We adopted Brutus last fall and he is just a wonderful horse. He is always the first one to the gate, friendly and willing. We don’t ride a lot, so it is great to have this big guy who is ready to go for a ride whenever and doesn’t fuss about anything. The most important thing about my story is that he isn’t the first horse we adopted from MHARF. The first horse, through no one’s fault, just wasn’t a good fit. Natalie worked with us to not only find him a better home, but then to match Brutus with us. It gave me great peace of mind to know that the people at MHARF are there to put the right animals with the right people! They were so helpful and understanding. I couldn’t be happier now, and I believe Brutus is as well. ( and I just love how his stripe sways to the side of his face, fits his personality!)–Molly
Perdita has been with us for four years now and it has been quite an adventure. When I first met Perdita, I could see that she was curious, smart and friendly but a little stand-offish. There was also something very intriguing and irresistible about her that made me want to take her home. I quickly learned that she came with baggage that resulted in some challenges including trust issues and dramatic reactions to things like being wormed, putting a bridle on or just touching her face or ears. Being a rookie horse owner, I knew I needed help right away. I worked with a trainer and slowly began to gain her trust and become a better leader for her. There have been many challenges along the way including bucking and rearing. I’ve made plenty of mistakes but I’ve learned from them. There were times when I wondered if I would ever be enough for this mare and if I would ever be able to have safe and pleasant rides with her.
After years of learning (mostly on my part), Perdita and I are finally in a place where I feel confident and knowledgeable enough to be a good leader for her. Therefore, she is becoming more and more willing to follow my lead. The bumps, bruises and shaken confidence along the way have all been worth it. I can now ride without anxiety or fear and Perdita is calm and willing, no longer frustrated by my poor leadership. This new phase of our relationship has made me fall in love with her all over again.We are looking forward to peaceful trail rides and meandering walks in our pasture.
Perdita has come to trust me and has become a silly, playful girl that steals my heart every day. Having her in my life has taught me patience, self awareness and a big dose of humility. In the end, I’d like to encourage those out there who are working to build a relationship with a horse that is challenging, to not give up. But to be patient and look first into yourself for causes or barriers and seek help from professionals.
Lastly, to those of you who have helped me along the way, I can’t thank you enough. Including my trainers whose patience is never ending: Aubreanne Dockter and Leanna Giles. To Drew Fitzpatrick, Cindy Werronen and the many fosters and crew of MHARF who got Perdita to me. I am so thankful.
Hey there! We have Daisy, formerly Rosie, adopted in 2015! (With the two donkeys, she’s in front – Donkey Odie is our other miniature donkey.) She is doing so well – such a funny girl! She’s a knock-you-down-for-a-hug kinda donkey. –Patti
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00mharfhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngmharf2016-07-16 18:54:552018-04-08 21:25:12Daisy (formerly known as Rosie)
Sorry! I can’t stop with the updates! Last few shows Maya has been Champion and Reserve Champion in the Low Pony Jumpers! I just wanted to share the recent show photos! She’s just a peach and everyone she meets loves her – so much so that I was contact by a woman who makes her own custom model horses and wants to do a My Teenage Dream small run of models on her line! How cool!–Anna
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00mharfhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngmharf2016-06-27 18:25:422016-06-27 18:26:07Another update on Maya the wonder pony!
This is Syd’s Shadow (Syd), who was known as Weebay when he and Sid Zacharias were the People’s Choice and Co-Reserve Champions in the 2008 MHARF Trainers Challenge. Syd was rescued as part of a starving herd in Pine County when he was seven months old. I first met him when he was a two-year-old who was fostered over the summer by friends of mine. I fell in love back then with his goofy, playful personality–I am so lucky that he is now my horse! Syd lives with his horse buddies at a small boarding farm with horse trails in the back of the property and across the road in a regional park. He is the most cheerful horse that you could imagine and is firmly convinced that everybody is his friend!
Syd is so curious and smart, with a big heart and lots of “try.” He LOVES to learn new things, play games on and off line, and explore new places. Syd means the world to me, and I do everything I can to give him the best life possible! There aren’t enough words to thank everyone who has helped him survive his rough start and become the wonderful horse that he is now. But I will always be grateful to MHARF (Drew, Karen, and everyone else who played a part in helping him), the staff at the U of MN Equine Center, Sid Zacharias and the rest of the Zacharias family, Kem and Karla, John and Kelly, Robbin, and all the other people who helped Syd and me find each other! –Janet (all photos credited to Thou Yang)
After a heroic Christmas-time rescue by MHARF and friends, Dolores and her foal Esperanza (the Sled Filly) were cared for by Siete Leguas Equine. I was fortunate to adopt Dolores at the 2013 Challenge, in which she was trained by Maria Schaal. Without all of these people (more than I can name) and without the support and guidance of Jean Bengston, my happy days with my horse would still be just a childhood dream. I adore this smart and sassy little horse. If there’s anything I can understand, it’s a sensitive female who likes to do things her own way! She challenges me to learn and makes me laugh out loud. Thank you, MHARF and associates, for saving this mare and for preparing her to be adopted. I owe many thanks as well to the teachers and mentors who have helped to prepare me for the responsibility of her continuing care. Though having a horse was a childhood dream, it is an adult responsibility. Adopting from MHARF means that if I am ever unable to fulfill that responsibility, MHARF is there to ensure that this special horse is never neglected again. –Elisa H.
