Patrick Metzger showed up for his first volunteer shift at This Old Horse looking for two things: an opportunity to volunteer for a cause he supported and a hope to become part of a welcoming community that shared his interests.
What he was not seeking-or expecting-was love.
By his own admission, Patrick was struggling with feelings of depression and felt doing something physical and useful might help.
On his first day joining the crew for morning chores at This Old Horse's flagship barn, Wishbone Ranch in Hastings, MN, he was warmly welcomed, fondly embraced and made to feel his help was highly valued and appreciated by the other volunteers. After chores and the post-chore social 'gathering' for snacks and beverages, he was introduced to an old mare named Gypsy and handed a brush.
Patrick spent the next two hours with her. He learned her tragic life story of repeated abandonment, abuse and neglect which had caused her to lose vision in both eyes due to trauma. He also learned how, after being abandoned and left to fend for herself, she was eventually rounded up with a group of wild mustangs.
And yet here she was, nearly 30 years old, calmly munching hay and basking in his comforting care. She accepted his kind touch and soothing voice as he praised her courage, marveling at the strength and will it took her to survive as well as her gentle kindness and reception to him- a stranger-after a lifetime of betrayal at the hands of humans. Imagine such a forgiving heart, she was truly an inspiration.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Fall 2024-Ausgabe von Horse and Rider.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Fall 2024-Ausgabe von Horse and Rider.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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The Horse
LIFE TAKES US DOWN different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse.
Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test
The six-panel test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the genetic predispositions of horses. It's meant to discover if a horse has or is a carrier for certain hereditary diseases and traits.
Love is Good
All horses are assured a hopeful, compassionate plan of care at This Old Horse, a program that helps not only horses but people, too.
HORSE PACKING 101
Take your trail riding to the next level with nature-filled adventures in the back or front country.
NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS
Anew horse can bring excitement and energy to the barn, and even reinvigorate your passion. However, there are also a myriad of new problems that can come with a new horse, so learn how to introduce him properly to avoid these common issues.
First-Timer Tips
Heading to a young rider's first event with their horse can be intimidating. Use these myths and truths to make it smoother sailing for yourself and your young rider.
Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story
One special gelding learns about three different types of love during his rescue journey.
The Country's Hottest Horse Motels
Take your next trail-riding adventure to the next level by staying at one of these six horse motels across the United States.
Outbreak! What We've Learned
Learn how disease outbreaks in recent years have changed the horse industry, and why it's so important to play your part when it comes to disease prevention efforts.
TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE
Shift your mindset and grow your sensitive horse's pressure-handling skills to improve his confidence and your riding enjoyment.