From Abused to Adored - Rescue Horse Story

Houston PetTalk Magazine editor rescues a neglected stallion and shares their journey of love and trust. Check out the full story in the 2018 Jan/Feb Annual Double Issue.

[@backgroundcharacter2615]

I adopted a beautiful paint stallion who was just neglected in a stall. He was sold to me by the owner and we got him into good shape. He was one of my many horses and he was such a sweetheart thinking back on him now brings a tear to my eye because he past around 2 years back something I will never get over and I hope I get another horse like him.

[@judithneeley5229]

I rescued a neglected, old, sick gelding back in 1977, and immediately retired him from being ridden. He was arthritic and had to live in an open mud pit, literally without any shelter. I was able to get him moved to a nice ranch with his own stall and big field. He got healthy and happy and lived to age 32. We had such a sweet bond. It's as if he knew he was rescued and was grateful. So glad Freedom was saved. Blessings.

[@marsgreen948]

So kind of you~!!

[@saspinks3001]

Killer Chicken - Prepare yourself, your wallet and the space for the horse. Then contact a reputable equine rescue in your area and let them help you help a horse. I belong to Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society serving Texas/Oklahoma/Kansas. The success of their program depends on folks like you to foster the horses.

[@saspinks3001]

That's terrific! I'm happy for y'all & the lucky horse!

[@brendasanderson7538]

O they know when they been saved

[@randomuser2212]

How old was he when you got him?

[@michellegarry1872]

Great story. A word of advice from 50 years of experience: always always wear a helmet. You only have one brain. Traumatic brain injury is always lurking around horses.

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Yes! I agree! Speaking from my own personal experience with several concussions & brain injuries that ruined my ability to finish college, I am shouting the same thing: Save your brain! Wide-brimmed western hats offer NO PROTECTION from anything but the sun!You & Freedom can be excellent models for safety; please post pics of yourself wearing a helmet when with the horses. Even being knocked off balance by an unexpected move by a horse while grooming, tacking up, doing groundwork, transitioning from a field to a round pen, etc., can lead to a fall in which the head strikes a wall, feed rack, bucket, ground, a horse's skull or leg bone, and Bam! - your life can change or end - in the blink of an eye.😵 That is a SUPER cute helmet, by the way, and will look very fine in future posts!

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Many congratulations on overcoming your fear of horses!! Very proud of you, and am grateful to the folks who helped both you and Freedom grow & change in so many wonderful ways!!😇🤗🥰💯💫🤩

[@michellegarry1872]

@@lifeofjoy9404 as a matter of fact, my friend was stooped down putting wraps on her draft cross. He suddenly kicked at a fly on his belly and hit her on the head. She required several stitches and had a slight concussion.

[@GamblingGal]

Great advice about the helmet. I strongly believe: Not IF you get hurt, it's when and how BAD. I am also 55 years into "horses". Think about this: We would own a mansion with the money we've spent on our horses. 🤷🏼‍♀️😂😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣😂😂 Wellll, I'll keep my horse!!!!! 💕🐎😉 Ride safe 👍🏻👋🏻💕🐎

[@csgaiao33]

I always rode my bicycle without a helmet because you only get hurt if your doing stupid things. Same goes for horses.

[@houstonpettalk]

For those that somehow missed this part...he was GELDED the day I got him. He was only a Stallion at the time of rescue. The local equine rescue group wouldn't adopt him because he was a stallion, they would only take the mare that was with him. I originally was going to pay for gelding at a minimum so that he would have a better chance of adoption but he stole my heart and now he's my boy.

[@samgould9930]

houstonpettalk I watched the whole vid, did not mention gelding till about 10 seconds from end. You should have told us at the beginning then all the people would not be moaning. Can you tell me why you did not learn on a safe trained horse please?

[@houstonpettalk]

It's the first video I ever made so I didn't even realize the gelding question was left unanswered til the end..until it was brought up by viewers. Just a very rookie mistake - I am not good at videos at all LOL! As for learning on a green horse - I had been on a few horses in my life and also practiced on a horse simulator. I did not get on Freedom until he had been trained every day for months - and once I did, we stayed in the arena for any lessons. Once he proved himself trustworthy, we did go just a few feet outside the arena for the photoshoot...we only walked..did not trot and Jack was right next to me the entire time. Believe me, I am totally aware of the dangers and am not going to do anything that is overtly dangerous. That is my biggest fear is to get thrown off, or accidentally kicked, etc...I am doing my best to start hyper aware and do everything with safety in mind.

