Our Horses

Testimonials
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What is
Network for Good?

What is GoodSearch?

My Story of Captain and Commander

My father has a genetic disease known as Huntington's Disease (HD). We enrolled him in therapeutic riding classes because he's always loved to ride, and there are numerous mental, physical, and emotional benefits to riding horses... as I'm sure anyone who's ever ridden a horse knows.

These riding lessons gave him an interest and a purpose in his early retirement. Wanting more, he started to mention that he could maybe get his own horse. That could have been a challenge. Someone with HD would basically need a "bomb-proof" kids horse, and we all know those can be hard to come by. As I am always interested in adopting as many rescued horses as my pocketbook can afford (and then some!), I gave Drew a call. Wouldn't you know it? She had just rescued a group of Belgians.

She suggested an older Belgian (later named Captain). She said that he rides and drives. I don't know why I never thought of a draft horse for my dad before. I was worried about their size, however their dispositions are perfect for such a situatation and if the day comes that my dad can't ride, he will still be able to enjoy Captain by driving him, while he rides in a cart. We said we'd take him.

On November 12th, we drove up to Drew's to pick him up. As we were preparing to load Captain into the horse trailer, Drew asked me if I was sure I didn't want to take his buddy with him. I told her that I'd love to, but as both of these gentle giants were beaten, Captain's buddy was afraid of people and I was worried that I wouldn't have the time to give him the attention he needed. On the other hand, I have always dreamed of owning a draft horse. I asked her if she thought they would both fit into a 3-horse slant trailer (sounds silly, but these guys are HUGE), she said they would fit - no problem. That was all the arm twisting I needed. We arrived home that day with Captain and his buddy (later named Commander).

Drew couldn't have made a better suggestion in horses for us, and bringing them both home was one of the best things we did. Captain does so well with my dad, I swear he was put on this earth specifically to be his companion. He responds to the lightest touch when being led. His calm and sweet disposition is probably one of the best medications we could have gotten for my dad. My dad loves going down to the barn to give them treats during the day, he leads Captain into and out of the barn at feeding time, and enjoys brushing him in his stall. We have just ordered a saddle for Captain so my dad can ride his new, and very first, horse! Out of curiosity I hopped on him bareback the other day and I am certain he will be a perfect riding companion for my dad. They are so smooth and graceful (in their own giant way). Captain is truly a gift.

Now, we can't forget about Commander. My heart went out to this poor horse. It is so heartbreaking to see any horse so afraid of people. To see such a large horse be so frightened and looking so helpless was just about more than I could take. The first time I went into his stall with him I walked up to his shoulder to pet him. He spun around and I had his butt in my face in point-two seconds. He was terrified. What on earth could someone have done to him to make him so terribly afraid of people? I can't even think about it. All I had to do was hold my arm out towards him and his muscle would twitch as if he had a fly, or was expecting a blow. All I had to do was lean towards him and he would lean away, or step away. No animal should ever have to be so afraid.

Well, I have managed to find the time (imagine that!) and have worked with Commander the best I know how. Before you had to catch him with a bucket of grain and even that was tricky. Now, I go out to the paddock and he walks up to me. He still is a little leery... old habits are hard to break and he has learned very well that people hurt him... but he is also curious and friendly. He sincerely wants to be with people, it's just a little scary for him yet. He stole my heart and I am so glad Drew persuaded me to bring him home. He even lets my dad pet him, and with the fast and unexpected movements my dad sometimes makes, that is a HUGE step for Commander.

My dad has a wonderful companion to share his time with, I have a the draft horse I have always dreamed of, and they have a home where they will never have to be afraid again. These aren't the first horses we have adopted from Drew, and they won't be the last. As a matter of fact, we have another rescued horse in training that is due to come home with us at the end of Decemeber. Owning any horse is a special thing, but being able to help these abused horses, and to have them enrich our lives, in return, is truly something to be thankful for.

Thank you, Drew, for rescuing these horses (and others) that we have come to love so much.

The Wilde Family