ThanksGiving for my horse Contest:

Our winners are:::

1. Natalie Herman
2. Heather Jones
3. Lisa Doyle Kiowa and Katilynn Wallace
   

The horse to me, is a way of life.  They continue to give to us endlessly, without question and in great abundance.  So for this Thanksgiving, we are having a contest of thank you to our best friend. 

However you would like to express yourself by thanking your favorite equine.  Please read the rules below.  

Just a few simple Rules: thanks 

• Only one entry per contestant
• Must include a photo, or video and a short story, note on why you are so thankful.
•  Please, no more than 250 words.  and not more than two photos. 
• To enter and vote; You must be a user on the Knot-A-Tail site and/ or a Knot-A-Tail Facebook fan on our Knot-A-Tail's Facebook Fan page
• All photos, name of horse and rider/handler  along with the story must be posted on the wall of the fan page or email for me to post: send to support@knotatail.com.
• The winner of the Thanksgiving  contest will be announced 11/26/09 Thanksgiving morning.
• Please remember to vote by adding the comment at the bottom of this page. You can vote for you top 3 favorites, but it has to be for three different contestants.
• In order for your vote to be  counted on the Knot-A-Tail site, you have to be signed in so your user name will be visible on your vote.
  
• REMEMBER to have your friends vote for you.  Just have them leave a comment at the bottom of this page. We will count the votes from there. Anonymous Votes will not be counted, sorry. You can also post the URL above to your Facebook profile page and ask them to read your story.
•  

  ---

  ---

  
  

 Here are the Knot-A-Tail Prizes: 

First place: a  Stunning  horse hair Braided Belt


 Second Place: One of our Exclusive Horse Hair two-tones shy fly's (not available  in any stores)


 Third Place:  A brilliantly colored Knot-A-Tails top selling key chain;




 

---

First Place    Natilie Herman::

I am thankful for the 4,000+ miles I have had so far with Cheyenne.

He's my friend's 20yo Mustang/Arab that I have been riding in endurance for the last 5yrs.

He taught me all I needed to know about the sport from my first 50, to my first 5-day ride. :) We'll hopefully do my first 100s, then the 100mile Tevis Cup next year for my first time as well.

He's the best partner a person could have, and I hope he'll continue to carry me down the trail for at least another 5yrs before he needs to retire

(he feels like he's 8, not 20, LOL...he won't quit!)

 

 

---

 

Shelly Morris and FIONA

I am thankful to Fiona, my lovely white Irish draft mare. She came into my life at a time when I'd lost a mare and foal due to complications from delivery.  I was devastated. 

She was in foal when she arrived and during the pregnancy she would come to me every day and put her head on my chest and fall asleep. I sang to the baby every day, marveled at his growth and dreamed of a lovely foal. 

When the baby was born Fiona ran from my husband, but when I arrived she proudly brought him over to see me and then promptly laid down a foot from me and took a nap right by my side!  My heart swelled with love and the wonder I felt for this new and special little colt that she gave to me for safekeeping.  Again my heart was full and the previous loss was softened.

As my husband was up on a roof nearby doing repairs I heard him say "I'd never believe this in a million years if I hadn't seen it myself."

I thank Fiona for:

I thank you, Fiona.  I love you.  My horse, my friend.  My heart.    Shelly Morris





---




Entry: Caitlin Mockeridge and Bailey


This is my horse Bailey and he always knows how to make you smile. This picture was taken at a horse show getting ready to go into western showmanship. I was really nervous and I told him to make me feel better. He instantly flipped his lip up in a smile.

Then as I laughed he stopped and my mom yelled no I want a picture! So, the horse that he is he did it again giving me the best picture ever. We didn't place that day but it was a really big show and you can only be so happy in one day.

I love my horse! No matter what he can always make me smile :)





---

Entry:  Renee CLements-Ralston and Lady


I am Thankful for I had my old mare Lady in our lives. She would take care of you whether you knew how to ride or not. She taught me, my kids, and others how to ride and gymkhana. You could put 2 to 3 small kids on her and she would walk on eggshells to make sure they didn't fall.

She has taken my kids over mountains while hunting, ran barrels and poles, and was just the Bestest Friend anyone could have. She was one in a million to us and friends, we still think and talk about her to this day.

