My Story
When I was around 10 years old, I saw my best friend get kicked in the face by her neighbors horse. As I helped my friend back home, spitting out teeth and blood, I feared for life. My friend survived her ordeal with minimal ill effects from this. Since that, 27 years ago, I have developed a great fear of horses. I love them, but fear them at the same time.

I never thought in a million years I would ever own a horse, and a wild one at that until one day in June of 2006 when my sister adopted her wild Mustang. I hung around her and her friends and braved my fears by getting next to these yearlings and something wonderful happened. I caught the fever, BADLY. In July of 2006, I adopted my wild Mustang, a bay colt. Many people asked me what possessed me to adopt a wild horse with me being so afraid of them. It was simple. One of the best ways to get over your fear is to face it head on, another was that we would both learn together, and finally, I have an awesome support system behind me. I knew there would be many hurtles to cross and obstacles to get around, but we have survived so far. Rowdy has even conquered the red monster (see picture).

I have found that not only are horses a good source of therapy for the mentally and physically challanged, but he has beed very therapeutic for me as well. I have noticed my confidence level around all horses has improved although I am still very cautious of what I do, my blood pressure has dropped and I feel less tense. Not to mention the great feel of success and accomplishment when I am with him. I can now pet him all over, hug him, play Parelli games and lead him around outside of pasture. Adopting Rowdy has also given me an opportunity to meet some interesting people and to make some new friends both 2 and 4 legged. He has proven to be the best impulsive decision I have ever made.