[@deboraheagle2385]

I was riding before walking and I believe she did great

[@nomorepc2431]

houstonpettalk Well you did good

[@haliponies4185]

houstonpettal

[@glendacisneros982]

Freedom is SOO BEAUTIFUL and blessed to have ALL of you in his life!!

[@TX2bestmoments]

“From abused to adored.” Its touching to here such kind words to animals who can’t even understand you. But I know one thing they understand. Love.

[@helensimpson835]

Just wanted to say you did a great job hun and He clearly loves you don't pay any attention to the negative comments your perfect for each other because your both learning, Hell I've owned horses for over 20 years and Im still learning. Keep doing what your doing he is beautiful.

[@averyshadoweagle8980]

This horse is stunning.

[@judithgash5184]

What a beautiful horse, he's a winner for sure.

[@lyzcairo1044]

Dear Michelle thank you for sharing your story about freedom. He is a beautiful horse. It saddens me to read the negative remarks and commentaries.

[@houstonpettalk]

Thank you Lyz! Saving Freedom was a huge step beyond my comfort zone - I've admired horses as long as I can remember... but yet I was afraid of them at the same time ...so pushing past my fears, spending money beyond my budget, taking many hours out of the week to go see him and work with him has been a journey of courage, persistence, self-doubt, learning and above all, LOVE. I feel the most incredible connection with this animal that I can't explain. When I visit and work with him, I continue to think of him a lot for the next day or so..it's as if we are still energetically connected and when I first experience that feeling, I knew he was purposefully put into my life. Who knows..maybe it's to change minds about bits LOL! I accept the opinion of others about horses, training and the relationship as long as their heart is firmly in the position of promoting the horses well-being. My passion is animal welfare and I am more than willing to listen to anyone who shares that same goal. Thank you for the kind words!

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

"Knowledge destroys fear..." this was inspiring to watch!

[@nicsxnin6786]

Thank you for rescuing him!! He’s beautiful 🤩

[@lindahilger8488]

Awesome story...happy to hear people really do care as do i

[@candidaprout560]

Thanks for saving this precious horse.

[@Protesto2012]

I lived in Houston all my adult life and saw so much of that abuse! Thank you for what you are doing with these horses. I recently have been watching horse videos and found these awesome animal communicators telling about what the horses wanted to tell their owners. One lady in particular was amazing and revealing how horses are so sensitive and intelligent. Incredible beautiful animals.

[@gracell6131]

Good job!!!👏👏👏

[@janetrae71]

Great job and thank goodness for people like you! I volunteer at a rescue barn, and it’s heartbreaking to think anyone could abuse animals. Freedom seems so gentle and wants to please. Why not go bit less?

[@territ1231]

Beautiful horse!

[@judygagnon907]

Freedom is beautiful!!!! My dream...to buy a huge property and build a gorgeous stable for abused and neglected horses. Having grown up on a horse farm, this would be heaven for me. I am so happy that you adopted freedom and that you were able to work through your fears. I pray more horses are given the chances beautiful Freedom was given. Thank you

[@Veikra]

i was just like you, waiting on a property. I was going the rental route but it wasnt enough. I wanted a draft then out of the blue my friend got into shire horses. A mare she bought was a menace to him, food agression, fights the works but she bonded with me very quickly despite only being there on weekends. I could read her easier than all the others and I bet she could read me too. Never thought id ever get near a dominant lead mare let alone enjoy it but it`s the best thing ever for me. She's better suited to my level of energy vs others which overeact. But anyways, start voluteering, never know what you'll find or opportunity that could bring you sooner to your dream...I mean goal

[@babyzizi1]

What a wonderful story!

[@sherrywalker4619]

What a beautiful story and lady.

[@MC_barrelracingofficial]

So emotional love finds it’s way ❤️❤️❤️

[@lornax9346]

I think you did an amazing job with professional help, there seems to be a lot of jealousy on here and a know it all attitude, you obviously have built a bond, I have done a similar thing, we also have a great bond, well done, I hope you continue to grow together and you never stop learning with horses, that's a sign of a true horse person, not someone that judges everyone else but does very little themselves!

[@paulinefollett3099]

It's fantastic to have a little Freedom in your life. I loved this story. The images were so heartwarming.

[@ginakelley749]

Many years ago I was looking to buy a couple of horses. I found 2 that were offered for $ 150 for the pair. I bought them immediately. They were both under 3 years old and extremely emaciated. They were healthy, though, and with grain and pasture, they filled out within 6 weeks. Though they hadn't been broke, they did very well and were very gentle.