Rip: Lady 05-1976 to 01-2001





---

Entry: Tina Prescott and Dee Gee Foxy Peppy

I am thankful to have my stud in my life for many reasons. He makes me happy as he has an amazing work ethic out in the pasture, or at a show. He reminds me that sometimes slow and steady does win the race.

Through him I have met some amazing horsemen who have become great friends and mentors.of our Grandfathers line of working horses - through him we are continuing a 100 year old ranch legacy. Dee Gee Foxy Peppy (Meat Head)

brings a smile to my face every day.





---

Entry: Carey Millsap Spears

Gun Shy’s Skywalker, aka Luke, brings a smile to the corners of my mouth when I think about him and all his goofiness. He has tons of personality and lets everyone know this. Even when he is bad he is sheepish and acts sorry—then tries to be “super good pony” the next ride. He tries his best to learn new tricks everyday...y. From stall escapes and breaking a cross tie just for fun, Luke is a silly guy with a big heart and loves to live it up in the show ring.

I am ever grateful that his bout with lameness this year was due to an abscess and not something even more serious. His recovery is still on going, yet he is sound and working hard to grow that hoof out. When I thought I could lose him—in all the worry and panic before the vet came— I knew there would be a great void in my life if he were gone. I am thankful for every ride;

every second in the saddle is a blessing.








---

Entry: Lona Patton

I am thankful to my mustang for the patience he has shown me all these years, forgiving my numerous mistakes, and teaching me how to be a friend of horse, instead of just master. I am thankful to my mustang for the love he has shown me in return. Through him, I have learn to step back and address what I used to think were bad situations, he taught me how to find the good..he taught me to be patient, not only with him, but with the world around me, and most importantly, with myself and my own family.
My mustang has taught me that time has no true value..to live in the moment, and not to rush through life as if on a freight train...to slow down and enjoy the life that God has given each and every one of us.
I am thankful to my mustang for the harder times we shared...for it has made us both stronger.
I am thankful to my mustang for helping to strengthen my faith in God...for there were many times I didn't think I alone could train a wild horse..but through God's answered prayers, and My mustang's love and understanding ways...and though his ability to forgive...it strengthened my love and faith in God as well as in myself and my mustang. My mustang has taught me more then I ever could have dreamed of teaching him.

Metawa, I thank you!





---

Entry: Natalie Ruepp




I don´t have a own horse or even a favorite.

That´s why I would like to thank every single horse in the whole world.

The horses gave, give and will give us a lot.

Everybody should be thankful for every second you´re around horses, for all the special hours those beautiful animals donated us, for all the new friends we ...got through them, for all the experience we gained and for every time they made us smile or laugh....

Thank you to every minipony and thank you to every Shire Horse and everything in between =)



 

---

Entry: Emily Maynard

“Bet’cha Can” aka Wilbur is my first horse, that I have owned for nine years.  Wilbur is my best “friend” and has always been able to make even the worst of days brighter.  When I first got Wilbur he was quite shy and skittish.  He even managed to literally shred the crown piece of two nylon halters!  He had apparently been abused at some point during his life. 

We’ve worked through the rough patches and Wilbur has turned out to be an amazing horse.  I am truly thankful for everything Wilbur has taught me especially about patience and perseverance.  Wilbur got hurt about four years ago and ended up having a torn suspensory. 

Many people thought I should sell him and move on due to recovery time and not knowing how the injury would heal.  However, this was not an option for me.  After ten months of rest, rehabilitation began and he hasn’t missed a step since.  Patience and perseverance are only the beginning of what Wilbur has taught me these past nine years and there are not enough words to describe how thankful and blessed I am to have him.

Wilbur’s suspensory injury surpasses his other tribulations such as having his nose almost ripped off by another horse, back legs scraped to the bone, and learning to trust humans again.

I’m thankful for the numerous lessons I’ve learned from Wilbur and feel that he has helped me become who I am today.

 




---

Entry: Lisa Doyle

I have been riding since I was eleven. Never had enough money to do more than take lessons back then. Saved all my paperroute money to pay for taxi’s to take me to the barn when my parents couldn’t or wouldn’t drive me.

Anything to get my fix. I was teased and tormented as a teen, never quite... fit in at the barn, never had the right clothes, helmet etc. I was the one that would ride any horse they offered, Save my pennies to be able to show come the summer in mini shows at the barn and then take any horse that was left over to show with.

