New Adventures with Henry

I can’t believe how long it has been since I lasted updated the blog. I promise I have not forgotten you all… however; I have been slightly preoccupied with my new project.

Everyone that knows me understands that I ADORE animals (especially horses) and would love to have my own farm someday. Over the last couple of months, after becoming associated with owners of miniature horses, I had begun to long for a mini of my own.  A sweet friend of mine and fellow horse lover had several mini’s and was contemplating selling one of her babies, a beautiful black and white with the most perfect pair of angel wings imprinted on her coat. She was the sweetest little love I had ever laid eyes on, and every day for hours at a time, I would try to justify and list the reasons why this mini would be the perfect member of my family: she could follow me around like a puppy, she would sit in my lap, she could ride in my car, she could come inside the house, and she would be just like Eclipse’s little baby.

“ Honey,” my mom would say, “This is not like a dog. A mini is another horse, just like a regular sized horse, and it requires constant attention and special care, not to mention the financial obligations. I don’t think you should take on another horse right now. You have enough on your plate as it is.”

 Knowing the truth behind everything she said, I was extremely disappointed but knew I had to let it go.  Several months passed, and I continued to dedicate my heart and soul to Eclipse. Still in training with his phenomenal trainer Chuck, “Ebug” continued to amaze me with his willingness to learn and his desire to please. After the initial phase of just being an observer,  I was now becoming more involved in the training process, and Chuck was teaching me how to get Eclipse to respond to my commands. The day finally arrived when I was able to get Eclipse to lie down on the ground without any assistance. I stood by his side and gave the command, "Down." He pawed the ground a few times thinking

about what I was asking of him, then he slowly and gracefully bowed down until he laid his full body flat against the soft sand of the arena.  That was a moment of pure joy and excitement, as well as a powerful feeling, to  know that I could have a 1300 pound animal respond to my verbal cues.  A whirlwind of emotions flooded me when I finally realized that, despite  my challenges, I was on my way to becoming a confident and successful horse woman. My horse loved and respected me for the person I was and he was responding to my commands; it was an amazing feeling as I stood in awe and quietly thanked God for that precious moment. 

Just when I didn’t think things could get any better, another blessing appeared. My friend Dana (with the mini horses) contacted me and said she had a newly rescued fellow she wanted me to meet, a very special mini in need of a home. His name was King Henry VIII, and like me, Henry had some very special needs. He was a mini with dwarfism coupled with severe genetic abnormalities. He had a roached back which made him appear as if he had a hump like a camel, a very large head that looked more like a buffalo, and a parrot mouth so severe his under-bite protruded almost an inch past his upper teeth. He was severely crippled and possibly had some cognitive concerns. Needless to say, he had had a rough time in his short three years of life.

From the moment I met Henry, I knew there was something so special about him and that he would hold a very special place in my heart. Knowing how badly I had wanted a mini, Dana asked if I would like to become the co-owner of Henry. She told me that he could live at her house but I would be his primary handler and caregiver because she had seen the love that Henry and I had for each other and the special bond we already possessed. Dana mentioned that she had hoped to use him as a therapeutic horse and take him around to benefits, hospitals and nursing homes to try to encourage others and lift the spirits of children and individuals with special needs. She asked if I would like to take on this project, and without any hesitation, I said, “Of course!”

 It had always been a dream of mine to get involved in equine therapy, and now this dream was staring to unfold. So, with the help and guidance of God, the support of family and friends, and my precious side kick, Henry, I am embarking on this new adventure. Henry and I are going to go out there and tell the world that no matter what obstacles are in front of you, no challenge can ever defeat you, and With God, all things are possible!(Matthew 19:26).