Today Ace would have been sent to slaughter.
When I met Ace November 8, he had injuries in both eyes. They were running, and he could barely open one. He was gaunt and dirty. Yet he turned toward me with softness and curiosity. He gave me all four feet at the gentlest touch, and did everything I asked. At one time he was loved and well trained. I cried.
His size and style did not match my criteria for what I thought I wanted, but I knew he was the one.
I handed over the check and arranged to trailer him home. It was one of the most integrated decisions I had ever made. My head, heart, and core were completely aligned.
He got on the trailer with complete composure, and walked with me to the quarantine pasture with softness, connection and dignity.
We gave him food, water, and medicine. He ran like a gazelle when he saw other horses in the distance. This gaunt, sick, dirty horse with pain in both eyes was so happy to simply be there he ran with joy.
He didn't know what carrots and apples were.
Ace is healing, looking better every day. He loves granola bars, and will eat them out of my hand gently, but the sight of a rope or halter sends him running. His freedom is precious to him, and humans have not been kind. Building trust is Job 1.
And so our journey begins.....
If you or anyone you know are looking for a horse, please consider having the courage to check the Southern Wisconsin Second Chance Lot https://lnkd.in/ehupsGiQ or any rescue with a qualified trainer who can help you identify the "Aces in the rough".
#horses #horserescue #leadershipdevelopment #connection #executivecoaching #experientiallearning #equineassistedcoaching #emotionalintelligence #selfawareness