Although I never had the best horse, I’d pin right up there because I had “Natural Ability” as my instructor called it. I ended up with some unsavory people who took advantage of my enthusiasm and naivety and after using me to only benefit themselves, I had to get out. I stopped riding all together for ten years. Weight gain, depression, lack of motivation.

Left me with very low self esteem over those years. My horse Kiowa came to me 4 years ago and turned my life around. My first horse, my “it” horse. He saved me from myself and gave me the self worth I’d been missing. I lost my mom suddenly this past February.

The woman who gave me my love for horses. Kiowa was there and continues to be there to help see me through.

RIP Mom.


---

Entry: Mallory Beinborn

I am thankful for my horse Peanut because she is WONDERFUL!

She always brings a smile to my face, no matter WHAT!

What better friend could a girl have?




 

---

 

Enrty: Tegan Lane

This is my extremely pregnant mare Jadis who over due.

Last nite we had a black out, my car was in the mechanics being fixed in the car was my other car keys and my swag, as I had no power i had no foal alarm so I slept outside my girls stable on horse blankets with a torch just to make sure my baby was ok.....

I love Jadis more than life itself!!!!


 

---

 

Entry: Simone Skyes

Bear(left) and Gypsy (right) I am so greatful to have had both of them in my life during the past 12 months.

They both taught me alot and helped me to get through a few really rough patches.

There is nothing better than the love and bond of your four legged best friend. I love them both and miss them both dearly.

xx


---

Entry: Yuhasz Austin

Have to believe Raven is as thankful for me as I am for her. As a rescue, she was one of the first PMU foals to arrive in Florida in 1999. She was an untouchable, scared and sick 4 month old Percheron cross and I took my sweet time with her. They say once you bond with a mare, you are hers forever.

So it is with Raven and I - we are unstoppable and inseparable. As a therapy horse, she calms those with anxiety and carries our larger riders with ease. She often is our horse of choice when a therapist sits behind a client for help with trunk control to sit tall. Raven...my Raven.

Gentle and wise, she's the alpha mare that just has to give another the horse "that look" like we got from our own sweet Grannies ! So - is it true you can "tell" a gelding, "ask" a stallion, but you have to "negotiate" with a mare? Never saw this happen with Raven and I.

Bless my mare.


---

Entry: Mandee Widrick

I am blessed to have a mare that has learned along side of me in the 5 years we've been together.

She is a great example of what it means to have a friend in your horse.

And she loves kisses!


 

---

Entry: Chad Warren  E

JMK Fellas Kid, aka Louie, is the most amazing horse I have ever had the pleasure to be around. He lives every day on his schedule, never letting the outside world take control over his inner peace. He has an amazing personality. He is outgoing, personable and at times a bit naughty.

Before Louie, I wasn't always the most outgoing person or even the friendliest. I always felt like something was missing. I had a great wife, a nice home, a good job and friends and family but there was something missing on a deeper, more personal level. I was missing my self confidence. Louie fixed all of that.

I began working with Louie and I realized that just being around him boosted my confidence.  He has taught me infinite patience and unconditional love and he has also taught me that it is the means of getting to an end that is most fulfilling, not the end itself. I have been able to attain goals that I would have never attempted before because of this wonderful horse.

I am thankful for everything that he has taught me. I am thankful for the patience that he has instilled in me. I am thankful for the confidence that he has helped me gain. I am thankful that he has allowed me to love him, but most of all

I am thankful that he loves me.


 

---

Entry: -A Blessing In Disguise-  Heather Jones

She came into my life with a baby on her side,

So thin that she could barely walk, A horse no one would ride. The mare was ragged, her hooves dragged the ground,
Silence from the rescue worker's, nobody made a sound.

We saw this every day, but there was something there,
A spark I knew that one day, this mare and I would share.
The hope was leaving by the hour, until the vet came by
"If this mare makes it a week......." I had to leave and cry.

That was nine years ago. She fought her way back to life, and we worked so very hard
Even then I barely believed it, that number one on the judges card.
Spirit today is twenty-three and though they say she's old,
Never will there be a day when there's a sticker that says sold.

