Rescued and unwanted horses are adopted into our program after they have been thoroughly screened and evaluated by local veterinarians and horse trainers. After a horse is accepted into our program, it is again evaluated by our staff, board, and volunteer horse trainers. A horse is not used in the program until it has proven itself over time with experienced evaluators.
Why Horses?
Horses have emotional and social systems much like humans, but they cannot lie or deceive you. A horse’s unconditional love, just like God’s, isn’t going to change if you are having a bad hair day, have gaps in your teeth, feel funny about yourself, or don’t fit in at school. Horses don’t argue, gossip about you behind your back, or make fun of you when you make a mistake. Imagine the immeasurable confidence of a physically abused child to realize that he has the power to control a 1,000 pound horse. Think of the child who has been sexually molested and cringes at the thought of someone touching her, but looks forward to safe physical affection from a horse. After days of court testimony, hours of therapy talk sessions, and endless interviews with police officers, consider what it must feel like to escape to the rolling pastures of Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch where you can just enjoy God’s presence and peace.
However, Psalm 33:17-18 reminds us,
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.
Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch will use the horse’s strength to show these children God’s unfailing love.
Cisco is our 18 year old beautifully spotted Appaloosa gelding. He has a delightful temperament and loves everyone. He is both compliant and tolerant and has a wonderful slow canter that is easy to ride, even for beginners. And, Cisco loves peppermints for dessert!
Zeke and those of us who hold horses near and dear to our hearts know the devastating significance of the words “laminitis” or “founder.” This is a very painful condition of the horse’s hooves that can change the soundness or usefulness of a horse for work. Many underlying conditions can predispose a horse to founder, but Zeke had more than one. In 2009 Zeke was inducted into the Alabama Veterinary Medicine Hall of Fame (watch video) as recognition for bringing hope to so many children.
Job came to us after a 2006 Birmingham News article about a starving herd of Tennessee Walkers. The photograph showed the skinniest black colt, the only survivor. Dr. Rhonda Ellison and other “foster parents” nursed this colt back to health before Spirit of Hope adopted him. He is getting lots of tender loving care, learning how to behave around people, and feeling happy to be living at the Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch. This summer, with the help of Tom Marriott, Missy began riding Job! He is a quick learner! Click here to watch him play follow the leader.
Joseph: Dr. Rhonda Ellison rescued our adorable pony from neglect after he was found roaming the streets of downtown Calera. He is a cute and colorful 20 year old pony (appa-painta-roana-loosa) with spots, patches and splotches of red color over his white coat. He loves children and being the center of attention. When Joseph first came to live with us, he had most of his vision. Unfortunately, he has gone totally blind due to the progression of his disease. Cisco has become Joseph’s eyes and helps him find his way around the pasture. Joseph loves being brushed and hugged!
Shadow: Shadow was rescued by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. After his previous diet of bread, tree bark, and water from a puddle, he thinks it is heavenly to be gaining weight on a healthy diet. The sores on his back have healed and his feet are fully recovered. He is sweet and gentle with kind eyes that are anxiously waiting to see some new friends.
Savoy is a beautiful 26 year old chestnut, Quarter Horse, gelding who stands 16.3 hands. He had a successful career as a competition horse and retired to his family’s farm. But there were no horses with whom to pal around so Savoy went to live at a schooling barn. But, gradually he went from being the first horse picked out of the herd to be ridden, to standing at the fence watching his pasture buddies having all the fun in the arena. His family and barn manager realized that Savoy needed a purpose, and while he was limited physically, he still had a lot to give. And give he does at Spirit of Hope. He’s taught many a child, and adult, what the quiet love and unlimited patience of a horse can do for the human soul. His peaceful nature and expressive eyes melt even the stoniest of hearts. Savoy gets like he gives. He has a “private dining room” because he’s a slow eater and requires more food than the other horses to sustain his big, aging body. He is pampered and groomed daily, and occasionally gets to show off his fancy footwork under saddle.Leo is a gorgeous 17 year old, palomino, Quarter Horse. His stature and muscle structure are proof of his former job as a barrel racer. His most recent owners loved Leo as a pet and rode him occasionally. But Leo was the lowest horse in the pecking order of his herd so he became a loner. His family couldn’t see him as much as they wanted and recognized that he needed a job. When Leo first came to Spirit of Hope, he was tense and non-trusting, feeling like he had to be boss or get bossed. Testament to the forgiving and resilient nature of horses, it only took several weeks for Leo to trust that Spirit of Hope was a nice place to be. His eyes are big and soft now; his body is fluid and easy.
Aslan is a handsome 10 year old, 17+ hand, bay, Thoroughbred/Percheron cross. True to his name he is a powerful but tender individual. Aslan was owned by a lovely lady veterinarian whose life was tragically cut short by cancer. He was willed to a very talented rider and consummate horsewoman. Again tragedy struck as Aslan contracted EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis) ending his competitive career. After several rounds of treatment, it became apparent to his owner that to best serve her horse, Aslan needed a low impact, low stress lifestyle. So he was turned out to pasture. He received beautiful care and attention, and was “king” of the field as all the other horses literally looked up to him. But he missed people and yearned for more interaction; he wanted to make a difference – and what a difference he makes at SOHYR! Imagine never having been around horses and walking into the barn to meet a 1300 lb animal who’d rather sit in your lap while you brush his mane than do anything in the world!
