, parents, and even the horses loved him. I began to realize that his lack of short term memory did not deter his innate sensitivity to others. I started having him work horses for the center. He exhibited a natural relaxed way mounted or on the ground. I also noticed that his short term memory showed a marked improvement after he rode a horse. Gradually, Michael began to make his short term memory of the center long term memory. He became a vital part of the staff and volunteer force at Tackfully Teamed. Last April, Michael participated in the ACTHA competitive trail ride and won one of the obstacles in his division. He was so excited, he wants to compete again next year. He continues to struggle with his short term memory every day. Even though he assumes his future is bleak, he shows up each day with a smile on his face, and a positive attitude. Michael appears to turn his fears inward as he grabs life and lives it. He does not do this just for himself, but for his family, friends, and each and every rider with a disability here at the center. Tackfully Teamed hopes Michael will be around for a long time. He has an important job here, and he does it well.

Susan Warren
Director of Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy
Visit our website at www.tackfullyteamed.com

Member of the Week: Laura Hark-Plumley

Laura as a mountain man with her mountain horse!

Introducing this week's member of the week, Laura Hark-Plumley! 

"Laura is a great friend and loves to share her pictures of ACTHA rides. She and her friends travel quite a distance sometimes to take part in rides too! She is just always so happy to get out and hit the trails. She and her fantastic Rocky Mountain Horses are always up for the challenges the ride hosts put out. They generally place well, and you can see she takes her time with them, making sure they're ready for what they might come across. They're well trained and well behaved and so willing to work for her, it's incredible to watch. She loves to promote her horses, and make sure people know the breed is capable of success on the trail. You really can't find a better lady who loves her horses and trail riding with ACTHA!"

Congratulations to Laura Hark-Plumley of West Virginia, for being this week's Member of the Week! Many thanks to Molly's Custom Silver for sponsoring this weekly event. Molly's Custom Silver is ACTHA's official silversmith! www.mollyscustomsilver.com ACTHA Member of the Week nominations remain anonymous. If you would like to nominate an ACTHA member, Ride Host, judge or volunteer, you may do so by clicking here: http://a.pgtb.me/TH6twF. Or, you may send your nomination along with one or two good photos of large size to alex@actha.us .

This is My Tailhorse: Chaser's Story

Chaser on Memorial Day 2012

This is my trail horse, Chaser.  He had to have his right eye removed a few years ago due to glaucoma.  During the year prior to the eye removal, he slowly lost sight in that eye.  I never quit riding him with the exception of the ten days post-op.  He is fine alone or with a small group.  Even though half of his world is dark, he trusts me not to ride him into harm’s way.   He is a Spotted Saddle Horse and goes wherever I ask him to (crossing busy streets, water, balloons etc.)  He licks everyone who stops to admire him.  Please never give up on a horse with a disability.  That’s why I sent this.  So people won’t think a horse might not be valuable anymore because of some physical problem. By Sandy K.

Many thanks to Durvet Apple Wormer for sponsoring "This is my Trail Horse". Chaser will receive a gift from Durvet. www.applewormer.com Share your "This is My Trailhorse" story with ACTHA by leaving your story with a photo in the private message box of the ACTHA Facebook page or by emailing alex@actha.us.

Member of the Week: The Three Musketeers

Far Left: Teresa Danhaus
Second from left: Gail Stepchinsky
Second from right: Cathy Swchwalm Rice

"I have 3 people (all friends) to nominate. Teresa Danhaus, Cathy Rice, and Gail Stepchinsky! 

My 4h group of kids wanted to do a competitive trail contest at a local ranch in Texas. I heard a new acquaintance, Gina, say she was attending an upcoming ACTHA event hosted by Teresa Danhaus. I asked her if she would volunteer to help my 4h kids through the course; she not only said yes, but brought her two highly qualified friends along as well. The kids were judged AND coached AND had a great day. Thank you all."

Congratulations to these ladies, for being this week's Members of the Week! Many thanks to Molly's Custom Silver for sponsoring this weekly event. Molly's Custom Silver is ACTHA's official silversmith! www.mollyscustomsilver.com ACTHA Member of the Week nominations remain anonymous. If you would like to nominate an ACTHA member, Ride Host, judge or volunteer, you may do so by clicking here: http://a.pgtb.me/TH6twF. Or, you may send your nomination along with one or two good photos of large size to alex@actha.us .

Legacy Mustang Preservation - Craig Dodson 2

Continued from last week...

Immediately upon arrival, he was released into a covered paddock on the side of a barn, with a stall door available to him. The training process began. The halter that was placed on him was close to falling off his nose. 

Jamie understood that this could result in further trauma and fear, so she set herself immediately to fixing it. Working from early afternoon until one in the morning on approach and retreat in his paddock, Jamie kept him calm while earning his trust, finally being able to remove his neck tag and fix his halter. 