She brought me through the worst three years of my life,
It was a time full of heartache, struggle and strife
Spirit was a blessing and was a gift from above,
and then it was I that turned to HER for comfort and love,

This Thanksgiving I count my blessings on that special day
But there is one blessing that I count every single day.
The gray mare that needed me when she was nearly dead,
I give her thanks each and every night as I lay down my head.
-A Blessing In Disguise-

She came into my life with a baby on her side,
So thin that she could barely walk, A horse no one would ride
The mare was ragged, her hooves dragged the ground,
Silence from the rescue worker's, nobody made a sound.

We saw this every day, but there was something there,
A spark I knew that one day, this mare and I would share.
The hope was leaving by the hour, until the vet came by
"If this mare makes it a week......." I had to leave and cry.

That was nine years ago, in June it will be ten,
Since that mare became mine, right there and then.
I gave my all to save her, to bring her back to health.
To have that mare trust me, was greater than any wealth.

She fought her way back to life, and we worked so very hard
Even then I barely believed it, that number one on the judges card.
Spirit today is twenty-three and though they say she's old,
Never will there be a day when there's a sticker that says sold.

She brought me through the worst three years of my life,
It was a time full of heartache, struggle and strife
Spirit was a blessing and was a gift from above,
and then it was I that turned to HER for comfort and love,

This Thanksgiving I count my blessings on that special day
But there is one blessing that I count every single day.
The gray mare that needed me when she was nearly dead,
I give her thanks each and every night as I lay down my head.

-Picture "Are you my mama?" Taken at my father's house with an orphan fawn (Little Bit) at a birthday party for my little cousin.
Rider/Owner/Handler


 

---

---

Entry; Susan Mccarty

I would like to give Thanks for my beautiful new baby ROY BOY .

He is the first youngster I have ever owned, and  he is now 12 months old.  he brings so much happiness to my day, he is just a gem to do anything with, from his first rug to his feet being done, going on the float what ever he is asked, he's willing to have a go & try his best, I can only say that I'm sure as he grows, he will become a trusted partner for me for many years to come......

Thanks lil man for putting a spark in my day


 

---

Entry: Chelsea Daldon

I created this video in memory of my Quarter Horse gelding that passed away in January of this year. he was my first horse, as well as my best friend. i had owned him since he was four and he was twelve when he passed away. not a day goes by where i don't miss him. may he rest in peace. 

Here is the link for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPM8UEMeXUE


May he rest in peace.



 

---

 

Entry: Sherry Mriscin Warren

I am thankful for finding our horse Merlin. He is an 11 yr old QH (not registered). He has been the best babysitter for me and has taught my daughter soooo much. She is an awesome rider and it has much to do with her awesome horse letting her do anything and everything.

My other daughter will be starting lessons this spring. I know that he will be the perfect horse for her to learn on as well.

He will forever hold a special place in our hearts.




---

This is not an entry by Keesha Eller  cute story


This is my "daily fix" right here... Skips Moonshadow (AKA Puma) is such an awesome boy! One of the best things about him is the trust he has in me, and the love! It seems that no matter what is going on in my day a sit upon his back while he is laying out in the pen fixes EVERYTHING!

Angry, sad, jittery, even a little crazy, it doesn't matter how I feel. I go out, and see him laying there, and all I have to do it sit on his back and listen to him breathe, feel his heart beat, and smell the pure warmth of his horsey smell. Stroke his neck, play with his curly mane, and just breathe! I leave him feeling recharged, happy, and boosted! Isn't he gorgeous?? I love him more everyday!

NOTE: Roberta, this isn't my Thanksgiving entry... I have that coming soon!

I just wanted to share my favorite spot in the whole world!!


 

---


CJ was my very first horse - I bought him when he was 20 years old and I was 49! It was a life-long dream-come-true. CJ was "just" a trail horse  it was love at first sight.  I rode by myself that first summer, mostly on back roads, and could always trust him to take me safely where I wanted to go. A few months later my husband got a horse of his own and we began riding together but I still took CJ out on my own whenever I could. We had built our own barn soon after acquiring CJ so I could ride trails from home.

