From the Horse’s Mouth—
Thankful for Second Chances, Kindness and Green Pastures

By Terri Haynie

Fall is the season most likely to trigger nostalgia in me. Perhaps it is the sudden change from heavy summer haze to cool, clear skies that encourages memories of my own childhood and that of my now college-aged children. It is the season of anticipation—of family get-togethers, bonfires, football games, trick-or-treating, and the holidays to come. As equine enthusiasts, autumn can’t get here fast enough for us to enjoy trail riding through Virginia’s showy foliage, foxhunting, steeplechasing, and a long list of other pursuits on horseback or as spectators. In short, it is the best time of year for us, and for our horses.

If you’re like me, you linger in the barn in the evenings. It is a simple pleasure to note my horses’ darkening coats as they grow thick and lustrous. To see them enjoy the shortening afternoons with tails stilled in the absence of flies, content. By the time I head back to the house, the lights have come on and the barn is quiet except for the rhythmic rustle and crunch of horses eating hay. At times like these, I imagine being able to talk with my horses. What would they say? Would they be thankful for their lives on our unassuming little farm?

I’m still trying to get mine to say the first word…but many of you had much better luck. Enjoy these comments from a sampling of Virginia’s horses who, given the opportunity, were happy to share their thoughts this Thanksgiving season.

Wyoming Snow, AKA Yo: Arabian/QH cross, Age 15, Enforcer (I keep all the other horses around here in line), excels at working hunter, trail horse, endurance horse, sidesaddle mount, kid safe horse, parade horse, equitation horse, drill team member, lesson pony and any other duties that may be requested.

My Human/s: Kate Turner, West Point, VA
My Favorite Saying “It is good to be King!”
I am thankful that I am a horse and do not have to worry about the stock market, elections, the economy or wars. I am thankful I do not have to worry about the cost of hay, the price of feed, or—hey, how did that fence board get broken? (Wasn’t me, really! Talk to the deer!)
I am thankful for Mom. She tries really hard to do whatever she can to keep me happy…well you know, if I’m not happy, no one is happy…mom says so!
I am thankful for my Dad (honestly, I didn’t like him much at first, but he is cool). He brings me that big thing of hay and he makes sure that my water is clean…he also never, ever rides me. I think that is extremely awesome. I even let Dad pet me, ‘cause, well, you know the food thing….
I am thankful for my little brother … (Mom made me say that) but really the kid is O.K.
I mean, when Jacob rides me I can almost do pretty much what I want (like eating on the trail!). He is getting better about kicking me and pulling on my mouth at the same time. (UGH, I am not thankful for THAT!) I even humored Mom and let the boy do really well at a show this summer…just like old times.
I am thankful for my horse friends; I never want to live alone again. I am thankful for green pastures and dry barns when it rains. I am thankful for strong muscles, good health, and a full belly. I am thankful for fingernails on those hard to reach itchy spots. Overall, I am thankful that I have the love and care of good people.
Yours truly, Yo The King.

Sonny’s Rise: 7/8 Arabian, Age 37, Retired amateur endurance horse (then known as Country Sunshine)
My Human/s: Mike and Chris Smith, Traveller’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary, Spotsylvania, VA

Why am I thankful to live at Traveller’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary? That’s easy. Where else could a 37-year-old gelding with seven molars left in his head be the Head Alpha Dude? On many other farms, a guy my age would be pitied or “put out to pasture” to expire of boredom. Here, though, I’m expected to do my job, keeping peace in the herd. (This isn’t for publication, but the job really isn’t very difficult since horses, unlike some humans, recognize the respect due their elders.)
One small complaint is that the lone mare in my herd has chosen a prissy Thoroughbred as her “soul-mate.” Ah, well…truth be told? At this stage I’d rather rule the school than worry about what some mare with poor taste thinks. I may not be the biggest stud muffin here, but I’m served first at mealtime, so you tell me what matters more in the great scheme of things! Plus, with cooler weather coming soon, I’ll be served FOUR meals a day! What more is there to be thankful for? Wait… if I could only trade this nerdy fly mask for some cool shades…

Jack: Mustang, Age 9, Trails, Dressage, Jumper, and Mustang Ambassador
My Human/s: Jacqueline Crews, Camelot Mustangs, Lovettsville, VA

Hi-my name is Jack. I was born in 1999 in Warm Springs Canyon, Nevada and lived on the range for three years. My mum adopted me in December 2002 and introduced me to a life of luxury!  I didn’t have to walk 20 miles a day in search of food, she brought it to me, I like that!  I didn’t have to walk 20 miles to the nearest watering hole hoping it had not dried up; mum fills my bucket with fresh sparkling water daily. I don’t have to shiver in freezing, driving rain, or snow; mum gives me a warm and dry stall or cozy waterproof blanket. I don’t have to sweat or swat at flies in 100 degree temperatures; I have an air conditioned stall and fly spray! 

