Tag: horse rescue

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REWRITING THE NARRATIVE: TRANSFORMING PERCEPTIONS OF HORSE RESCUE AND CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF THE UNRIDEABLE

Experience the incredible world of rescue. A world filled with passionate individuals who truly make a difference. But with so many opinions, it can be a wild ride.

In my journey, I have discovered a powerful truth, a guiding principle: there is no one “right” or “wrong” way to do things, just different ways, when the welfare of the horse is at the forefront.

One of the recurring debates revolves around the question of where it is acceptable to rescue from. Recently, I shared an enlightening article from Colby’s Crew that delves into this very topic. I hope you take a moment to read it.

Today, I want to shed light on another aspect of the rescue dilemma, one that sparks intense passion and countless varied viewpoints.

JWE initially started as a sanctuary. A haven for horses who were considered unfit for rehoming due to injury, age, health, and sometimes even their mental state. These horses were seen as misfits. These horses were considered “unusable” by others, unable to be ridden in any capacity. They became our family. But what I’ve discovered is that horses have so much more to offer beyond being ridden. They have the power to help us heal and uncover hidden parts of ourselves. They can sense our energy, uncover our traumas, and guide us towards a brighter future.

So why is it so difficult for some to see that these horses deserve to live, be loved, and love in return? If they can enjoy a good quality of life, they deserve a second chance. We are constantly told that the money we spent rehabilitating one horse that is not rideable could have been spent saving others that can be ridden. Why is one life more valuable than the other? Because we simply can’t get past what our programming is telling us, because of our selfish need to sit on the back of a horse?

Yes, sanctuary and rehabilitation is hard and expensive. We believe every life we touch is worth it. Come visit, look into the eyes of the those that were deemed not valuable and tell me they didn’t deserve a second chance. Talk to the people who have coached alongside of them, who work with them daily and ask them about the healing, the joy and the peace they find in the presence of these sweet souls. Our herd touches the lives of others in many ways every day. None of which involves a saddle.

Disparaging labels have been flung at us – hoarder, and worse. People insist that we must find homes for all our horses, conforming to the stereotype of what a rescue should be. Rumblings have even spread, suggesting that some of our horses should be put to rest in a compassionate manner. Oddly enough, these rumors circulate from those who have never stepped foot on our ranch. We welcome the public to visit, to meet our herd, and bear witness to our work.

Now, let’s address the bigger issue. There are calls to pass the SAFE Act, (which would prohibit the transport of America’s horses across borders for slaughter) and the push and support for finding rideable horses homes. Let’s simplify things for a moment: if, let’s say, 100,000 horses are sent to slaughter each year, and 50% of them are indeed rideable and capable of being rehomed, what becomes of the remaining 50%? While a small percentage may require humane euthanasia, what about the rest? Are we to believe that these animals hold no value beyond carrying us on their backs? Equine therapy and coaching, equine-partnered health and wellness programs are flourishing across America for a reason – because they work. There is a dire need for funding for sanctuaries, as well as initiatives to find homes for unrideable horses. There is a dire need for education and awareness around the gifts horses have to give outside of being ridden.

All of America’s horses need our support, not just the rideable ones. They need us to view the world through a different lens, to recognize that there is space for various approaches to rescue. Ultimately, it all boils down to making a difference for the horses and acknowledging that there are countless ways to do so. No approach is inherently superior, as long as the horses’ well-being remains the top priority.

Since our establishment in 2015 and our approval as a 501c3 in 2016, we have built a large sanctuary herd and successfully rehomed many horses. Our primary objective is to secure funding for our entire operation, enabling us to concentrate on our equine-partnered health and wellness programs. By doing so, we can offer these programs to those who need them most.

Please help us share our story, spreading awareness and inspiring others to embrace the infinite possibilities. If you are moved by our mission, consider signing up for a monthly sponsorship, no matter the amount. Every dollar helps us fulfill our promise to the horses we currently have and ensures we are prepared to help the next one in need. Once our day-to-day operations are fully funded, and we can rebuild our fencing and shelters, which were damaged by Mother Nature this year. With all the essentials covered, we can focus on donating our programs to those in need – children in the system, abused women, veterans, and anyone seeking healing, self-discovery, and a brighter future.

Together, we can make a profound impact. Together, we can change the world, one life at a time – both human and horse.