Next Skipper entered our lives. We had searched for a good trail horse for him but everything we found was more or less neglected.  We checked with a large riding stable about 100 miles from our home.  So we took our trailer and went to see what they had. The first horse they showed us was Skipper and he was tacked up and ready to go out on a ride. It never occurred to us to ask how old he was. We were told that if we didn't like him for any reason or if he didn't pass a vet check, they'd take him back and give us another horse so we felt comfortable bringing him home 

Our vet and the equine dentist both told us that Skipper was probably 30 years old! We continued to ride him and CJ, even taking them to our hunting camp to ride the trails in the Allegheny National Forest for 4 years.

CJ's health started to decline more rapidly 2 years ago and we weren't sure he'd make it through last winter but he did, and in good condition. It wasn't until early this summer that he really began to fail.  He left us peacefully and quietly on August 5th.


 I will always be grateful to CJ for what he taught me and to Skipper for being a best buddy and protector to CJ, as well as a sweet, loving horse. They will always hold a very special place in my heart.




 

---

Entry: Susan D'Ambrose

This is my Standardbred, Indy. He is a retired harness racer and now I show him in western classes & we trail ride. But,currently he is resting for a few weeks since he has a tear in his suspensory. He did it by playing with his friends over the fence & his ankle got caught in the gate.

Silly horses love to play ♥


---

Entry: Renee Clements-Ralston


This is my colt he is now 7 months old and doens't have the casts on anymore. he was the result of twins, the other one didn't develop past 5 months of pregnancy but stayed in the womb. he was tiny only about 21 inches when born but is growing everyday now. we named him Heza Tuff One Doc aka Doc

we thank god everyday that he is better we still have hurdles to go over but he's a tuff nut so am sure we will get through them

I forgot to say he had splints on cause he was knocked knee'd and they caused sores so was so happy to get them off.

He is coming out of it.


 

---

Entry: Schel Blanzy

Thanksgiving to my horse:

I am thankful for my OTTB Rusty, for shadowing Buddy when I rode him today. Rusty knew that Buddy was frightened, and walked right next to him in the round pen until Buddy was able to walk away with confidence.

An hour earlier, Rusty had tossed me on my butt, but when push came to shove and... support was needed, Rusty was right there for the both of us.

Thank you Rusty for being there when I really needed you. :-)


---

Entry: Suzan Penninger

Thanksgiving to our horse, Jake. Our first horse had a terrible accident and had to be put down, which devastated me and my teenager daughter. A good friend was going to sell her horses and offered to give us the one her husband had ridden on every trail imaginable.

It took some coaxing to get my daughter to ride him so soon after the death of Whiskey, but as soon as she did, it was instant bonding. We are now the proud owners of Jake, a TWH/QH. It has been 1 1/2 years ago and we still miss Whiskey, but Jake makes life so much fun.

He has the best personality and thinks he is the head gelding, even though we only have one other horse, a 23 yr. old mare with arthritis. He likes for you to grab his tongue when he is drinking water, loves to drink tea, will steal your cup when you aren't looking and will help my daughter dismount whenever she rides him bareback. I am so thankful for him because he brought a smile back to our faces and

brings us joy every day.


---

Entry: June Thompson Arneman

This is the newest member of our herd, Rain. She is a PMU rescue and was given to me last summer. She still has some "issues" from her past but has become a very sweet, loving horse -

very willing to work and learn.



---

Entry: Robyn Goode

Thanksgiving To My Horse:

I adopted a Mustang in June. This has been quite an adventure for the both of us! I had never trained a horse.

Namaste has helped me to grow; to be a better person. I have more patience, faith & trust. I follow my intuition more and I have learned to be calm when something scares me. We have learned these things together.

This wild horse, that already had 3 strikes & was at his last adoption, has been one of my best teachers. It is an honor to be his friend and know he loves me :-)

We both have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!


 

---

Entry: Virginia Curtis

This is our OTTB Sid Vicious. So named because he's an absolute sweetheart! He loves to run (of course) but his favorite pastime is to stand in the corral and eat his carrot flavored "candy ball".

Yesterday when I went to get him his face was covered in molassas and he had oats in his ears! "Riding is the art of keeping the horse between you and the ground"

... ♥ V.


 

---

Entry: Sonya Malecky Spaziani

Cash... Never Count the Cost~

Last winter during a heavy wind storm, I found Cash stumbling in the wind and rain, one side covered in mud from a fall. I couldn’t tell what happened, as it was dark and I had only a small flashlight, I could barely see by the ambiant light. He nearly toppled over me as I was putting on his blanket. I walked him two steps at a time back to the barn, and stalled him. He stood with frightened eyes, with his legs splayed out for additional balance.