[@marionboucher3155]

great love story. bravo to all involved

[@jjdressgownjjdressgown3276]

I love your precious Freedom ❤️so beautiful & sweet

[@sherryyale]

Beautiful story, lucky horse!

[@christinawells2024]

He’s so beautiful! Thank you for saving him ❤️❤️

[@can-amrider9263]

I’m 9 and I learned to ride at about 7. Sadly my first horse who I adored died of twisted intestines. His name was cadence, I now ride a horse named stormy a white horse.

[@reesem9469]

I bet u can relate to this, I bought a abused horse and within five week he wouldn’t let me be anywhere without him, just last night 12:55am January 4th he passed away from colic I’m devastated he was a dapple grey 20 yr old Ottb and his name was Dublin. I have yet to find a new horse as I know while looking at them none will be as good as Dublin. It’s just sad he passed when I only had him for 5weeks

[@sondrasmith2691]

So sorry. Twisted intestines can come about when a horse has a belly ache or colic, and it rolls around alot. I am sure you know. The minute i saw my Midnight doing that, I got her up and walked her while it was snowing, for sev hours until vet arrived. I know you take excellent care of your horse bc i can tell how much you love horses.

[@DrakonEmpire]

You mean grey.

[@peacefulway3]

That was colic. It is devastating to watch one's horse suffer from that

[@julieleehaug4711]

Freedom is a really beautiful horse 🐎. I’m glad 😃 that you saved him from abuse no horse deserves to be abused. All horses deserve to be free in a good way of course.

[@hwauntaholics]

Such a sweet story

[@tobealostwanderer]

Wait, you are afraid of horses? Cuz you look so comfortable with Freedom it is touching. Such a great transformation. Wish more horses could get the same love and kindness

[@hopehollingsworth-venezian2080]

What a beautiful story. You have a beautiful heart to see what no one else saw in him. He is one lucky horse. I am just like you when it comes to abused animals. God bless you.

[@banyalaplace]

He has different colored eyes, such an amazing gaze!

[@MattyDemello]

I'm sorry but its NOT about "playing nice with others" its called "finding the pecking order" Nice horse. Lots of try and wanting to please you. I'm glad you saved that horse :)

[@krisydoman8492]

Matty Natural Horsemanship well he was recently a Stallion when he met those horses, so maybe he still had a lot of machismo to work out.

[@keelsmac01]

Matt's Horsemanship how many horse owners don’t know horse behavior. Also pony tails...bits...all bullshit.

[@samanthamoseley9450]

Matt's Horsemanship this is what you have to expect from ppl that don’t know horses and had to learn how to tack one up and ride and they didn’t even correct her when she didn’t use proper rein holding skills to make the horse turn

[@paigek9923]

I honestly wish they would’ve at least taught him bit less since it’s better and she doesn’t quite know a lot yet so I think it would’ve been best if they had him bit less. One of my horses is completely bit less and I got another earlier this year and I’m working on getting her to be bit less.

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

Give her some credit.. They were both learning from each other, she said she was afraid of horses 🐎. The video was to show their progress, not for judgement. Not everyone was born on the back of a horse.

[@vickihunt8988]

I grew up on horses, ❤❤❤ they have big hearts and feelings just like us ❤❤❤❤

[@Karima_Maghribia]

I love watching animal rescue stories ❤ It makes me cry every time. It is very inspiring and I would love to be involved in such work and learn more about how to take care of animals in need

[@riccodarmawan6832]

Amaziiiing !!! I love Freedom's journey. 😍🤩👍💖💕💞💖💕

[@tracywilson1356]

I love seeing the trainer teaching him to be mounted from the off side. Traditionally they are only taught from the left, and if you try to mount from the right they freak out.

[@samscorgie3484]

What a beautiful story!!! I'm just so proud of you for rescuing a horse and giving him all the correct rehabilitation and training he needed to be in forever, loving home

[@houstonpettalk]

Thank you for understanding my heart - I only wanted to save him and I have done the best I can. Yes, I am learning along the way and there is no bit being used now. He is so happy...he runs to me when I go see him each week...I don't have to "catch" him....I think that shows he knows my intent is pure love:)

[@saspinks3001]

Houstonpettalk - Kudos to you for making room in your life for what will probably be the love of your life. Same thing happened to me and I've never looked back :)

[@MC_barrelracingofficial]

Ty for giving this horse another chance 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@agatameble721]

His eyes are so beautiful 💙

[@sophiapearl1600]

at first this melted my heart to see him so skinny and bonny but the transformation he went through was amazing. He is a very beautiful horse!

[@katiesmith8902]

Wonderful story! And such a absolutely stunningly gorgeous horse!!