I am thankful for the simple things—for comfort and the necessities to survive. When I colicked, I had the best veterinary care, and when I fractured my leg I had surgery and 6 months of stall rest. In my old world--in the desert-- I would’ve been cougar snacks!  I am happy and safe and thankful and proud to be an adopted Mustang. I am happy with my human herd and thankful for all the love and attention and treats I get—especially the treats!!

Panache: Thoroughbred (OTTB), Age 14, In training as a
western pleasure horse
My Human/s: James and Lisa Taylor, Aylett, VA

I am what they call an OTTB. That stands for off the track Thoroughbred. When I raced, I was considered an all heart runner. I was so fast that they ran me 68 times and my race record was 18-18-5. But that all faded quickly. When I was sold, no one cared about my race record, my career, my wins. Not long after that I wound up on a vacant lot without food or water. Just about every bone in my body protruded through my skin. As I stood there without the energy to move, I remembered what it was like to run with the wind streaming through my mane, to cross that finish line in first place with the crowd cheering. I couldn’t even stumble across the lot. I felt myself start slipping away while dreaming of cool water and burying my nose in a bucket full of feed.

Not long after that, some kind people showed up to give me water to drink. Was it a dream? Was it real? In a daze, they loaded me into a trailer and transported me to a new, strange place where these patient strangers walked me slowly, stopping every fifty feet or so, to give me time to rest. I could see a barn ahead…and when I reached it I found clean water and hay. It wasn’t too long after this that I left to live with two people who make sure I have water, hay, beet pulp and grain twice a day, every single day. If it weren’t for the United States Equine Rescue League, I wouldn’t be alive today. I am so thankful to their volunteers for saving my life. I’m also thankful to my adoptive family who make sure I get what I need—plus so much more.

John Boy: Thoroughbred (OTTB), Age 14, learning to relax as a companion
My Human/s: Kim and Lorraine Chewning-McCarthy, Aylett, VA

I have a lot to be thankful for as my life has been spared not once, not twice but three times. The first time was when the United States Rescue League took me in. The second time was when I was scheduled to be euthanized, but a special vet stepped in and said he could make my foot well. He did make my foot better—so I began running, bucking, rearing and showing off my new pair of boots. I couldn’t believe how much better I felt, and then it happened. My foot began to hurt again. When the vet told my humans about the infection, they decided I shouldn’t suffer anymore. They decided to put me down.

When the day came, my mom lost her nerve. Instead of leading me out of my stall for the last time, she gave me another chance to heal. Off I went for more medical treatment. It’s been many weeks now and my foot has never felt better, but they won’t let me run! I’m in a stall most of the time and allowed to go into my very small paddock for a little exercise. I can’t really run like I want to, but sometimes I lift all four of my feet off the ground completely and wave my front legs in celebration because I’m alive, my foot doesn’t hurt, and I have the best family in the world who loves me so much. (Then I hear my Mom yell, “John, stop that right now!” (It’s rough being loved so much!)

Kansas: Quarter Horse/Saddlebred cross, Age 14, Western trail horse
My Human/s: Nancy Sutfin, Gloucester, VA
My name is Kansas, and I was born in a stockyard in that big, busy cowtown. I lived there for a few uneventful years until a farrier from Virginia came along looking for a prospect. He tossed a coin, and I ended up headed for Virginia where I saw things I’d never seen before—mountain trails, rivers and bays everywhere—even the town of Williamsburg. On a day like any other he loaded me up in the trailer and off we went to meet my new and present owner. I’ve lived with her for almost 9 years now, and what a wonderful “mom”!  She brushes me, spends time with me and makes my life the best it can be. I haven’t always been the best behaved, and there have been times when I thought she was giving up on me, but no. She believes in me and just LOVES me too much. Yes, there are pastures greener than mine--but I wouldn’t leave home for any of them. I’m so thankful that I wrote a poem:

I’m thankful for the hay I eat,
for the man who comes and trims my feet.
I’m thankful for my daily grain
and shelter from the wind and rain.
I’m thankful for my owner, who grooms my mane
and tail too!
I thank the dear Lord above that my life is filled with
so much love.