The following day, I found 2x4 boards in one of the stalls bent and broken, the vet also concluded head trauma by viewing his eyes and witnessing the structural damage to the barn. Not sure how it occured, but mostly likely the fierce winds had something to do with it. The horses have free access into the barn.

It was touch and go last year, each day I had a heavy heart walking into the barn. It was daily intensive care, as well as the meaningful times sitting in his stall with him. Today, he's doing well, even kicks up his heels when called up for dinner, though his gait is a tad unsteady.

It was a long road, but Cash is one of those horses with those big gentle eyes, that no matter how bleak the situation, and urged to put him down by others...

I couldn't let go and wouldn't give up, no matter the cost.


---

Entry: Kaitlynn Wallace

This is my 5 year old ex breeding stallion (now gelded)Foundation Quarter Horse Storm in the sunset. :)

He's a horse that before I got him a year ago, was called psycho. I started Clinton Anderson with him, a year later, he's a completely different horse who can bow, sliding stop, spin, and competes in 4-H with me. Along with him and my 3 year old, people are asking me to work their horses now! =)

Love your page! - Kaitlynn


 

---

Entry: Maggie Rothauge

This girl's name is Robbie, turned 7 yrs last June.

She  was a PMU rescue as a yearling. She came down from Canada with around 200 others that were at the Lazy Z Ranch in Sisters. Big, graceful, gentle but spirited girl!

Sire was grey perch dam was fjord/quarter. I have ridden her many miles in the mountains,

she will take you anywhere.





 

---

Entry: Char Eccles

I was diagnosed with 3 forms of mental illness, after being struck down by a drunk driver at work 10 years ago (PTSD, Bi-Polar, and agoraphopic)....I have been told that 2 of them are in severe forms...or stages...
 
Because of life, and the way it likes to kick me in the butt....I have been without medications now, for 1 1/2 years....a far stretch for someone that is supose to be on Lithium....As a result of the accident....I also suffer from Fibromyalgea, TMJ... and knots in my lower spine, that nothing to date, will get rid of.....I suffer daily with pain, and no meds....I was on Morphine for the pain...Between that and the Lithium....I was a walking zombie....if I could get around at all....I also suffer from RH factor, have since I was 12....
 
Having Horses finally join my life again, after a long period without them....Is a blessing that nobody can really understand....Ya sure, I have good days and bad....just like everybody else....but the need for the medication has never been a major problem....The horses give me more than anybody could ever imagine on a daily basis, and I can't even ride them yet....one is in Re-training, working on her foundation....the other 2 are babies....so I am waiting for 2 more years before I can ride one of them.....But I don't care....just sitting in the field with them, for hours...is more than enough for me.....I didn't write this to get sympathy....I am beyond that now, I just wanted everybody to know

how special my horses were to me....
 
They are my life!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVBGuWTzyN8

---

Entry: Cassie Schuster:

I am thankful for my TWO rescue mares, Blanca and Sierra. These girls were taken by law enforcement when it was learned that their owner was arrested for starving and abusing over 30 of his horses. Blanca and Sierra were found standing among other horses who didn't make it (tears).

They had bonded and needed a home who would take them both - we didn't hesitate to bring them into our home. Since losing two of my senior geldings this year (ages 23 and 29) these girls have been a blessing and each day we all heal a little bit more. They are getting short daily sessions on trust, manners, and basic skills and are doing great! The joy I feel from these girls is enormous and I am thankful for finding them at this point in my life -

they have found their forever home.


 

---

Entry: Dawn Faught
Harley is my happy horse. Harley makes me laugh whether I am on the ground playing with him or on his back for the first rides!  As a 2 1/2 yr. old Spanish Mustang, he is still growing and learning but I have never worked with such a willing partner.
Each new experience is met with "Can I taste it?" "Can I play with it?" Everything not nailed down is a toy for Harley, from exercise balls,  feed pans, ropes and even log chains when we were fixing fence. I purchased him as a replacement for my 21-yr. old gelding Al but I didn't realize I would be needing that replacement so quickly as Al passed away suddenly this spring due to colic, just a short 8 months after Harley came to live with us. Harley has helped me grieve and heal.
I am so thankful that Harley came into my life.