#animal #horserescue #horselife #secondchance #animallover #hearthorse #cuteanimals #FactsMatter #change #Impact #lifematters #helpingothers #givingback #donate

❤️ TO DONATE ❤️

PAYPAL: http://www.paypal.me/journeywithequus

VEMNO: journey-with-equus-1

ZELLE: candice@joureywithequus.com

Or you can donate at the top of our facebook page Journey with Equus with either a one time donation or you can sign up for monthly sponsorship.

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Broken

“You see a horse with your eyes, and you feel a horse with your soul.”

Stetson..Dumped at Auction

Standing in the shadows of the setting sun, I am drawn into the expression in your eye. One of fear, doubt and hurt. A reckoning that the life you knew, is no more. You have experienced being ripped from the safety of your routine, to being dumped at a facility with other horses, strangers to you at this time. Hurt, you do the best you can to stay safe within the new herd in which you find yourself, a herd filled with the same fear and confusion you are experiencing. All the while, wondering what did you do to find yourself here. Were you not a wonderful steed, there to carry your owner, to do his bidding, sturdy, willing and unwavering?

Is it because, due to the nature of what your owner asked, you have aged and the work has taken its toll, that you are no longer able to do the work you once did? Was your loyalty and service to your owner not enough, to secure you a safe, loving retirement.

Meet Stetson, dumped at auction, left to be purchased by a kill buyer and sent to slaughter. Thankfully he had an angel that day and was spared. We are blessed that his angel reached out to us and asked if we would take him in. We gladly and gratefully said “yes”.

Freedom Ride

I have spent the last several nights at quarantine with this massive, and broken boy. He is at least 16 hands tall and sadly lame, appears to have ringbone, a Horsemans term for osteoarthritis. I also believe he is in need of chiropractic care. He will be evaluated by our vet this week. We will make sure he gets the care he needs to live out his life comfortably. We can help him physically, the disturbing piece is the energy that emanates from this sweet soul. The overwhelming heaviness I can feel as I stand by him as I cradle his head and whisper to him that he is safe. The energy of defeat, of loss, of fear, of confusion and of sadness. His soul speaks to me, an old soul, wise and deserving. Time will heal, he will come to understand he is safe and loved. This will happen on his timeline. My experience has been for one that could be 90 days for others it can take 2 years to fully heal and trust again. I am grateful to share his journey, to be his constant and steady reminder that all will be ok.

My mission, my calling is to bring awareness to the gifts these beautiful souls have to offer, outside of being ridden and used as tools. These sentient beings are healers, they are our safe space, they offer unconditional love and zero judgement. They help us see ourselves, how we truly show up and help us to become better humans. They are our daily therapy. They do not have a voice, therefore you will continue to hear mine.

There are so many horses that do not get the second chance that Stetson is getting. The horse industry must change at the foundational level, for us to ever see a day when the inhumane treatment of these incredible horses subsides, and it will take a massive army of supporters to bring about the needed change.

To all the horses that humans have hurt, thrown away, starved and those that have been sent on the hell ride to slaughter: I apologize on behalf of the human race. My promise to you, is that everyday, I will do everything I can, everything within my power to make a difference, one life at a time.

One life that will get a second chance, one life that will heal and miraculously forgive us, and one life that will help heal human lives.

We all have the power to make a difference, to help the world see differently. Speak up and be a voice for what you believe in and for those that do not have a voice.

“Be the Change You Want To See In The World”

Safe in Quarantine

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The Miracles In the Mess

Horse rescue is not for the faint of heart, or those with lack of faith. The rescue world is vast, and not one philosophy remains constant from rescue to rescue. In itself, this is ok. Its not about being right, its about many ways to be right and to help make a difference. The key is to remain strong in your convictions, while not discrediting others. To not be swayed in your mission, despite the opinions of others….To stay in curiosity about the mission of others. There is room for all.

This journey has brought to the surface, the purpose I serve. It has not been with out bumps and bruises, and judgement, lots of judgement, and this is only the beginning.

I have refused to give up on my calling, in building an organization that will make a difference in the world of horses and in the world of man.

As you may find yourself on a journey, one that you know calls you, mind, body, heart and soul… be reminded you will be tested, right to the core. It will be different for all, each experience unique to the individual.

There are so many talented people out there that make success look easy. Behind the scenes it is simply because they have made a choice not to quit and not to complain. The have chosen to embrace that every failure is a benchmark toward their goal. They simply lean in, learn and move forward, quickly.