Doll Baby: Quarter Horse, Age 35, retired pleasure and show horse
My Human/s: Brenda and Billy Brandt, Clay Bank, VA

I’m dozing in the sun—something I do a lot these days. At 35, I’m so thankful for my health, the two “men” in my life who amuse, entertain, and watch over me (they don’t think I notice, but I do), and my humans. As I rest, decades of memories flow like the rivers I once crossed with my first human, Sherry. I raised her from a very young girl and she loved me unconditionally into her adulthood. But life and plans change, and she left Virginia. She promised to come back for me—so I waited.

How could she have known? I ended up neglected on a dirt lot littered with junk. I grew thin and tired and eventually stopped listening for a voice I knew I’d never hear again. I gave up. Until CeCe, who once again ran kind hands over my body. She took me away from that place and gave me hope, renewed joy, and new humans. The pasture here in Clay Bank is green and sweet, and my companions are handsome geldings who dote on me. I don’t know if Brenda and Billy understand how much I needed them, or that I can feel their warmth and love from just a touch on my nose and neck. (And Brenda needed me too….she had just lost her very special mare a few months before she found me.) Somehow, they contacted Sherry—I guess horse humans all know each other—she cried and sent me hugs and kisses from Iowa and even offered to come get me. But there is no place I’d rather be than right here in my forever home with the people who love me, and who I’m so thankful to have. Life is good. Again.

Tinder (Ima Sure Contender): Quarter Horse, Age 24, retired show jumper, police horse and therapy horse. Currently a trail horse and babysitter for young children.
Joe: Miniature/Standard cross donkey, Age 15, Farm guardian
Clarice: Small Standard donkey, Age 20, Farm guardian
Human/s: Kristen Queen, Buckingham, VA

Tinder (horse): Hey guys, you know that weird holiday that mom and dad celebrate is coming up soon!

Joe (donkey): Yeah, the one where they eat turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, right?

Clarice (donkey): Mmm… and pumpkin pie too, I love pumpkin pie.

Tinder: Yeah that’s it! I think they call it Thanksgiving. Which got me to thinking, what are you guys thankful for?

Joe: Well I’m thankful for my long ears, because they are the best place for a good scratch from mom and dad! I’m also thankful for the new house and the good green grass out here.

Clarice: As any good mother should say, I’m thankful for my son, Joe, even when he’s being a pest, even at 15 years old. Some boys never grow up!

Joe: Gee, thanks mom!

Clarice: I’m also thankful for good spots to roll in the pasture, warm sunny days, and good company in the pasture. What about you Tinder?

Tinder: Well, I’m thankful for all of the above, and peppermints, definitely peppermints! I’m also thankful for a great home with mom and dad. I’ve been with mom for almost ten years now and we’ve have been on miles and miles of trail rides together. She has always taken good care of me, and I know I’m her favorite boy. Oh and did I mention peppermints?!

Ceffyl Blaine Summer of Taylamore Farms: Section D Welsh Cob, Age 6, all disciplines, loves trails
Human/s: Sharon Buller, Smithfield, VA
I am so thankful for my life as a horse. I often ponder... how did I get such a great mom?... And then I eat again. My human mom is the best. She laughs, cries, hollers and sometimes even whinnies when she sees me. She is really interesting. One moment she is very serious and wants to explore the whole world (or trails as humans call it), and the next she is laughing and talking to me about everything. I am happy she is mine. We ride together and walk together and talk together. She is my best human friend.

One thing’s for sure--I am a horse that has a great life. I get ridden almost every day and I live in a great barn with the greenest pastures you’ve ever seen. I do have to share the grass with the other horses but I can eat faster than them so I get more. Ha! The people that take care of me are really nice and spoil me. I get brushed every day, I eat a lot of treats and have the best conversations.

I don’t know why mom gets such a kick out of me--I am just a horse after all. I eat, sleep, play and sometimes pick on the other horses. But they are all just geldings and every horse knows—MARES RULE.
I am just pondering though...NEIGH!