Sooner or later, we knew we would be adding a page on horse rescue..... the hard part was researching to find the banners, so you who seek to look and inquire about horse rescue could easily find them. What we mean by hard part is.... some of the sites where hard to look at... no one wants to believe that there are animals being abused, but its a fact of life. Some of the stories will shock you, and some of the rescuers stories will warm your heart. So take care, and give your horse an extra pat today.
Recently another club member sent me this story via email. I was so touched by it, so I wrote to the original lady, and asked her permission to print it here to share with you. She graciously said she would be honored to share it with us..
Thank you so much Shannon!
P.S. Shannon sent a picture taken at show, see below!
MORE THAN A PET
"A man needs someone to believe in him. A horse
has this need too. Whether he is bred to race or
show or pull a plow, he needs someone who believes
in his power to run, jump or pull. One day he pushes
against the wind and opens his nostrils to suck it in.
Suddenly he wants to run and he does and he wins.
No longer a diamond in the rough, he has taken on
the sparkle of a true champion."
I found this inscription on the back of a plate painted by artist Fred
Stone. It describes my horse perfectly.
My husband heard about an Arabian horse that had been starved and
abused. Knowing that I loved Arabians, he went about acquiring the horse,
Surroban, for me.
At the time, I couldn't believe that the poor, ugly, grey bag of bones
my husband brought home was even a horse let alone a purebred Arabian. I
was sickened that any human would allow an animal to get into such horrible
condition. It didn't take long, however, for me to see that beneath the
dirt and scars there was an animal with a lot of spirit.
Surroban was so afraid of humans that it took several weeks for me to
get my hands on him. I decided that the quickest way to his heart would be
through his stomach, so when I put his food out I would sit several yards
away while he ate. Each day the pan and I got a little closer and finally
I was able to hold the pan in my lap and ever so lightly touch his face.
As months went by and I quietly worked with my Arabian, he showed me that
he was willing to trust me and wanted to please. I did find that there
were some ghosts to deal with, but he and I learned to work around them.
After 2 years of patience Surroban entered his first horse show. He
wasn't perfect and I don't think we even got a ribbon, but he went in and
did what was asked of him. Afterward, many people asked where I had
acquired the pretty Arabian. I began to look at him as more that just a
pet.
Surroban continued to grow physically, as well as emotionally, and he
stood almost 16 hands and his tail dragged on the ground. Each time
Surroban showed he got better -- never perfect but always the crowd
favorite. He was big and white and flew around the ring. It was obvious
that Surroban loved to show.
Surroban's show career peaked when he was crowned the American Royal
Native Costume Champion. The whole day was like a dream! When we entered
the ring the crowd gasped. Although we were competing against 15 other
beautiful horses in costumes, it seemed as if there weren't any other
horses in the ring. The crowd cheered and clapped excitedly every time we
went by.
The class came to an end and all the entries lined up for the
individual judging. When the judge came to us it was obvious that Surroban
had the vote of the crowd. It was time to announce the winners. I was
nervous but Surroban was his strong, steady self.
First place was called -- it was Surroban!
As we made our way to the winners circle for the picture and
presentation, I felt such pride for an animal that had allowed himself to
trust again. Needless to say I cried and laughed all at the same time.
My Surroban had become more than just my pet -- he was my companion
and partner. He had finally proven to everyone else what I always knew --
he was a CHAMPION!
-- Shannon Krahenbuhl 
I found this inscription on the back of a plate painted by artist Fred
Stone. It describes my horse perfectly.
My husband heard about an Arabian horse that had been starved and
abused. Knowing that I loved Arabians, he went about acquiring the horse,
Surroban, for me.
At the time, I couldn't believe that the poor, ugly, grey bag of bones
my husband brought home was even a horse let alone a purebred Arabian. I
was sickened that any human would allow an animal to get into such horrible
condition. It didn't take long, however, for me to see that beneath the
dirt and scars there was an animal with a lot of spirit.
Surroban was so afraid of humans that it took several weeks for me to
get my hands on him. I decided that the quickest way to his heart would be
through his stomach, so when I put his food out I would sit several yards
away while he ate. Each day the pan and I got a little closer and finally
I was able to hold the pan in my lap and ever so lightly touch his face.
As months went by and I quietly worked with my Arabian, he showed me that
he was willing to trust me and wanted to please. I did find that there
were some ghosts to deal with, but he and I learned to work around them.
After 2 years of patience Surroban entered his first horse show. He
wasn't perfect and I don't think we even got a ribbon, but he went in and
did what was asked of him. Afterward, many people asked where I had
acquired the pretty Arabian. I began to look at him as more that just a
pet.
Surroban continued to grow physically, as well as emotionally, and he
stood almost 16 hands and his tail dragged on the ground. Each time
Surroban showed he got better -- never perfect but always the crowd
favorite. He was big and white and flew around the ring. It was obvious
that Surroban loved to show.
Surroban's show career peaked when he was crowned the American Royal
Native Costume Champion. The whole day was like a dream! When we entered
the ring the crowd gasped. Although we were competing against 15 other
beautiful horses in costumes, it seemed as if there weren't any other
horses in the ring. The crowd cheered and clapped excitedly every time we
went by.
The class came to an end and all the entries lined up for the
individual judging. When the judge came to us it was obvious that Surroban
had the vote of the crowd. It was time to announce the winners. I was
nervous but Surroban was his strong, steady self.
First place was called -- it was Surroban!
As we made our way to the winners circle for the picture and
presentation, I felt such pride for an animal that had allowed himself to
trust again. Needless to say I cried and laughed all at the same time.
My Surroban had become more than just my pet -- he was my companion
and partner. He had finally proven to everyone else what I always knew --
he was a CHAMPION!
-- Shannon Krahenbuhl
Catskill Animal Sanctuary<
