Freya
Travis and Freya at Wild River State Park. We adopted Freya June of 2007 and she is doing fantastic and she loves Travis!
Picasso
Picasso has a job! And he loves it!
Murphy Goes Sorting
Murphy had a wonderful time at his first cow sorting event in early October 2011. It was just a practice, so he could take his time, relax, and learn how much fun it is to move the cows.
He was a star! As you can see from the photos, he took everything in stride and truly enjoyed himself. His disposition is as solid as they get, and he’s grown in the front and really filled out.
We continue to deepen our friendship and level of trust every day. Murphy has a wonderful attitude and is such a happy horse. I just adore him – and have managed to find three spots on his shoulder, neck, and girth area that make him “air groom” when I scratch him there.
– Mimi
Country Summer Breeze Update
I had loved horses ever since I had visited my friend at her county fair and watched her ride her horse in various events. It was from that day forward that I was convinced that I must have a horse.
Three years later, in the middle of April, I confronted my mom and told her I was going to buy myself a horse. To my surprise, she said yes and my search began. We had decided to go to the Horse Expo as it was to be one of the greatest places an aspiring horse owner could possibly go. Me and my mom decided to sit in on a demonstration about “The Unwanted Horse.” It was in that demonstration that we first heard about MHARF.
As soon as the presentation was over, we high tailed it over to the MHARF booth to get some more info. Once at the booth, we were able to get some more information about how adoption worked as well as meet Drew and find out how to see some of the horses available for adoption. Once we got home, I quickly hopped on the Internet and began searching for my future horse. It wasn’t but a few scrolls down when a horse named Country Summer Breeze caught my eye. I instantly fell in love with her picture and asked my mom if she would be willing to go out and take a look at her.
After what seemed like years waiting to go meet “Breezy,” we finally arrived at 3S ranch where Breezy was currently living. I hastily got out of the car and practically ran to meet Chris Vinson. Once Chris had brought Breezy into the round pen, I was shocked. I had never seen a horse with such an attidude! As me and my mom watched in awe, my mom whispered in my ear, “ya sure ya still wanna ride that?” Of course, my heart sank, as I thought that this beautiful horse may not be for me.
After 20 minutes of lunging, my assumptions seemed to be proved wrong as the crazy mare I had seen earlier had suddenly changed into a sweet and calm horse. I eagerly put my helmet on and jumped into the saddle. It was a perfect match! Its been 7 months since I have owned Breezy. It has been quite a learning experience for both me and Breezy. Not only has she given me confidence as a rider, but has also taught me patience.
We went from a horse that did not know how to trust people, and in return had quite an attitude, to a horse that comes when you call her name and is eager to please. Breezy has been a joy to have and has become my best friend!
Thank you MHARF for such a great horse!
– Alex
Update on Fred – FKA Chief Concherto
Fred (fka Chief Concherto) was an OTTB adopted from MHARF a few years ago who has gone on to really shine in his new home.
Here are a few shots of Fred doing his thing in the summer at the American Eventing Championships (AECs) and at Otter Creek in the Fall.
For the record in 2009 Fred: Finished 6th at Beginner Novice at the AECs at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Chicago (a pretty big deal); Won the Central States Dressage and Eventing Association’s Novice Horse of 2009; and Won the 2009 Nutrena Triple Crown Challenge Trophy (highest score at Novice at Otter Creek’s two events and Trott Brook).
This was his first year at the Novice Level. Fred won the Open Novice division at Otter Creek’s Fall Event, took Second at Trott Brook, and Third at the Spring Otter Creek (his first novice competition). This means he is already qualified for AECs in Atlanta. He will be moving up to Training Level in 2010 (at age 7).
– Lisa
Update 9/27/2011 – Fred won the Area 4 Prelim Championships under the guiding hand of Lisa Borgia!