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00mharfhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngmharf2016-06-23 17:49:502016-06-23 17:49:50Layla (formerly known as Dolores)
Every horse deserves a little girl to love and here is Rio (Mighty CluCountry) with his! Quite a difference from his intake a year ago!
Rio at Intake: Spring 2015
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/rio-spring-20164.png553458mharfhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngmharf2016-06-11 19:10:482016-06-14 04:08:12Update on Rio
Brutus
Perdita
After years of learning (mostly on my part), Perdita and I are finally in a place where I feel confident and knowledgeable enough to be a good leader for her. Therefore, she is becoming more and more willing to follow my lead. The bumps, bruises and shaken confidence along the way have all been worth it. I can now ride without anxiety or fear and Perdita is calm and willing, no longer frustrated by my poor leadership. This new phase of our relationship has made me fall in love with her all over again.We are looking forward to peaceful trail rides and meandering walks in our pasture.
Perdita has come to trust me and has become a silly, playful girl that steals my heart every day. Having her in my life has taught me patience, self awareness and a big dose of humility. In the end, I’d like to encourage those out there who are working to build a relationship with a horse that is challenging, to not give up. But to be patient and look first into yourself for causes or barriers and seek help from professionals.
Lastly, to those of you who have helped me along the way, I can’t thank you enough. Including my trainers whose patience is never ending: Aubreanne Dockter and Leanna Giles. To Drew Fitzpatrick, Cindy Werronen and the many fosters and crew of MHARF who got Perdita to me. I am so thankful.
Sincerely, Catherine Master
Perdita with her “foster sister” Blackberry
Daisy (formerly known as Rosie)
Hey there! We have Daisy, formerly Rosie, adopted in 2015! (With the two donkeys, she’s in front – Donkey Odie is our other miniature donkey.) She is doing so well – such a funny girl! She’s a knock-you-down-for-a-hug kinda donkey. –Patti
Another update on Maya the wonder pony!
Syd’s Shadow (formerly Weebay)
This is Syd’s Shadow (Syd), who was known as Weebay when he and Sid Zacharias were the People’s Choice and Co-Reserve Champions in the 2008 MHARF Trainers Challenge. Syd was rescued as part of a starving herd in Pine County when he was seven months old. I first met him when he was a two-year-old who was fostered over the summer by friends of mine. I fell in love back then with his goofy, playful personality–I am so lucky that he is now my horse! Syd lives with his horse buddies at a small boarding farm with horse trails in the back of the property and across the road in a regional park. He is the most cheerful horse that you could imagine and is firmly convinced that everybody is his friend!
Syd is so curious and smart, with a big heart and lots of “try.” He LOVES to learn new things, play games on and off line, and explore new places. Syd means the world to me, and I do everything I can to give him the best life possible! There aren’t enough words to thank everyone who has helped him survive his rough start and become the wonderful horse that he is now. But I will always be grateful to MHARF (Drew, Karen, and everyone else who played a part in helping him), the staff at the U of MN Equine Center, Sid Zacharias and the rest of the Zacharias family, Kem and Karla, John and Kelly, Robbin, and all the other people who helped Syd and me find each other! –Janet (all photos credited to Thou Yang)
Layla (formerly known as Dolores)
After a heroic Christmas-time rescue by MHARF and friends, Dolores and her foal Esperanza (the Sled Filly) were cared for by Siete Leguas Equine. I was fortunate to adopt Dolores at the 2013 Challenge, in which she was trained by Maria Schaal. Without all of these people (more than I can name) and without the support and guidance of Jean Bengston, my happy days with my horse would still be just a childhood dream. I adore this smart and sassy little horse. If there’s anything I can understand, it’s a sensitive female who likes to do things her own way! She challenges me to learn and makes me laugh out loud. Thank you, MHARF and associates, for saving this mare and for preparing her to be adopted. I owe many thanks as well to the teachers and mentors who have helped to prepare me for the responsibility of her continuing care. Though having a horse was a childhood dream, it is an adult responsibility. Adopting from MHARF means that if I am ever unable to fulfill that responsibility, MHARF is there to ensure that this special horse is never neglected again. –Elisa H.
Update on Rio
Rio: spring 2016
Every horse deserves a little girl to love and here is Rio (Mighty CluCountry) with his! Quite a difference from his intake a year ago!
Rio at Intake: Spring 2015
Casey