 

 

---

 

Entry: Suzanne Penninger

This is Roxie, a horse I am fostering for someone.  She is 23 and had very bad arthritis in her left front knee. We took her ous of a bad situation (mud, no grass, 1 flake of hay/day and fed 1 time/day and gelding constantly chasing her.) Now she is thriving- gets all of the love, food and

all attention she can possibly want


---

Entry: Kristy Mills Reed


I am thankful for the kindness of people that lead to my being able to bring my horse home from the Extreme Mustang Makeover Auction. I took on the challenge of training a wild horse for 90 days to compete with her against 47 other trainers who had taken the challenge also! I knew it was part of the agreement from day one that the horses would be auctioned to the public at the end of the competition, little did I know how fond I would grow of the little black gaited mare that I called Sheeza Hottie. We did well in the competition and when auction time came, I was a mess.

I am a grown woman with 3 children and everyone in the stands could hear me sobbing! Strangers came down to me as I rode the little black mare the best I could to hand me cash from their pockets to help me pay for her. There was one man who was bound and determined to have my horse. Lucky for me the bidding was called off and I was declared winning bidder. There are kind people in the world and lucky for me I was able to bring Sheeza Hottie home!

She is a special little black gaited mustang mare!



---

Entry: Lauren Hunt:

I am thankful for the Indiana Horse Rescue for giving me a place to find myself, and also to find my best friend. BlackJack is a 19 year old TB Gelding from off the track and i couldnt have found a better horse!

When i first saw him he was a rack of bones and now he is nice and fat. When i needed a shoulder to cry on, or a friend to cheer me up i had no one. God sent me to the rescue where i found my soul mate. He does answer your prayers. And i am thankful he has answered mine.




He gave me my best friend.

---

Entry: Paula Dunkelberger

I'am so thankful that God made Ponies for little Girls! All my Grand Daughters

know the love of a horse !


---

Entry: Sherry Mriscin Warren

I am thankful to be able to see the love between a girl and her horses grow more and more every day.

There's nothing better for a teenager than to experience this bond.



http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php? v=1256857495810

Entry :Keesha Eller

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1182239720467&ref=share



---




Entry: Danielle Stamp:  Meet Hes an Impressive Boy.. A.K.A. Johnny:
 
Johnny was one of those "once in a lifetime" horses.  After having an Arabian and showing against QH and Paints for 5+ years in open shows i decieded it might be time to move onto something more competitive.  I started looking and not long after fell in love with Johnny.  He was at the time a 3 year old paint gelding, standing 15.3.  I knew i had to have him, but first i had an Arab to sell.. so i set out to find her the perfect home.  And within a sort time i had found her a place.. that ment one thing, I could go purchase Johnny!!!  I still remember the day i went to look at him and "test drive" him, things all seem to fall into place.  We showed open shows, state 4-h shows, and even at the MN Champ show.  We won so many things together, he was 3 and i was 15.  He taught me english and western with a "stock horse".  We had our rough patches, but also our glorious winnings.  But i remember really vividly the day he was taken from me, a short 2 years later, at the age of 5.  I was awaken to someone crying and saying "you gotta come out here" and i knew something was wrong.  I got downstairs and there i was told "Johnny has passed away".. i could not believe, i ran outside in the middle of winter barefoot and looking for my best friend.  And there i found him, laying in the snow as peaceful as can be, still wrapped up in his winter blanket.  I never thought the day would come, i wanted to grow old with Johnny, we had an inseperable bond.  We would fall asleep together in his stall, lay together in the sun, and win together in the show ring.  Now all that remains is the memories and a few strands of his hair in a clear globe that hangs above my bed, because i know he will keep me safe.  We dont know what caused his death, but we do know he went peaceful.  And i know he is watching over me and keeping me safe in and out of the show ring, because that is what he always did for me.  I miss you Johnny, not a day goes by that i dont think of you!  One day we'll be reunited and run together in the rolling green pastures with fresh water springs.  I Love you!! You always lived up to your name and impressed me!!



---

Entry: Kara Hicks

 

Kara shared a video, here is the link: 


http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=9de1fd1a8ed8b23c94aebc&skin_id=701