I recently experienced a month with a rash of emergency equine situations, many a night sleeping at the barn, walking sick horses for hours upon hours, even being rolled over by a sick horse, resulting in a torn MCL in my knee. All of this in the midst of starting new endeavors, ones that I had to show up for everyday, 4-6 hours of homework a night and the list goes on and on. There was a absolutely of moment of weakness in which  I contemplated raising the white flag. The reality, too many lives depend on me, there is no room for giving up. I have been blessed to be a messenger in this fight for a better world and I will step up and serve, despite the challenges the may rock me to the core.

What did I learn from all of this, in the midst of some really ugly messes, miracles show up. The miracle of a horse that should not have survived, does. The miracle of a horse that wouldn’t be touched by a human for the last year, becomes a pocket pony. The miracle of amazing people stepping up to help you in your weakest moments, despite their own struggles. The miracle of the kindness and generosity of strangers, that support our cause. The miracle of the realization of how blessed one can be. The miracle of having faith regardless of the obstacle. The miracle of realizing who you are becoming because of the experience you are having. The miracle of believing in God’s path for you.  The miracle of realizing there is no giving up. The miracle of realizing that my goals, don’t care how I am feeling….

We can’t choose what happens to us we can choose how we respond and what we learn.

Chasing our dreams, comes with a price, the price of being uncomfortable, a price many are just not willing to pay. It requires the ability to think big, regardless of those that fight to keep us average. Those that experience true success, do so because they refuse to give up, refuse to be told they can’t succeed.

My question for you is what speaks to your soul, what are you called to do, and what is holding you back? Stop looking in the rear view mirror. Change your story change your journey, don’t be a victim when challenges show up , and they will, they most definitely will. Breathe, step forward in faith and love. Look for the miracle just waiting to be born….. the miracle that may be the very one that takes you to the next level, the breakthrough you have been looking for. The very miracle, buried in the mess, that if you will just take the time to look for, will change your life and the lives of many around you.

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Heart Horse – Share Roanin’s Journey

“How do you choose who to save?” This is a question I am often asked. There is no satisfying answer, not one that will make the pain of the many lives that are lost every week, go away or lessen. There is the only answer I know. These horses choose me, a stirring in my heart, a whisper from my intuition. I just know that I am meant to share their journey.  Each one of these souls are special, each one has a story to tell and a lesson to teach us. Then there are those that come along that change everything as we know it. Then there is Roanin.

In June of 2016, it was another week of watching all of the amazing horses that end up taken to auction, are purchased by a kill buyer and end up on a feedlot, one infested with disease and cruelty. As usual there are mares with foals, some only a day or two old, pregnant mares, yearlings and two-year olds, geldings, young and old, draft horses and stallions, retired been there done that horses,  the ones that have given everything to their humans and were then thrown away.  All of them put out together in general population, not one safe from the bickering, fighting, stampeding, all in the name of survival. Many if not most will ship to slaughter, some will be saved, and those left behind, the young, the babies the mini’s if not saved will succumb to sickness and die on the lot.

Today in the herd is a young, well-built blue roan stud. Hanging out and protecting a younger Palomino colt. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I knew someone would pull him right away. I hear it all the time, how in demand blue roans are, that blue roans never ship. So, I watched and I waited knowing that his safety was certain…….

It’s now almost 10pm the night before the horses are sorted, loaded and the trucks roll. You guessed it, no one has stepped up for the stunning, young blue roan stallion.

Heres what I do know, stallions are the first to ship, so few are given a chance because they are stallions, many with little to no human handling or, because they are unnerved from the stress they are under and appear difficult or unhandled.

That voice in my head, the stirring in my heart the whisper of intuition said, Candice its time…. So I rallied the troops and we bailed him. Whew….. safe.

***please understand, that what we do involves many amazing people behind the scenes. Without them none of this would be possible….it takes a village.

The next day I headed off to my first experience with equine facilitated coaching and learning. The experience that lead me down the path I am currently pursuing. My love and understanding of horses finally made sense, I knew what I was meant to do.

As I sat in a circle with an intriguing group of people, our coach shared a story of one of her horses. This horse had come a long way, from being troubled, difficult and misunderstood and he was her heart horse. As she told her story, and overwhelming sense of Roanin came over me, I can’t put it into words, other than it was an all-encompassing feeling of love and fate. Funny really cause I had not even met this horse yet…….

