Save Honey: A Rescue Horse's New Beginning

Hello :)

My name is Jessie and here is my story. I've been working with this little mare, Honey, for the past year. When she first came to the barn I ride at a couple of years ago, she was a rescue from a backyard breeder and heavily in foal. Fast forward to the start of last year, and I was given the opportunity to train her. She's the first horse I've ever worked with on my own, and I had no idea how it would go. I worked with her 3-4 times a week in the very early mornings before work and on the weekends, slowly building up her muscle, confidence, and trust in me. Despite the go-to for training being a bitted bridle, after a couple of rides, I knew that it wasn't what she needed to excel. So, on a whim, I threw a lead rope around her neck and tested her steering. She picked it up so quickly, it wasn't more than a couple of months later that we were doing full rides bridle-less. Fast forward to now, and we are participating in full lessons with other horses, both flat and over fences, riding completely bridle-less.

I can't express how much this little horse means to my partner and me. Having recently experienced some serious health issues this past year, my partner lost a lot of her independence. Taking her to the barn with me to groom and spend time with Honey helped keep both of us going, and I owe this mare so much.

I've heard stories about people finding their "heart horse" and I always thought it was a nice sentiment. Now I understand what they all mean. Unfortunately, the current owner has her listed for a price that I simply cannot afford on my own. Her plans are to either sell her or keep her as a lesson horse. The only problem is, Honey is a particular little lady. She is strong-willed, opinionated, and responds best to a patient and quiet hand. In the wrong situation, she can push back. Whether that is through a buck, a bite, or a kick, I would argue the lesson horse life not for her. I truly believe Honey would thrive best in a relationship where there is one person for her to trust. Even though she's come a long way, she is still a green bean that needs continued training.

I'm hoping our story finds people that have had similar experiences and wish to help bring us together.

Thank you for considering donating,

Jessie & Honey