Ambassador Award

Hudson, Adopted by Jackie

I was blessed to have my first horse (a mare named Irish Lady) for 25 years. She was my birthday present when I turned 11 and was with me until I was 34 - a best friend who was always there no matter what was going on in my life.

After I lost her, I thought I would never have another horse. It just hurt too much to lose her after all those years. I had my ridgeback, Bronson - he was my everything but was getting older. This scared me very much since I honestly had no idea if I could survive without him. Then my father died and I realized that life is short and you should do what brings you happiness. I was turning 40 and started thinking about what I wanted to be doing in life and when I really thought about it, I realized I missed caring for a horse. I missed being at the farm in all kind of weather, the smell of the horses, the feel of their coat, the breeze in their mane and warmth of their breath. But mostly I missed how they could read your heart and your mind without your having to say any words.

I would describe myself as an introvert and feel much more at ease with animals than people. I tend to have self-doubt and question my abilities. I usually don't try new things out of fear of failure and embarrassment. I think I was drawn to a rescue horse because maybe I see some of myself in them. They were used and then dumped at the sale by someone who they probably thought cared for them. I had decided a few years ago that I would be better not getting married or even being in a relationship - I'd been used and dumped myself by people who I thought cared for me. My family would consist of my pets. Not only did I want someone to love, I wanted to do something that would make a difference in my life and the life of a horse. For once I wanted to take a leap of faith and see what would happen and not let my fears hold me back.

I did not tell anyone in my family or friends what my plans were - I did not want to hear any negative comments. I started looking at stables and took some lessons. I was getting older so riding was a lot harder than I remember but I so enjoyed being back around the horses. One instructor laughed in my face when I told her I wanted to adopt an OTTB. She said they were too hot and all had issues. Undaunted, I found another instructor and farm who welcomed OTTBs.

I started looking on websites for rescue OTTBs. I saw many lovely horses, ones who been ridden/evaluated but none seemed to call to me until one night when I was on the MAHR website. I scrolled down the list of available horses and I came to Rap. There was just a small picture of the left side of his face but there was something in his eye. Instantly, I was in love and knew he was the one for me. The next day I called Bev and asked him about. It was June 2006 and he had just been saved at New Holland. He was thin, poor and had no muscle. Bev described him as depressed. We talked about what I was looking for and I told her that it did not matter whether we could ride or not. I was not looking for a performance horse but a friend to one to love on, groom and spend time with. Since he was not ready to go or travel, I put a deposit on a space at a farm and waited, checking in with Bev on his progress.

On August 23, 2006 Bev contacted me and asked if I was willing to take Rap now - he was progressing but not gaining much weight. He had not been evaluated for riding due to body soreness but was so sweet. She felt he would do better with one on one care and it would make room to save another horse. I said YES!! I was so excited and something in my past struck me. It had been in August when my parents surprised me with my Irish Lady.. I pulled out my photo album and the date that I had been her to me was August 23, 1977, exactly 29 years earlier. Bev faxed his records to me and his last race had been on my birthday. I like to think that his journey to start a new life began on my birthday. I know that I could have flown up to MD to see him or have him vetted but to me it was not necessary. I wanted him as he was and would love him for who he was on the inside.

The morning of his arrival I honestly was more excited than a kid waiting on Santa. The trailer arrived, dropped the ramp and out he came. He took my breath away. Yes, he was skinny and dull looking but I had never seen anything more beautiful. I named him Hudson after the area I am from in NY.

For the next few months, we got to know each other - lots of grooming, eating treats, grazing and making new friends. He got along with all the horses and had such good manners. He gained weight and his coat finally started to shine. So, we (Hudson and I) talked about riding a little and decided we should give it a go - the first time I rode him was unbelievable even though all we did was walk! I had never really learned to ride "properly" as a kid - just hopped on my mare and went off. I started to feel a little nervous (the self-doubt thing) and I got discouraged plenty of times with my lack of riding abilities. But Hudson was always forgiving and understood we were learning this together - he never once took advantage. With the help of a friend and her horse, we started going on trail rides which became our favorite thing - he would go in water and over logs, he even liked to lead. We would frequently go out by ourselves and just walk in the woods quietly, no words needed. In April of 2007 we went on a hunter pace and had the best time ever. I also found a stray dog near the farm who I named Willow and she became part of my family too. Most people who have horses have dogs so I now have a small circle of friends who feel like I do about their pets.

After trying a few different farms, Hudson now lives outside 24/7 and is barefoot trimmed. He receives chiro and acupuncture, which he really seems to benefit from. He has filled out more and is finally getting to be a horse. He lives with a quarter horse, a pony, a mini and a mini-cow. It has opened up a new chapter in our lives and I am learning new things every day but the main thing I learned is to listen to your horse. They are so wise and have so much to teach us if we only stop long enough to listen.

Riding is not so important to me. It would not have mattered if he never came sound. My priority was and always will be that he is happy and healthy. I work toward that every day - when my job gets on my nerves and I want to quit, I picture my horse out in the field with his buddies. When I do ride, he goes in a bitless bridle and often just in a halter/lead rope and bareback (yes, on my "hot ottb)!

One year after Willow came to live with us, Bronson went to heaven. Without Hudson and Willow, I don't think I could have made it through. They provided me with much comfort and love and knew how much I was hurting. I got through by knowing that they still needed me - they would both stand close and just lean on me - I think they were helping to hold me up during that time. I then adopted a shelter dog (who was dumped at the end of hunting season) and named her Maizie - she, Willow and Hudson are my family. It is not a traditional family but I wouldn't trade it for anything. My pets bring joy to my life. With them, I don't have to wonder if I am "good enough" - they accept me for who I am, just as I do them.

People can't believe that I adopted Hudson sight unseen. For once in my life, I followed my heart instead of my head. I ignored the negative voice that said I could not do this and as a result, my dream came true. Yes, having a horse is expensive but the rewards are endless. Hudson helps me to believe in myself, to trust my abilities and instincts. I still have my moments where I struggle but he is always there for me, waiting patiently. I have had people say to me that Hudson is lucky. I say No, I am the lucky one!

Thank you to Bev, Ginny, the Friends of Twilight and all the volunteers who make MAHR possible. Not only do you change the lives of the horses but of the adopters as well. Your unselfish devotion is truly inspiring. The MAHR horses are much more than ambassadors of OTTBs - everyday they honor the memory of those who were not able to be helped.

Jackie Lewis

 

PO Box 407
Chesapeake City, MD 21915

For information call: 302-376-7297
or Email: Bev@MidAtlanticHorseRescue.org
MidAtlantic Horse Rescue is
a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
©2002-2012 MidAtlantic Horse Rescue

MidAtlantic Horse Rescue is a Federal 501(c)3 organization, that buys slaughter
bound ex-racehorses and adopts them into good homes as pleasure and sport horses.