[@_sofie]

What kind hearted women you and Renee are. The world needs more people like you. Freedom is lucky you guys came into his life.

[@adelezierler1547]

Thank you and thank you again for the kindness in taking in this pitiful and neglected abused horse. The love you give to your horses it is just amazing. I, who doesn't ride, never had a horse, but I still love them very much.

[@southernprim]

He's a beauty!! Love his eyes, he's come a long way, what a treasure.

[@KarenEsquibel]

Thank you for rescuing Freedom, beautiful horse💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@midevil_labrat1640]

he is such a butifull horse, so glad he ended up being okay

[@Brozain]

Everyone is a critic. You did a good job and I'm glad the horse is in good care now. Wonderfully done!

[@katythomas5997]

What a lovely story. Hes such a handsome horse. x

[@Justiceforpets]

How absolutely beautiful you people are in your kindness towards Freedom, beautiful story. Thank you 💛🐾🐾

[@luckyequestrian]

He is like my dream horse I wish I could get a rescue

[@kaiamantor6481]

Thank you for that nice and reasonable statement. I am not crazy..I would never get on a horse that had shown to be unsafe. Jack and others involved would have never allowed me on him until they felt he was sound. We also never left the arena. It's been a few years and he and I have a amazing relationship and we are both safe and happy. I appreciate your comment!

[@kaiamantor6481]

apologies on the Kaia Mantor..it's me Michelle Mantor..didn't know my daughter was logged into my KZbin account on my computer:)

[@myhorseworld8371]

I love all animals and I hope they all get saved like freedom

[@publictoilet1970]

He's a beautiful horse!!

[@pamelameckley5040]

This story was amazing and inspiring. I 💗 horses and always have. I think it's awesome what you've done for Freedom (and what he's done for you!) Beautiful story. 😊

[@gerrycoleman7290]

Thanks for using natural horsemanship principles.

[@dawnminton2848]

Love this story! You are both blessed! Beautiful!💓

[@bashali696]

His mane is unusually coloured. Cream and black. I’ve never seen that before. He’s such a special boy❤❤❤❤❤

[@deseracoate8576]

That is so sweet!!!!!!!😍😍🐴

[@annamariehewitt3173]

What a wonderful story..I wish You both many happy years together...

[@mikepech6822]

I love these rescue videos. I love animals in general and hate seeing them abused. Maybe some day, all abuse will be gone. But I can understand why this horse was so happy. Look at the beautiful woman that is showering him with affection and showering him with kisses. How could he not feel he's in horse heaven.

[@michelesherman5660]

OMG that's one of the prettiest paint horses I've seen in yrs

[@darlenecharette5279]

Praise God! I saw the episode where Houston SPCA recued Freedom, and wondered how he had done afterwards, you done such a great job of restoring him to health and trusting again in humans, God Bless you

[@tata011670]

Unfortunately so few get rescued. Thank you for Freedom. I’m sure you both learned much about love, which I believe is why we were put here in the first place.

[@SolitaireKK]

What a beautiful horse 😍😍

[@amayafuller8895]

Wow his facial marking is so unique!

[@lynettedundon1410]

What a sweet, patient boy!

[@danamelby4090]

He's beautiful what a great story

[@sherrybrainard6890]

Such a beautiful horse . So glad you rescued him

[@abbieeeshaw7879]

this story is beautiful

[@Spiritprime91]

What a beautiful story. I hope Freedom is living happy and well.

[@sandhiller49]

bless you for helping this horse, but Im glad you weren't hurt as obviously you were inexperienced and received some rather doubtful advice

[@TuxyKat]

You two look great together! As a horse lover, I think started the day I was born, I loved what you chose to share, all the work that went into it. And to know you weren't around horses that much, but decided to save him. It was meant to be. You're both very lucky. 💕💜💞 Horse Power!!!

[@dianemerrill3375]

He is so gorgeous!!! ❤❤

[@pattyobrien5637]

Lovely story! Thanks for your honesty. Please do more follow ups on you and Freedom!

[@titifolol]

I love what you did for this boy...some would have you bareback with no saddle so as not to hurt or offend him but leave them to it, I never seen you hurt him 1 time and if everyone cared for their horses they way you have for this boy we'd have no need to rescue any more :)

[@alfrdup]

Great story! Thanks for rescuing Freedom😎

[@lisaberruti9223]

Horses know when ur afraid of them..he's a beautiful horse

[@fdd1035]

he's beautiful.

[@christawalker6637]

GOD BLESS YOU!

