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KyEHC
P.O. Box 910124
Lexington, KY 40591
859-881-5849
info@KyEHC.org
SUCCESS STORIES
"Happy Trails" to those who have gone to a new home,
greener pastures, and new families!
KyEHC has already adopted out over 100 horses since April 2007!
DESERT COMMANDER AKA GOBI
Desert Commander now known as “Gobi”, was one of the first horses taken in by the Kentucky Equine Humane Center. After finishing second twice out of three starts on the grass, Gobi retired from the races forever at age three after bilateral condylar fractures in his hind ankles. Surgery was not needed on the ankles, but it was never really known what he would be capable of, or even if he would indeed have a future at all. Gobi’s story is kind of a miracle story, which has simultaneously humbled and vindicated me.
I first met Gobi when I came out to see the newly completed center, as a friend of the Center, not really looking to adopt anyone. At the time, there were not so many horses there. Gobi was out in a huge gelding field, and was one of nine. He distanced himself from the heard and came over to greet us, placing his beautiful head in my hands and demanding a scratch. It was then that Lori told me his story. I never forgot Gobi, and when the time came shortly thereafter that I did need another horse, he was still there, and soon on his way up to Maine, where I had chosen to go to law school.
I was lucky enough to team up with Craig Shegog, a world renown Grand Prix rider and trainer. He won the USET Finals in 1987 and actively shows both Grand Prix Jumpers and hunters. To say he is one of the most gifted riders and horsemen I have ever known is an understatement. After some persuasion that his ankles did not bother him, and actually seeing Gobi in the flesh, Craig agreed to start working with him. Four months later, Gobi does not have ankles, hocks or stifles which bother him. He is moving beautifully, loving his training and soon learning to jump.
Around the barn, Gobi has been known as The Miracle Horse. His heart is bigger than any other animal’s I have ever known and he loves his job. The pictures accompanying this essay are of Craig Shegog and Gobi in October 2008. Gobi has given lots of people hope for all kinds of things in these troubled times: Everything from personal dilemmas to other horse related problems. “If Gobi can do it, so can…” He is the living example of why no horse should ever really be given up on; that with a little time, love, energy and patience, any horse can have a second career. I was blessed the day that Gobi chose me in that field, and adopting him is the best thing I have ever done with my life.
Stone Smokester aka Georgie Girl and The Baker Family
When we first came to KyEHC, we were not sure what we were going to get for a horse. We didn't care if it was a gelding or mare, we just wanted to find a horse that my husband, daughter and I could give a good home to; and also of course, a horse that would suite our riding needs as well as get along with our paint gelding. The only horse at that time that was available for us to look at was Stone Smokester, a 10 year old, 17h mare, who by the way had not been evaluated by the equine center since she was a new arrival to the facility, other than a vet check. Although little was known about this mare as far as her soundness and riding capabilities, Lori and her staff had told me that she was a very quiet girl and that a recent vet had commented on her fine lines and athletic build. Unsure of what I was getting myself into, we took Stone Smokester home with us based on the Vet's assumption that she would make a fine show horse if given the chance, and Lori's observation that Stonie was not a jumpy or "hot" horse. From the moment she quietly loaded into the trailer, to the moment we unloaded her into her new home, she had proven to be that very horse that the vet and Lori had assumed. Right away, my husband had renamed Stonie to Georgie Girl, as a tribute to my deceased father George, and also because of the fact that she was always very inquisitive and curious about things, just like a "Curious George"! Anyway, we have had Georgie Girl now for about six months and I can't say enough what a wonderful girl she is. She is a very willing, sweet and loyal girl and has progressed in leaps and bounds both mentally and physically. When Georgie came to us, she was a few hundred pounds under weight, with some serious rain rot; and she had some stifle problems that we were not sure we would be able to help her. Day by day, we would tack her up and take her out on the trails with our Paint to walk the hills with the hopes of building up her muscles. She is now very close to being a very balanced horse as my daughter and I take dressage lessons with her; and have even introduced her to some small jumps, in which she is very eager to please no matter where we go in the saddle; even out in the trails!. Georgie has not only made her way into a new home, but she has most definitely made her way into our hearts. We thank Lori and her crew for giving us the opportunity to adopt Georgie, not only making it very affordable for us to do so, but making our visit with the equine rescue a very wonderful experience. They operate solely by donations, so please, if anyone who reads this are in a position to do so, please consider your donations so that Lori and her crew will be able to continue their rescue operations and give other families the very same opportunity to find that same special horse that we have done!
Sandra Baker
Ft. Knox, KY
Monster Mash, Bucky and Theo
Hi Lori!
I wanted to give you an update on the boys and send you some pics of them. They are all doing great!
Theo and I are taking riding lessons together and I'm hoping to try him in endurance next year, if we're ready. I think that is something he would really enjoy. He is so full of energy and is extremely inquisitive. He needs his mind occupied constantly. He has turned out to be such a wonderful horse! If you could see him now you would not even believe he was the same horse that you had there. He is so friendly to everyone and will even try to come in the house or get in the car with you! He is definitely my pride and joy!
Monster is coming along beautifully. He has lost a good amount of weight (still has more to go) and has completely shed out all of his long coat. He is really looking beautiful and he has got to be the softest horse I have ever touched! You just want to rub on him all day! He is great to ride as well. He is not pushy or testy. He's very laid back and tolerates even the most novice riders. He's a really good boy. I'm sure you'll see a huge difference in his appearance from you guys saw him last.
