Help me keep Ben by my side: Costa Rica retirement

OK, so I have a dream, and it involves my wonderful horse and a new life for him and us but I need your help!

Meet Ben, the most beautiful rescue horse in the world in my humble opinion. He came into my life as a seven-year-old, carrying scars from his past life – a face marked by whips and a broken tail. People labeled him as unmanageable, insisting he’d never be ridden. But I refused to believe them; he chose me as much as I chose him the day our paths crossed.

I’ll never forget the moment he galloped towards me in the field, skidding to a halt with a snort, trying to appear threatening. Instead of fear, I offered him carrots and shared my story – about my struggles finding my place in Canada having been in the USA and growing up in the Uk. Trying to find my peace after losing my previous horse, Sky, to cancer. We spent nearly an hour, him sniffing my feet, my legs, my entire body, I knew just one crack of a twig would break this moment, and he would gallop away, afraid of me, however, he continued exploring, before proudly accepting a carrot. As he stepped forward and put his head in my arms, his body relaxed, that was the moment I knew he was destined to be my boy. I think the people who were caring for him and trying to find him a home thought I was a little insane as I said, I would come back in two days and ride him! It took over two hours to get Ben tacked up and probably 45 minutes to get on him, but once he realized what we were doing, he was so proud of himself although I think he was unaware he had four legs!!!

Ben became more than a companion; he was my savior during challenging times, from abusive relationships to financial hardships. His resilience mirrored my own, and our bond deepened. Then came the day we faced a life-threatening situation on a hack in 16 Mile Creek. We fell through the river, and as we sank, I realized he couldn’t swim with me on his back. Panic set in as I struggled to dismount, but I slid off behind him. I wondered where his back legs were as they thrashed around to keep him afloat. I wondered where they would hit my body. I knew if it was my chest it would probably kill me however, as I sank, he stopped swimming. He just went still, and disappeared under the water. I couldn’t believe that. He stopped kicking just to save me.

In those terrifying moments has I struggled to keep my head above water and knowing I was losing the battle, Ben defied the odds. He surged up next to me, water pouring from his nose, I was able to grab the stirrup as black spots started dancing in my eyes, he pulled me with every ounce of strength he had. Finding a foothold, he waited patiently as I grabbed hold of his saddle and pulled myself up on to his back. Slowly, step by step, he took us to safety, displaying a care and loyalty beyond words.

My animals are my family and I have never understood how people leave their animals when they move and I am trying everything in my power to make sure my boy comes with us, the cost is insane but we can do it.

Now, I dream of giving Ben the retirement he deserves, in the peaceful landscapes of Costa Rica. I’m reaching out for support to bring him to the most heavenly property where he can live out his days in tranquility, with acres of paddocks and a huge barn. Never getting stocked up in the cold. He needs to travel by transport trailer from Canada to Miami and then fly from Miami to San Jose Costa Rica! There will be quarantine required and vet paperwork for his shots etc. Every single donation contributes to this dream, as I can’t do it alone. Ben, my hero, deserves nothing less.