Fast forward, several days later I made the trip to Lake George to visit Roanin in quarantine. I was filled with anticipation of uniting with this horse, this horse that the feeling of him had completely filled me up. The knowing that we were meant to share an incredible journey together.

Surprise, Roanin hadn’t gotten the memo. He was aloof, standoffish and wanted nothing to do with me. Wow, was the only thing I could whisper under my breath. I must have been caught up in the moment and imagined the feeling that had come over me. It must have just been a longing for a relationship that has eluded me this far.

Roanin spent a little over 30 days in quarantine, regaining his health and getting into trouble. Yep this little (14 hands maybe at the time) stud, who was in a small panel enclosure, decided that the little paint mare down the way was way to attractive and deserved his attention…and with that this little, however mighty and determined stud cleared the panel enclosure and proceeded to have a date night with the little paint mare. Both were unharmed and no baby horses were made in the process.

Roanin arrived at Dreamcatchers Equine Rescue, healthy yet thin from being sick. We were so happy to get him settled in and on the road to complete health. We did discover that he was halter trained and still wasn’t a big fan of humans. With a little time and persistence we were able to approach and halter as needed. Thank you Julie Demuesy for all of your help and expertise. Then it was time for a vet to check him out…. and our discovery was, without a doubt, Roanin was a cryptorchid, which means one or both of the testicles have failed to descend into the scrotum. Low and behold, this had most likely been Roanins one way ticket to auction. Breaks my heart to this day, that someone threw him away due to this condition.

The focus was now on helping Roanin get up to weight and healthy enough to have surgery. We knew this would be a costly and higher risk surgery than a normal castration. Over the next several months Roanin and I got to know each other, work on a mutual trust. During this time span there were hundreds and I do mean hundreds of offers to purchase Roanin. I knew this wasn’t an option. He was hyper reactive and in the wrong hands would be ruined and potentially hurt someone, which would only ensure his ride back to auction and certain death. Something in me said no, this horse is meant to be with me.

Fall was upon on us and the flies were finally gone, time to proceed with Roanins surgery. Roanin was still super reactive and a little distrusting so the trip to CSU could prove interesting. Much to our surprise, he loaded up, trailered and even made the long walk on the concrete floors without any issues. He was hesitant, curious and never crazy.

It was hard to leave him there, I never wanted him to think he was being thrown away again, not to mention this was a serious, invasive surgery. This was not a procedure done under light anesthesia. I waited anxiously for the vet to call, and was so relieved to learn that Roanin did great and was up and awake. Roanin remained in the hospital a few extra days to ensure his recovery.

At this time, I decided that I needed to get Roanin closer to me so I could work with him daily, due to his sensitive nature. After spending a few days back at Dreamcatchers under Julie’s watchful eye, we moved him up to a new facility less than 20 minutes from me, one with an indoor arena so I could start training with Roanin. So it began, believe it or not this is really the beginning of the our journey together, because in less than 3 months everything changed. I was out-of-town at one of my companies annual conventions when I got a call that Roanin wasn’t himself, his cheek was swollen and he wasn’t acting his happy energetic, reactive self. The vet was called immediately and it was determined he had developed a jugular thrombosis in his left jugular vein from his surgery 3 months ago. The vet wasn’t concerned, he was put on antibiotics and hot packs. I arrived home and Roanin was acting his normal self, running around, snorting and playing. This too was short lived…in less than 24 hours his health took a huge turn for the worse, the swelling in the jugular area was continuing to grow, it worked its way all the way down to the front of his chest. Roanins white blood cell count was high which could indicate infection, The vet told me they had done as much as they could in the field and to get him to the hospital as soon as possible. Thanks to the amazing Teri Jacobsen, Roanin arrived at Littleton Animal Hospital shortly after the vets recommendation. Roanin then spent 4 days in isolation, going through tests to rule out infection of any kind. Roanin improved and though not 100% yet the vets felt he was stable and his medical regime could be continued at home, so home he came. For the next 2 months, twice a day, rain, shine, sleet or snow storm, I was with Roanin. Roanin received 2 different antibiotics by mouth twice a day, banamine, Ulcer guard, electrolytes, potassium and aspirin. On top of all of this, his temperature was to be taken twice a day and his neck wrapped with heat wraps for 20 min twice a day.   SIGH…. The crazy thing is Roanin became more and more at ease, he took all of this in stride, never stressed or difficult. Always happy to see me, talking enthusiastically any time I entered the barn.