[@myronschabe]

Well that was a lot to take on but I think you have shown how to do it successfully by getting lots of help and I love how you followed your heart. Such unusual markings on Freedom. Horses are such healing creatures.

[@johnjoyce9075]

Beautiful. Ponies 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🤜🤛🤜🤛🤜🤛🤜🤛🤜🤛

[@lolitagelakaef1912]

Thank you for saving the life of defenseless and disadvantaged!!!

[@tannenbaum7594]

He is soo beautiful !❤️👍🏻

[@suzannebonner3477]

You have a good heart and you did an amazing thing saving this beautiful horse. It's lovely to see you both grow together and blossom.

[@bethzambone806]

What a beautiful story! My husband and I own horses. (About 20). I love the way how he was brought along in his training! You can definitely tell by his relaxed face and body!!

[@AngelCatBaby]

I am so glad you were able to rescue Freedom, he is beautiful and an awesome animal...and yes...it is workd but worth the effort....one needs to bond and develop trust with their animals its the only way. Hope you will have many good times together...God bless you and Freedom.

[@otoepony5813]

OMG all the "Did you geld him" questions. People, if you had watched the video you wouldn't be asking that question. Go back, watch it at the 11:19 mark. We got a bunch of equine cops who know everything and are ready to jump this woman's case thinking she didn't have him gelded. At some point the Houston Humane Society took care of that during his stay with them and before she took him. At the end of the video she clearly narrates that he's gone from a starving stallion to a healthy social GELDING. I guess a beautiful story of a woman who's initionaly afraid of horses yet chose to give a horse a home and conquer her own fears while doing so never registered on your equine cop radars. From this video she's gone about it the right way. Has a great support network to help continue the horses training as well as her own. She has taken a huge step outside her comfort zine to do this. Well, some of you may not be proud of her but I certainly am. Keep up the great work and never get discouraged. There are knuckleheads in all walks of life. You just got to sift the chafe from the grain.

[@houstonpettalk]

Thank you Lesa...I appreciate your perspective which is spot on...I was the least likely to find the courage to save a horse, not because I don't think they are worthy, only because of my own fears. I push past it every time I go see Freedom...I feel anxious and afraid to go to the pasture and "catch" him, and bring him to the barn for grooming, training, etc. I say "catch" parenthetically because he almost always comes to greet me and stands still for me to halter him. Through his beautiful, REAL body language, he says "Hi, i"m glad you're here, I missed you" and I'm so thankful that God put him in my life. He literally puts his head in the halter and props up my confidence because he is astute enough to know I need it....I''m learning so much from him because he loves me yet pushes me to grow at the same time. I'm disappointed that some of the conversation has gone negative but yet I respect the bitless opinion and I got on his back this week for the first time in months, since he left Jack's place, with only a hackamore! I will do anything necessary to make him comfortable and to allow him a voice - I just want to do it in a way that is safe for me too, as a VERY green rider. All the best to you!

[@hannahmarie1155]

Lesa DeRoin I thought it was absolutely amazing! That someone who was scared of horses decided to adopt a rescue horse which can be unpredictable and turned him into an amazing horse and conquered her fears

[@jennyrules2694]

Could not have said it better myself you are so right

[@wakranich3488]

@@houstonpettalk Huge respect for you! Years ago I adopted an ex-racehorse stallion & it was scary for me. I previously owned another horse & had experience w/other horses. Stallions are kooky & can be unpredictable as you well know. Mine tried jumping on a mare in heat while we were passing on a trail. Find a professional horse trainer that can advise you regarding the bit. A guy sold me a snaffle that made my horse rear up. Racehorses only have a piece of rubber to chew while racing.. Be safe.

[@deborahelliott2881]

Thank you for rescuing that beautiful horse and giving him a awesome home. God bless you

[@onnamaria8277]

Thank god this is awsome

[@anggivolschenk6393]

He has the most beautiful eyes and pattern

[@normacotter3377]

Freedom is such a beautiful horse only the Lord Jesus knows how much I miss being on my farm kiss and hug him for me please

[@juliehattis]

Beautiful ponies!

[@sueupham2519]

Good girl,,stay strong and live long in Christ Jesus...

[@algypsy17]

What a lucky horse, thank you so much, and you are very brave to learn how to care for a horse and ride : that's true love !!!

[@susanosman3643]

What a gorgeous horse! Thank you for all that work and time + love that you exerted to rescue him and train him to be a truly wonderful horse! He's no longer frightened..... GOD BLESS you.

[@sofakingbrill]

He has unusual eyes, beautiful boy

[@sharonewig3900]

What a great video. I loved it. God bless you and Freedom and the other beautiful horses.