Give Health & Purpose to a Neglected Horse

From the very first time we met the Three Mile Creek Quarter Horses' owner, we started to hear stories about a mare the cowboys called “Jumper.” It was usually accompanied by an eye roll, a shake of the head or a wide stare. It was clear that she was a bit of a local tale.

Only after every horse had been removed from the property that had to be vacated did the owner want to even talk about a plan for this mare. Finally, we got the story that we knew was in there. When Jumper, now known as Red, was about 2 years old, cowboys from a ranch in Idaho came to buy a group of mares to add to their stock. When we look at Red, it is clear why they chose her. She is gorgeous and solid built. When the trailer was backed up to load the horses, the cowboys pushed all the mares into the trailer. All but Red that is. She did not appreciate the pressure being put on her. She sized up the situation, turned and ran right through the cowboys and cleared the corral fence. It was on that neighboring property that Red had lived ever since.

When we loaded up Red, extra caution was taken so that everyone stayed quiet and calm around her. Some other horses with trailer loading experience were added to the corral. She thought about escaping, but in the end loaded up with her new friends and went to the sorting facility.

Red is a looker, but she is also very smart and very strong. While sorting out some horses from her group, she reminded us of a bird of prey, always quietly watching and anticipating our next move. If we softly asked her to do something and showed her the way out, she would comply. In the right hands, she will be amazing. In the wrong hands, she will quickly be labeled a problem horse. She might even hurt someone or herself.

Fortunately, noting our concern, the owner offered her to us. With a horse like Red her entire future would hinge on how the next person treated her, and we wanted her future to be bright. Red has spent the last few months at Riggs Horsemanship, where they have gained Red’s trust. She is flourishing. Trainer Kara Hegar even recently started her under saddle!

Red's 5-panel test came back carrying two PSSM1 genetic diseases, which means her diet and health will always have to be closely managed and we will be very selective about her adopter. Our priority is to find someone who will do right by her. If she has trouble and comes back to us, that’s ok. Why are we investing in training her? Because she deserves a chance at a good life. Because her condition can be managed to minimize her symptoms. Because it’s what responsible owners would do.

Join team Red and donate to Sound Equine Options!