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.
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!
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!
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00MHARFhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngMHARF2011-05-02 17:37:432016-06-11 20:56:31Update on Fred – FKA Chief Concherto
A quick update on Iquitos (aka Quito). He is officially the goofiest horse I have ever met! I am so lucky to have a horse like him and owe it all to MHARF!!
He has been such a quick and willing learner. He lunges like a pro and is always aiming to please. He is no doubt a barn favorite! He is known affectionately for his vocal-ness and dunking his hay and feed right into his water…very messy! He has been learning some dressage and picks up on it very quickly, along with just starting ground poles – he is a little hesitant going over several at a time, but he has been very brave!
He loves attention and is one of the most gentle horses I have ever met. I was also able to trace is bloodlines and find the breeding barn he was born at in Argentina – very cool! Along with that, I found his race records and earnings. He is my dream come true, and worth the 21 years it has taken me to finally get a horse! He is perfect and has made me so happy – my true love!
Thanks so much to Drew for making my dream a reality!
Another update 3-17-11: I’ve had Quito now for exactly two years! He has been a joy every minute and is certainly the funniest horse I have ever met. He is a barn favorite and everyone knows where he is at all times because of his boisterous eating and dunking habits. He’s addicted to rolling, especially after baths and has the greatest personality!
He and I entered our first show last summer in Wisconsin and he did wonderfully. He had never really been away from the barn and while we were there he didn’t spook once. What more could a girl ask for?! I I still remember the day I came and picked him, spending 4 hours trying to get him in a trailer – now he hops right in! (Well, most of the time). He and I have come such a long way and I am eternally grateful for everyone at MNHARF !
– Emily
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00MHARFhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngMHARF2011-05-02 17:36:462016-06-11 20:51:40Update on Iquitos
I adopted my gelding Mouse from MHARF in July of 2004. From what I remember, Mouse was Pine County #12 under the “Pine County 45” seizure of November 17, 2002. Mouse and I are still going strong and he has been, and always will be, a truly wonderful addition to our family!
We have done some WSCA game shows (though not his true calling), some parades, helped with parking on horseback at the Hamel Rodeo (even rode in the grand entry), tried some cattle sorting, have gone on tons of trail rides, both alone and in any size group (we have even done some judged trail rides), and we love horse camping.
Both of my daughters have ridden him as well. He goes everywhere I point him, and while it may have taken him a bit to get going at the start, you sure cannot keep him from loving every part of life now.
– Alicia Jones and Mouse
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00MHARFhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngMHARF2011-05-02 17:17:002016-06-11 20:45:50Update on Mouse (aka Pine County #12)
Guy (Mr. Guyana) arrived here in late April of 2010, a few months after I’d lost my beloved eventer (and previous MHARF horse), Rabbit, to colic. When Guy came home on my trailer he had a dull, patchy coat, was a few pounds underweight, and was so badly in need of a trim that I made my farrier husband do his feet immediately. Guy had raced for most of his life – he was 14 when I got him – and the main riding cues he knew were go, stop, generally-turn-left, and generally-turn-right. He had no canter cue, didn’t know his leads, and had never really jumped.
By the end of June, Guy and I attended our first show together, jumping around a few low courses and doing our first dressage test together. Through the course of the summer Guy learned to jump cross country and we competed in Beginner Novice horse trials, finishing 3rd out of 15 riders in our last competition in October. Guy now knows how to work through his back and is schooling first level movements like leg-yield and shoulder-in. He can jump up to 3’6″ (and the same width) and ADORES running cross country. He and I turned in a completely faultless XC round at our last competition. Guy and I are working on improving the roundness of our transitions, improving the sitting trot, and practicing a little counter-canter. All of this has been accomplished in less than a year on a horse that arrived here with broken skiis for feet, a dull patchy coat, no topline muscle, and a very crude knowledge of rider aids.
Guy has also turned into a complete love. This, in my opinion, is the biggest testimony to his rehabilitation here. When he arrived, Guy had no interest in interaction and would walk away from me in the pasture. This same horse now whinnies when he sees me, walks over to check me out at the fence, and has turned into such a ham that he grabs the end of my dressage whip and plays with it. His eyes have come alive, and that, to me, is the very best part of helping out a rescue horse. Guy and I have become friends and partners, and I can’t wait to head out on the cross country course with him again this summer.
– Rachael Meinz Walker
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00MHARFhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngMHARF2011-05-02 17:16:022016-06-11 20:46:03Update on Guy (aka Mr Guyana)
I adopted Saraswatie from MHARF in December of 2007. Saraswatie, or “Swank” as I call her, is a chestnut OTTB mare. I went to the rescue to find a horse that I could show in dressage. I have a 22-year-old Arab whose showing days are over and although I could have looked for a more “conventional” dressage horse, I wanted to adopt a horse from the rescue.
I remember seeing Swank for the first time on that day in January when it was about 20 degrees below zero. A dark, shaggy horse came towards me and I thought, “this isn’t the horse from the website.” I rode her briefly and a couple weeks later was back to take her home. She has been such a valuable addition to my life. She has taught me so much and tries so hard for me.
In 2009 we went to our first recognized show. She won every class and didn’t score below 64%. We even won a benefit class and came home with a gorgeous clock! In 2010 we continued to show in recognized shows and she continues to amaze me.
However, she isn’t just a show horse for me. She loves my old Arab and has become a great pasturemate to him. She has even taken over as my “trail horse” and together we rode the trails in Medora, ND, this past fall. She is no pushover, though! She demands respect, but she is also more than willing to try her heart out for me. We have good days (and some not so good) as we continue our dressage journey together, but she has and will continue to teach me more about not only horses, but also about life for many years to come. I can’t thank MHARF enough!
– Pam Harris
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00MHARFhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngMHARF2011-05-02 17:15:032016-06-11 20:46:18Swank’s (aka Saraswatie) New Career
My mom and I decided we needed to get a friend for our cat, Poufy, who had been alone since we lost his cat friend, Arnie. Although neither Poufy nor Arnie had come from a rescue, they were both “rescues” as they were strays who adopted us. In November of 2010, I saw on the MHARF website a picture of kitties that had been abandoned at a gas station. The one in the front was a brown tabby that looked right at me and said, “I want to live with you.” I emailed Drew and a few days later I adopted that kitty. After a couple of days Mom (who is 88) decided his name should be “Snoops” since he is such a snoop and is into everything.
Every day when I come home from work Mom tells me everything Snoops did (got into) throughout the day. Mom loves to work jigsaw puzzles and so does Snoops. The problem is that he steals the pieces, so when she finishes the puzzle it may be missing a piece and/or the piece has teeth marks in it! Snoops’ nickname is Little G – he gallops up the stairs, down the stairs, across the room and then up the stairs again! He is a delight and so much fun.
A few months ago I sent an email to Drew with some photos of Snoops and I mentioned I wouldn’t keep bothering her with photos – her response was, “Thank you so much for the update; it’s never a bother to know that an animal is so appreciated, after once being thrown away!”.
Thank you to Drew and all involved for the efforts you all do to help the animals that so need help. Snoops doesn’t have hooves but I’m glad he was on the MHARF website.
https://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.png00MHARFhttps://mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mainlogo_blue02.pngMHARF2011-05-02 17:12:372016-06-11 20:47:02Snoops the Cat Enjoys a Good Puzzle
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.
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.
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!
Update on Iquitos
He has been such a quick and willing learner. He lunges like a pro and is always aiming to please. He is no doubt a barn favorite! He is known affectionately for his vocal-ness and dunking his hay and feed right into his water…very messy! He has been learning some dressage and picks up on it very quickly, along with just starting ground poles – he is a little hesitant going over several at a time, but he has been very brave!
He loves attention and is one of the most gentle horses I have ever met. I was also able to trace is bloodlines and find the breeding barn he was born at in Argentina – very cool! Along with that, I found his race records and earnings. He is my dream come true, and worth the 21 years it has taken me to finally get a horse! He is perfect and has made me so happy – my true love!
Thanks so much to Drew for making my dream a reality!
Another update 3-17-11: I’ve had Quito now for exactly two years! He has been a joy every minute and is certainly the funniest horse I have ever met. He is a barn favorite and everyone knows where he is at all times because of his boisterous eating and dunking habits. He’s addicted to rolling, especially after baths and has the greatest personality!
He and I entered our first show last summer in Wisconsin and he did wonderfully. He had never really been away from the barn and while we were there he didn’t spook once. What more could a girl ask for?! I I still remember the day I came and picked him, spending 4 hours trying to get him in a trailer – now he hops right in! (Well, most of the time). He and I have come such a long way and I am eternally grateful for everyone at MNHARF !
– Emily
Update on Mouse (aka Pine County #12)
I adopted my gelding Mouse from MHARF in July of 2004. From what I remember, Mouse was Pine County #12 under the “Pine County 45” seizure of November 17, 2002. Mouse and I are still going strong and he has been, and always will be, a truly wonderful addition to our family!
We have done some WSCA game shows (though not his true calling), some parades, helped with parking on horseback at the Hamel Rodeo (even rode in the grand entry), tried some cattle sorting, have gone on tons of trail rides, both alone and in any size group (we have even done some judged trail rides), and we love horse camping.
Both of my daughters have ridden him as well. He goes everywhere I point him, and while it may have taken him a bit to get going at the start, you sure cannot keep him from loving every part of life now.
– Alicia Jones and Mouse
Update on Guy (aka Mr Guyana)
Guy (Mr. Guyana) arrived here in late April of 2010, a few months after I’d lost my beloved eventer (and previous MHARF horse), Rabbit, to colic. When Guy came home on my trailer he had a dull, patchy coat, was a few pounds underweight, and was so badly in need of a trim that I made my farrier husband do his feet immediately. Guy had raced for most of his life – he was 14 when I got him – and the main riding cues he knew were go, stop, generally-turn-left, and generally-turn-right. He had no canter cue, didn’t know his leads, and had never really jumped.
By the end of June, Guy and I attended our first show together, jumping around a few low courses and doing our first dressage test together. Through the course of the summer Guy learned to jump cross country and we competed in Beginner Novice horse trials, finishing 3rd out of 15 riders in our last competition in October. Guy now knows how to work through his back and is schooling first level movements like leg-yield and shoulder-in. He can jump up to 3’6″ (and the same width) and ADORES running cross country. He and I turned in a completely faultless XC round at our last competition. Guy and I are working on improving the roundness of our transitions, improving the sitting trot, and practicing a little counter-canter. All of this has been accomplished in less than a year on a horse that arrived here with broken skiis for feet, a dull patchy coat, no topline muscle, and a very crude knowledge of rider aids.
Guy has also turned into a complete love. This, in my opinion, is the biggest testimony to his rehabilitation here. When he arrived, Guy had no interest in interaction and would walk away from me in the pasture. This same horse now whinnies when he sees me, walks over to check me out at the fence, and has turned into such a ham that he grabs the end of my dressage whip and plays with it. His eyes have come alive, and that, to me, is the very best part of helping out a rescue horse. Guy and I have become friends and partners, and I can’t wait to head out on the cross country course with him again this summer.
– Rachael Meinz Walker
Swank’s (aka Saraswatie) New Career
I adopted Saraswatie from MHARF in December of 2007. Saraswatie, or “Swank” as I call her, is a chestnut OTTB mare. I went to the rescue to find a horse that I could show in dressage. I have a 22-year-old Arab whose showing days are over and although I could have looked for a more “conventional” dressage horse, I wanted to adopt a horse from the rescue.
I remember seeing Swank for the first time on that day in January when it was about 20 degrees below zero. A dark, shaggy horse came towards me and I thought, “this isn’t the horse from the website.” I rode her briefly and a couple weeks later was back to take her home. She has been such a valuable addition to my life. She has taught me so much and tries so hard for me.
In 2009 we went to our first recognized show. She won every class and didn’t score below 64%. We even won a benefit class and came home with a gorgeous clock! In 2010 we continued to show in recognized shows and she continues to amaze me.
However, she isn’t just a show horse for me. She loves my old Arab and has become a great pasturemate to him. She has even taken over as my “trail horse” and together we rode the trails in Medora, ND, this past fall. She is no pushover, though! She demands respect, but she is also more than willing to try her heart out for me. We have good days (and some not so good) as we continue our dressage journey together, but she has and will continue to teach me more about not only horses, but also about life for many years to come. I can’t thank MHARF enough!
– Pam Harris
Snoops the Cat Enjoys a Good Puzzle
Every day when I come home from work Mom tells me everything Snoops did (got into) throughout the day. Mom loves to work jigsaw puzzles and so does Snoops. The problem is that he steals the pieces, so when she finishes the puzzle it may be missing a piece and/or the piece has teeth marks in it! Snoops’ nickname is Little G – he gallops up the stairs, down the stairs, across the room and then up the stairs again! He is a delight and so much fun.
A few months ago I sent an email to Drew with some photos of Snoops and I mentioned I wouldn’t keep bothering her with photos – her response was, “Thank you so much for the update; it’s never a bother to know that an animal is so appreciated, after once being thrown away!”.
Thank you to Drew and all involved for the efforts you all do to help the animals that so need help. Snoops doesn’t have hooves but I’m glad he was on the MHARF website.