The following morning, training began at sunrise. Again, there was

no round pen, no running, only approach and retreat, gaining trust. It was here that the miracle happened. Buster, a saanen goat, came up to the pen for no apparent reason other than to get some human attention. He immediately made his way into the pen, introducing himself to the frightened and curious mustang. As Jamie backed away, Buster, as if requested, walked into the horse's stall, the horse following behind. Stall training, done. Jamie stared in disbelief as her husband, Craig, snapped pictures feverishly. Jamie's eyes lit up as an idea surfaced. When Buster returned, she attached a lead rope to Buster's collar. She then placed her saddle backwards on Buster's back. Leading the goat to the horse nose to nose she led the goat side by side with the horse. As the horse was fixed to his fascination with Buster, Jamie placed the blanket, then the saddle on his back with no reaction whatsoever from the horse. He carried it willingly for the next hour with no reaction. Saddle training, done. Craig, still snapping away, said, "If that's not Divine will, I don't know what is." 

Legacy's Divine Will, or Willie, had a name.

Training began in earnest, with the first steps under saddle on day 3 and first trail ride on day 5. By the end of the second week, Willie had completed a trail ride with the Keswick Hunt. While searching for trail rides on the net, Craig discovered a ride in Palmyra, VA hosted by Robin Tilghman and ACTHA. People, trails, obstacles, camping, and competition was everything we needed in one package. Craig called Robin, who welcomed Willie with open arms, offering to make Willie a focal point of the weekend to assist in his socialization.

Legacy Mustang Preservation - Craig Dodson

In the spring of 2007, in the blooms of the prairie grasses of Sweetwater, Wyoming, a sorrel mustang colt is born. He is not particularly handsome, nor is any film crew present to capture his childhood. He is just a wild horse on a prairie no one visits. For two years, he lives as a member of a wild herd. He learns social humility, respect, order, and curiosity from his mother and her band. He is at peace in his place in the herd and begins to think about life as an adolescent mustang.

On one sunny morning, just like any other, a noise was heard in the distance. The noise grew louder, almost deafening as the helicopter broke the horizon. Having never seen or heard anything like it, he ran. His herd stuck together in a tight bunch as they ran from the flying behemoth.

Sweaty, exhausted, and terrified, he began to hear the unfamiliar screams of so many others, he and his herd mates attempted to turn away from the sounds but at every attempt were met by the sound and sight of the helicopter. As he entered the funnel of fencing, the herd strung out. In the shuffle, his mother had disappeared. Suddenly he was amidst a crowd of horses like he'd never seen, surrounded by sweaty horse flesh, the smell of breath, and steel walls. The noise was deafening. He is pushed through a series of steel gates and chutes, his family and herd mates gone forever.

He is placed in a squeeze chute, gelded, branded, and vaccinated with little or no anesthesia. The pain is excruciating, the trauma unimaginable. He is pushed onto a trailer and taken to a large pen filled with others like him who have been branded and gelded. There are no mares to fight for, no grass to protect, and no stallions to follow. There is no order, only space in which to stand and alfalfa to eat. For the next two years he stood, only moving to and from water and food. There are no spring blooms, no grass, no family.

Unexpectedly, he is taken from this place, pushed onto another trailer, and transported for three days to Tennessee. He has been selected for the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Through blind draw, he is assigned to trainer and clinician Jamie Dodson, of Legacy Horse Training. She sees an underdeveloped four year old with a long back and a kind eye as she feeds him a hay cube through the slats of the stock trailer. He begins the ride to Virginia, the ride to his forever home. To be continued in next week!

Charity of the Week: Ride On St. Louis

Like so many teenage girls, Katelyn is horse crazy. She has the bug so bad that she has begun collecting items, along with statues and proper riding attire, for the day she will be a horse owner. Many of us know this ritual. Katelyn is a natural when it comes to any horsemanship activity. One only has to explain a technique once and she thoroughly remembers and understands the process, then works VERY hard to master the skill; the only challenge she faces more than most of us is getting certain parts of her body to cooperate. Katelyn lives with cerebral palsy and hearing and vision impairments.

When we learn how to mount a horse we step into the stirrup and swing our leg over the cantle, and for most riders that’s not too much to think about. Katelyn, although she has been riding for over 5 years, still concentrates all her efforts on mounting her horse. Building her strength by doing leg lifts and other exercises is an integral part of her riding class that you would not normally associate with a riding lesson. With three hardy bounces that preface her mount, Katelyn uses her strength and concentration to hoist her right leg up and over the cantle with minimal help from her side walker. In addition to mounting, Katelyn is also perfecting a 2 point position and counting the beats to learn a posting trot with the help of her side walkers.

When Katelyn began at Ride On St. Louis (ROSL) she worked with our physical therapist to stretch muscles just so she could gain the ability to sit astride a horse and Katelyn has set many milestones and made phenomenal progress. She works meticulously hard to make these advancements and her goal is to one day ride independently. ROSL retired a great Quarter Horse, Shamrock, who was push button shown in western pleasure and, of course, just the type of school master Katelyn and ROSL needs. ROSL would love to find the right horse to help Katelyn and other riders pursue their dreams and benefit from this needed therapy. Visit our website www.rideonstl.org (charitable not-for-profit 501 C3) for more pictures or for more information if you have the perfect horse for Katelyn, a true equestrian with a thirst for the how’s and why’s of riding!