Bucky finally let our farrier do a basic trim today, no electric tools. That was such a huge step and we are so proud! He was so skittish for so long and over the last few weeks has been letting us come up to him and love on him with no issues. He really is a great horse. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Now that he is starting to trust people more I can see that he is really going to be an incredible boy. Even with his injury he moves very well and even runs and plays with Theo quite often. I'm really glad we took him.
I hope things are going well there for you guys. Take care and I'll update you guys again soon!
Pamela & Scott
with Theo, Monster Mash and Bucky
Diamond Ballroom
This is Diamond Ballroom. He is a 9 year old retired thoroughbred who was rescued from the “kill pen” at an auction by a good Samaritan who donated him to the Kentucky Equine Humane Society. We fell in love with his picture and had to adopt him. He is absolutely gorgeous, very sweet, inquisitive and playful. Everyone at the barn thinks he is the most beautiful horse there, and I think he knows it! He is an amazing animal with quite the personality. He loves to wipe his face on your shirt after you put fly ointment on his forehead. Even though he is a gelding, the thinks he is “Mr. Studly” and has a harem of mares who follow him around. It’s pretty cute. Hard to believe he was only hours away from being shipped off to slaughter somewhere. We now own two retired racers and are “buddies” with two others at the barn. They are all great horses. We encourage everyone to consider adopting one of these awesome horses if you can. They will be very grateful, and you won’t be sorry!
Shawn and Terri Oak
Scottsburg, IN
Tom Beatty & Dusty
Dusty's New Home
I've been a horse racing fan all of my life. I remember going to the races with my father when I was growing up in Louisville in the early 1960s. I went to my first Kentucky Derby in 1961 and saw the favorite Carry Back win the roses that day. Little did I know then that some 46 years later my interest in horses and horse racing would lead to owning not one, but two beautiful horses that mean so much to me.
Shortly after I retired and moved back to Kentucky in 2005, I started volunteering at Old Friends, a 52-acre thoroughbred retirement farm now located in Georgetown. As a tour guide I have the opportunity to tell the stories of our equine champions (and a few that were not so successful) to the thousands of visitors who stop by the farm each year. And I never get tired of telling those stories.
My connection to the Old Friends retirees led to my adopting Ellen, a young thoroughbred mare that had struggled to finish no better than fourth in 26 starts at two Ohio tracks. An early leg injury and slow recovery had taken its toll, and she needed a new lease on life away from the rigors of the track.
My plan was to give Ellen some time to relax without the stress of training and racing and eventually learn to ride her. To make a long story short, and through no fault of her own, she probably wasn't the best project for a 60-something retiree who wanted to learn to ride!
A good friend of mine, Charlene, is a volunteer at KyEHC and she called me one morning and told me about a beautiful bay mountain saddle horse that had been turned in for adoption. Dusty had been severely injured; after years of rest and recovery he was fit enough to ride, but the injury had resulted in a noticeable loss of muscle mass which affected his stamina. Dusty needed a good home and someone who could ride him occasionally on short rides that wouldn't tax his lack of endurance.
Charlene and I adopted Dusty in mid-June 2008 and he has turned into a trusting trail horse who loves the care and attention we eagerly provide. I look forward to our short rides together each week and our occasional walks to a nearby creek. His laid-back personality is the opposite of Ellen's, but the two of them get along well together and with another KyEHC alum, Gulliver, who shares their paddock at a wonderful boarding facility near Midway.
| LADY |  |
Lady, formerly known as Pleasure Account was adopted by Anita Speitzer. Anita, we think you have a big, golden heart, too. |
GULLIVER’S TRAVELS
In July 2007 my husband and I adopted a horse from the Kentucky Equine Humane Center. His name is Gulliver, and he is our pride and joy. Although in a safe place now, Gulliver’s road to the Center and to us was anything but smooth. What I know of his background is sketchy, but this I can tell you about him.
Gulliver is an American Saddlebred—chestnut in color—with large, soft eyes and a sweet disposition. Estimates of his age range from 17 to 20+ years. He is five gaited; a Saddlebred trainer who has ridden Gulliver told us that he has had “serious training” and likely was a show horse in his younger days. I also know that somewhere in his travels he was ridden as a trail horse but that was several years ago.
Ultimately, Gulliver ended up in a bad place—so bad that he was seized by the Animal Control folks in November 2006. In June 2007 he was brought to the Center thanks to a generous KyEHC volunteer who saw his photo on the Animal Control website and paid for his transport. Ever gentle, Gulliver nonetheless displayed a healthy fear of people when he arrived.
As a volunteer, I had the opportunity to care for Gulliver, and it took very little time for me to realize that I had found my “special horse.” We adopted my special horse in July and renamed him Gulliver (he had a temporary name given him by Animal Control) as a symbol of his new life. Gulliver now lives at a wonderful boarding facility run by caring people who give him plenty of personal attention in addition to our daily visits. I also have started to ride him, and I must say that he is very kind to me given I am a complete novice and he is the “old pro.”
Throughout Gulliver’s transition, it has been a joy to see the anxiety in his eyes slowly turning to trust. He is developing quite a personality and has become a barn favorite. What makes me sad sometimes though is to think that such a wonderful animal was mistreated and that there are so many like him out there. At least this fellow’s traveling days are over.
We want to hear about you and your new-found friend – stories and photos!
Please send or e-mail (info@KyEHC.org) them to us.
All of us who love horses look forward to hearing about these success stories.
© Copyright 2008 Kentucky Equine Humane Center.