Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Outdoor Wednesday - Horse Rescue

Outdoor Wednesday is hosted by Susan at
A Southern Daydreamer.

Thanks, Susan, for your willingness to host!



We weren't sure of what we were getting ourselves into,
but Chelsea and I wanted to support Grandma Georgia by
attending the fundraiser at the Horse Rescue where she loves
to spend time.

The farm was beautiful.
The weather was very hot.



I took these pictures looking over at the event immediately
after we parked.



The first animals we came in contact with were these two dogs.
They were super friendly and sweet.
We enjoyed giving them attention.


This is T-Bone.
She was dropped off at the farm by
an unknown former owner.



She is simply one of the nicest dogs
I have ever met. She is fine around the
horses and loves every visitor that comes
around.


Georgia took us to the barn.
This was a treat!
What an old barn.
Check out this wood...
It just doesn't do it justice to
see it in a photo.
Awesome!



Meet Buddy!
Buddy had never been ridden until
the day we met him. He was a western
Mustang who was rescued
and is blind in one eye.

Before Chels and I arrived the two Amish
horse experts had worked with him for
a while. He had allowed one of them
on his back after much gentle contact
and soothing.

When I met him for the first time it was
after that and here in the stall.
He was wary but calm.

Later I watched as he was worked with
more and allowed himself to be ridden
again.


Another sweetie pie.
This horse is one that Georgia knows well.
She was so happy to show us her equine friends.






Part of the event was a clinic to help horses and their
owners work through various issues...such as bucking, not
wanting to go in their trailers, authority issues, etc.

These are some of the saddles owners had brought in for
use with their horses.

I was so impressed with the way
Sam and his partner, both Amish, knew horses and really made
progress on these issues. Seeing the owners with their own
horses was amazing. You could see the relationships. You
could see changes being made.
Great idea, this horse clinic!

An owner and participant in the clinic.
I don't recall what issue her horse needed to
work on but she was very nice about posing for
me. It was neat to see how this horse's mane was
braided so neatly.
Alas, I guess you can't really see that in
this photo.





This horse wanted to be the boss.
His owner was a petite lady who had to
learn to be more assertive with this
giant. He was huge.

I watched her
learn and practice over and over again
subtle but effective techniques to keep
him in check.



If Georgia had not been so interested in
horses and found this way to be involved
I would never have realized the good work that
people are doing all over the country as it relates
to these magnificent creatures.
This particular rescue is in Lancaster County, PA.

I'll bet there are rescues near you.
If you have any experience with horses,
a willingness to learn or some blankets
to share...contact them.
See what you can do.

In these times of a shrinking economy there
are more horses than ever that are being
surrendered.
You can make a difference!


I am not so naive as to think that
everyone can and will get involved
with horses,however, giving back to something
is one of the best things we can do to
raise our own spirits in the midst of
hard times.

I hope that you have found
your niche when it comes to giving back.
It makes one happy!!!

♥♥Becky K.♥♥

22 comments:

JD/ Jill said...

Great Photos...beautiful Horses...
thank you for sharing...

Simply Debbie said...

Dear Becky,
nice to meet you and Happy Outdoor Wednesday.
I enjoyed your post and I like your blog very much. I joined as a follower.
I have a rescue schnauzer and cat.
It is a wonderful thing to give back, and to have a purpose that keeps us humble, while showing JESUS.
blessings
hugs
debbie

SmilingSally said...

Interesting post. It's nice to know that places like this exist. I'm sure your putting a highlight on it will help them raise awareness.

susan said...

I loved reading about this! I can imagine this is a growing problem and it is wonderful to know that there are caring people ready to help. Somebody is probably missing that adorable T-Bone! Thanks for bringing this to more awareness!

flmom said...

It looks like an incredible place! There is a horse retirement farm in north FL I would love to visit one day. People who love and help animals in need have hearts of gold.

Blue Creek Home said...

Hi Becky, I'm glad you visited me. Your photos of the horse ranch are just beautiful. I think I could live in that lovely old barn - that wood is just wonderful. Thanks for sharing such a sweet story. Rhon

Betzie said...

Gorgeous horses and what a great place!!!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today Becky!

Barb said...

Hi Becky, beautiful horses and views....oh, I could look for hours! Happy Outdoor Wednesday to you.

So glad Chelsea is moving on. Life hurts sometimes, doesn't it?

Barb

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Happy Outdoor Wednesday Becky! A great post! I think the horse rescue is a wonderful idea... I am going to check into it around here! Thanks for sharing your photos.~ Susan

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a wonderful day. Your pictures made it possible for us to tour the farm with you. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Printersdevil said...

What beautiful horses and special people who rescue them. Thank you for sharing.

Betty said...

I live in rodeo country. I will have to check and see if there is a horse rescue in my area. My niece is a budding equestrian and I am sure she would love to get involved if there were something like that around here.

Terri Steffes said...

Isn't it sad that Horse Rescue is needed? Isn't it great that Horse Rescue is there!! LOVED your photos!

stefanie said...

great photos, what a neat place.

Brenda Pruitt said...

What a beautiful and very different Outdoor Wednesday post this is! I have heard about the economy causing more and more animals to be left behind. And nothing on earth makes me sadder than that. What a wonderful place. And so tranquil a setting! I guess I give back by being a Meals On Wheels volunteer in my community.
Brenda

Skaggs Family said...

Loved the horse photos! And the furbabies were cute too! That first doggie has the cutest little face! Thanks for sharing and what a great cause!

Irene said...

Thanks for sharing. It is a thoughtful post about the horses.

Happy Outdoor Wednesday Becky.

Irene

Anonymous said...

Becky,
Love the tour through the Horse Clinic...I have enjoyed it! The Farm was Great...Buddy and Sweetie Pie are beautiful...Sweetied Pie was my favorite...She is adorable1 The lil dogs were Cute! My opinion on the ecomony is we need to go back in the days of riding the horses...It may come to that...Thank you for sharing...great photos and story...Love it! Thanks for stopping by...stay cool. Smiles and Hugs Katherinellen

Tracy said...

Super photos, Becky! Those horses are so beautiful...sweet the sight of a chestnut-colored horse in a pasture. Oh, must say I LOVE the new banner... orchids from Longwood maybe? ;o) Happy weekend ahead to you & yours ((HUGS))

Joyce said...

Interesting post and so sad that people are forced to give up horses due to the economy. When I lived up in Jersey I did a horse/handicap kids program once a week and enjoyed the experience.
Joyce

Claudia said...

Lovely photos... horses are so magnificiant.

Im jealous... would love to go riding.

THANKS for sharing.

TTFN~~Claudia

Vee said...

It does sound like a wonderful thing. I love horses, but never have much contact with them. Still, it certainly is interesting to read about.