Peter, Willy and Nick
Peter talks about overcoming fear and learning to be authentic through his connection with his two draft horses over the past 18 years.
Filtering by Category: horses
The Fruits of Empathy: Erin and Rio
When Erin decided she'd like to breed her favorite horse so that she could have a foal that would carry on her characteristics, she was surprised when the foal, Rio, was born and looked nothing like either her father or mother. She is a paint - white with brown spots. She found that Rio was very intelligent and determined to be respected as independent and What she grew to realize, was that Rio demanded respect and acceptance, and had her own struggles with separation anxiety and being kept fenced in. She shows Erin that she can escape whenever she wants to but chooses to stay.
Casey and William - Living in the Present
Farm Animal Rescues in Vermont
I was so moved by what I saw and felt at the snow-covered farm I visited last weekend - not only by the animals and their stories, but by the woman who has rescued the animals and helps girls in the Department of Social Services who are able to heal through trauma by working on the farm.
Some facts you might not know about pigs:
“Piglets as young as three weeks old learn their names and respond when called. In fact, research from Pennsylvania State University revealed that pigs could be trained to play computer games; using their snouts to control joysticks, they were able to hit their targets with 80 percent accuracy. Pigs are also affectionate and sociable, enjoying the company of humans, which is why they can make excellent pets. ”
Jake Francis with two of his pigs. Photo courtesy of Brian Hodges.
Jake Francis and his pigs. Photo courtesy of Brian Hodges
Acacia (aka Catie), A True Gypsy Vanner
Catie was born and bred in Pennsylvania. She is a 9-year-old Gypsy Vanner, a breed developed in the mid-1800’s in Great Britain to pull the wagons of the Romanichal gypsies. Like others of her breed, she is strong, intelligent, docile and of excellent endurance. Catie has the distinguishable markings of the breed including feathery fluff around her feet. She loves to snuggle, play and is very sweet. She has definite preferences about who she likes to have in the stall next to her and she doesn’t like other horses to watch her eat her hay, but takes things in stride and goes with the flow. The barn staff noticed that the marking on Catie’s left shoulder looks like North America. She’s an all-American Irish girl!
Acacia lives and works at a wonderful organization, Friends for Tomorrow, where she helps kids with various disabilities become more confident. I'm grateful to Kelly for sharing her thoughts on Acacia.