Fwd: The story of one unwanted horse. You will not believe this one. its beautiful!

[Guest guest]

This is beautiful!!elgianne <elgianne wrote: elgianne <elgianneFwd: The story of one "unwanted" horse. You will not believe this one.Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:35:30 -0400This is a story worth reading. It's amazing and I had to share it with you all.Marjorie >>> Habitat for Horses Rescues Horse Missing For 11 Years>>> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE> HITCHCOCK, TX / PR FREE / