I was lucky enough to 'find' her at a riding stable near me (well, about a 5-hour drive from me, but that's OK). I say 'find' because actually I was carefully matched to her, after detailing my personal horse experience and what sort of horse I wanted, about four months ago. I was dealing with Rainbow Valley Riding Centre in Springwater, Ontario. The owner, Mandy Carson, is an experienced horseperson, instructor, and so much more. She rescues horses from slaughterhouses and inadequate homes, brings them home to her gorgeous farm, teaches them to trust again, and then trains them to move forward in their life journey. She is an incredible woman - I have the utmost respect and admiration for her. Here is a video showing the latest horse she rescued, "Lucky".
There are so many things that I admire about Mandy - not the least is the fortitude she must have, to be able to face going into those sale barns and staying objective enough to save the ones she can. She is a remarkable mix of common sense and unending compassion. If I won the lottery, I'd give her half. Honestly, if I won $50 million, she'd probably get more than half - I don't need that much to make me happy, and she has the sense and the skills to do what I can only dream of: rescue and rehabilitate these horses. I'd probably donate the money and just ask to work there for the rest of my life.
Three cheers for Mandy!!
LOVE your new addition! I have two recently adopted OTTB's. "Ringo" was saved from slaughter by Makers Mark Secretariat Center(google them or find them on facebook) and "Donnie" who came from New Vocations Race Horse Adoption(they have a website and are on facebook as well). New Vocations is a racehorse adoption agency who places non competitive racehorses donated from trainers so they don't end up at the slaughter house. Wish I had more money I would have a barn full! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! That's incredible - I love those stories. Thanks for sharing the names of the two rescue sites - I'm always in awe of these people. I agree, if money were no object, I'd have dozens! :o)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new baby! I'm going to read more about her and browse through your blog. I love your header picture -- my kind of serenity!
ReplyDeleteHi Annette - thanks for visiting - hope you enjoy your browsing! My header picture is what I see when I look out my kitchen window...and hopefully by the end of this summer, it will include a new fence and a big horse standing behind it! :o)
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Love the color...=)
ReplyDeleteKristina J.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog at random and after reading this post about Lucy, I have to ask: is this the gentle, lovely girl formerly known as Truffles? If so, I'm tearfully appreciative to know that she has a wonderful new home. I volunteer for Mandy and grew extremely attached to Truffles/Lucy; she is such a beautiful horse with an even more beautiful soul. When Mandy informed me that she had been sold, I was quietly devastated, but Mandy assured me that she has the best new home anyone could ask for. And after reading your posts, I realize that she is right. Thank you so much for giving Truffles/Lucy what I could only dream about. You have two very grateful creatures, one horse and one woman, for your kindness.
Regards,
Darah
Darah - hello! Thank you so much for writing - yes, indeed, Lucy is Truffles! (And we still call her that, too - usually as a term of endearment...)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to have taken her away from you - I can understand missing her - she's only been here a little more than a month, and I'm already head over heels. When Mandy contacted me about her, I was so happy I bought her even though our pasture wasn't fenced and our barn needing a some 'horse reno', so I had to board her at a neighbouring stable, and although it's only 10 minutes from our house, I HATE not having her at home. Luckily, my husband and brother have been working like crazy, and in two more weeks, she should be HOME. Her home - her very own field, and all the loving she can stand! Please email me at nesdamycart@hotmail.com if you'd like me to keep you updated with photos and things - I would love to be able to talk to someone who already knows her. And of course, you are always more than welcome to come and visit her (although we are a bit of a drive) but if you're ever in the area, please stop in (I'll give you our contact info if you send me an email). Thank you again so much for writing!
Cheers,
Tracy