Two months later blood work looked good and he was off all meds, except for a three-week regimen of Equiox  and I reduced the wraps down to once a day for another month.

What a journey, scary and emotionally overwhelming at times. If you follow me, you here me say all the time “out of every challenge a miracle is waiting to be born.” The miracle is the bond Roanin and I share, a bond forged in the fires of all the medical mishaps. He truly is my heart horse, hidden underneath insecurity and fear was this truly special horse, with so much love to give, just waiting to let his inner sage of a horse shine through. He has taught me what can happen through the giving of unconditional love, and the tenacity and faith to NEVER give up on someone or something you truly believe in, that anything, even when faced with the fear of loss, can happen. Step forward in faith and love and BELIEVE.

Lots of lessons learned in a short amount of time, one would think that this would have been enough for one horses lifetime (and mine too) and….. we weren’t done.

We experienced, yet another scare with Roanin. He cut open his nose, being a silly youngster playing with the horse in the stall next to him. For his own well-being we moved him down with the mature ladies so he wouldn’t get into trouble. What we didn’t know was, Roanin did not want to be out of the limelight. He loves his daily interaction will all sorts of people. This caused him stress and he experienced an impaction colic. Thank god we made it to Littleton Large Animal in time. It was touch and go on the ride there. Blessed to all who prayed for him and that he made it through without surgery.

Happy to say Roanin is back home, up in the barn where all the action and people are. He gets daily love from many, plays with the water hose and light-heartedly sprays the volunteer who is watering him at the time. He nickers to all, inviting them to come spend time with him.

Last week I started working him under saddle. He has evolved into calmest horse I have ever started, (frankly ever seen) so much so, I have to believe he was started as a 3-year-old prior to being taken to auction. Frankly I was so worried about how calm he has become that I had the vet check his lungs and heart. For those that have never witnessed a re-breathe test, a plastic garbage sack is placed around their nose so that when removed they will take a deep breathe ( you can’t ask a horse to take a deep breathe)

OK just the plastic sack gave me cause for concern, I had never worked Roanin with any kind of bag or flag……

Up came the bag and around the nose, and not even a flinch, he took it all in stride. He continues to surprise me daily. Most importantly, he is a healthy 4-year-old horse. One that has come into his own.

Tomorrow we ride for the first time. I’m not nervous or scared, as we do this as a team. One that trusts each other and knows that we are meant to share this journey and that we can look to each other for guidance.

Roanin will start his career as an equine coaching horse this fall. God has blessed me with this fantastic animal and Roanin is going help change lives and make a difference in the world as only he can.

The message in all of this…. don’t believe that the horses that end up on the feedlots and go to slaughter are there for a reason…. really? SO NOT TRUE.

These animals have so much to give, if given the opportunity to know love, and kindness. If we could find it in ourselves to work with these horses at their individual pace, to listen to them. The horse is never wrong, it’s up to us to figure out what they are telling us. 99% of the time the issue is a people problem. The horses, like Roanin, that we take in, there is no agenda, no time-frame. It is truly about each individual horse and helping them back to health, happiness and security. Not one story is the same as the next. These horses will find their calling, just as Roanins true self was allowed to shine through so will the other horses in our herd be allowed to find their way. Some may sanctuary with us, because their covenant with man is irrevocably broke, some will find their forever home and human, some will become equine coaches. All will be given the chance they deserve in the time they need.

This is only the beginning of Roanin and I’s journey together. We were brought together to make each other whole, to teach and learn from one another and to embark out into the world to help humans, to share the gift horses have to give and to make a difference. Our goal is to leave the world a better place than we found it. I truly believe we were destined to share this-worldly experience together. Thank you to all for your support, prayers and for following and sharing with your friends. If you would like to be updated on upcoming events, our horses stories and coaching opportunities please subscribe below.

Follow us on facebook at @journeywithequus or www.journeywithequus.com

Donate Today to Help More Horses Like Roanin

Liberty's Legacy Inc. dba Journey with Equus is a 501c3 non profit organization committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of at risk horses and to the development of programs for at risk individuals as well as leadership training through equine facilitated coaching and learning.

$25.00

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