03/24/2025
I work with several equine rescues and sanctuaries, including this one Blue Horse Sanctuary where I serve on the board, and these two performance horses—both sidelined by career-ending lameness—were taken in by the sanctuary, one of them narrowly escaping being put down. After a year of turnout, free to roam and just be horses on vast acreage with a large group, they began to naturally rehab themselves—it’s amazing how much healing happens when they’re given space and time. We recently tested them under saddle to check their soundness: while observing the roan in the pasture, he runs, bucks, and plays with no issues, and after riding him, we concluded he’ll make a really nice walking trail horse for beginners who want to go slow, while the sorrel appears fully sound with no trace of lameness, riding beautifully and handling with impressive ease. Seeing them recover like this really shows the power of a natural environment and a second chance.
