Rally for Raelynn : a new horse after a tragic loss

Raelynn is a 12 year old who is very near and dear to my heart, that I love like a niece. When it comes to her horses, she has pure talent, she is fearless and never gives up. When she has something set in her mind she’s going to achieve it, she’s probably her biggest critic because of this. But the determination and heart she has in everything she does, she ends up excelling in. You’ll never see a girls smile bigger than hers when she was on the back of Tika accomplishing goals together. Trust me I have seen it first hand in the make up arena, and while I photographed them. It is a sight to see capturing the feelings throughout their runs and how “in sync” they were. The amount of time and love she gave to Tika was phenomenal.

Raelynn has been competing in local speed shows and rodeos with her mom’s horse, Tika. Over the last year, this power house team has brought home dozens of 1st and 2nd place ribbons and trophies. They had a full winter schedule with one series and a winter rodeo circuit. One night her momma and myself started to make a plan to go to Texas and enter Rae and Tika into the Fort Worth show in 2025. The excitement was unreal, it was going to bring an amazing year, as Raelynn and Tika had also been training to compete at their State Fair. One of her goals was for the two of them to win the gymkhana trophy at her county fair. Raelynn and Tika were also offered a ride to Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, OH this October. Congress has been a dream of Raelynn’s and she was excited to join a trainer and be able to compete this year.

Those dreams took a turn the evening of Tuesday, January 14th, when Tika was found flat out in her stall. The family immediately got her up to her feet, she was trembling and shaking all over. After IV meds and exam by the primary vet, it was urgent that Tika get to OSU. They loaded her on the trailer and headed to Columbus. By 2:00 am, Tika was at OSU settled in and had high hopes of a full recovery. Wednesday morning, Tika had rapidly taken a turn for the worse. Toxicity levels were high and shock was setting in. The family raced to be by her side and unfortunately said their final goodbyes to their sweet girl. Later, a large mass was found that had ruptured and fluid was leaking into her abdomen. Raelynn and Tika were supposed to compete in February at two events. As much as she hurts she said, “I’m still going to compete next month, even if I don’t win, because that’s what Tika would have wanted. She loved to run.” That speaks volumes and strength.

In the last 6 weeks, this family has endured a tremendous amount of unexpected expenses between home repairs, medical expenses and now an unknown vet bill and cremation costs to bring Tika home. While they are all trying to process what has happened, Raelynn unfortunately is also trying to stay strong and wrap her head around what her season is going to look like and how she is going to be able to compete with the goals she had set for this year. The family is trying to rally together to help with what they can to provide funds for her new horse. The reality is, however, at her skill level, the horse she needs is a reach.

This little girl is so strong and has such a big heart, full of passion…As a horse loving and rodeo community, I am hoping we can wrap our arms around this young cowgirl and help her find the horse she deserves so that the family can focus on what is to come from the vet as well as bringing their girl home.

We love you Rae, and we are here to support you, your dreams, your goals, and I hope we can help ease that burden while you still mourn the loss of sweet Tika. The memories you made together will be something to cherish forever.