The Final Chapter

Although the story will go on for a lifetime for Skip and I, it is time to wrap up this book with nothing but gratitude for the journey.  We have accomplished the goal:  to save this horse from a life of pain and neglect.  As a bonus, I have gained a forever partner and friend. 

Exactly one year ago, Alicia brought this untouchable, injured, 17-month old stud colt home and announced that we were going to "try and save him."  I thought she was crazy.  This horse had never even been haltered, and here we were moving him with panels into a make-shift round-pen to try and do what??!  Fix his legs??  He had been living in a stall up to his knees in muck with giant, festering wounds for a year, and now we were going to fix him?!  As we peered at him through the trailer window on that first night, I got a good look at his eyes, and that is when I knew that Alicia was right:  we had to try.  He was a fighter, and we had to fight with him.  Despite his terrified expression that night, there was something about those eyes…

Remember when...

His legs were being eaten by flies and meat bees...

Day 2 

 We just sat together,

smelled each others' breath, and got acquainted...

Day 9

Alicia put the halter on him for the first time...

Day 7



We were able to start treating those wounds...

Day 23

Our first journey out of the gate...
Day 28

Trailer loading lessons went on for a week...
Day 30



"Brain surgery" happened as soon as we could get in the trailer!

Day 42 



We learned how to get our exercise with the big boys...
Day 69

Ponying lessons



First pedicure!

Day 98



We moved to Jackie's house to get more exercise...
March 2011



We took our first ground class together
April 2011 




And the legs continue to heal...
April 28, 2011

After laser treatment
July 2011

It is still a daily labor of love...

...You trusted me.
August 2011

September 2, 2011

First ride!



September 12, 2011

Ride #2



September 25 2011

Scarey tractors?  No problem!



Down the road we go!



September 30, 2011

Graduation Ride

On Friday, when Skip and I arrived at Cottonwood Creek Equestrian Center for our weekly lesson, Gail had a big surprise in store for us.  We were "graduating" and going on our first real trail ride to celebrate!  Of course, the trail ride was a lesson in itself.  We crossed Cottonwood Creek in water up to the horses' bellies, climbed hills, went down embankments, through bushes, sand, rocks, and even trotted for a while (with only minor frisky bucking!).  Our dear friend, Jennifer Borchard, was also there to help.  She and Gail made sure that I was safe, but also challenged Skip and I to lead the pack for a while.  Skip really seemed to enjoy himself.  His willingness to go and explore reminded me of the days when we went for hikes around Alicia's property for exercise.  He always loved to get out in nature, and his ears perked up as soon as we set off.  We had so much fun, and I couldn't be more proud of the progress we have made.

Our first creek crossing!

Gail, Jackie, and Jen
(Win, Skip, and Tom too!)

Gail, Jackie, Alicia, and Jen

The only thing left to say now is, "thank you..." 

... to Alicia for seeing an animal in need and DOING something about it.  Your heart is as big as the universe, and you are changing this world one animal at a time.  I am proud and honored to have you as my friend.

... to Gail Bloxham for your constant support and guidance.  The journey continues, and I can't wait to see what is around the next bend.

... to Jennifer Borchard for not-so-subtly pushing me in the right direction!  ;)

... to Dr. Jennifer Powers for your expertise and constant help along the way.

... to my photographers, Amy and Steve.  I will treasure these memories forever.

... to everyone who pitched in and helped us out when our pockets were empty and we needed a boost.  We couldn't have done it without you.

... and to all of our friends and family who have been reading this blog and supporting us every step of the way.  Your feedback and encouragement mean the world to me.

This has been an amazing adventure, and I am eagerly looking forward to a lifetime of growth and discovery with my new friend, Skip (aka "Huckleberry", "Huck", "Doc", "Pie", etc.).

Happy trails my friends! 

~Skip & Jackie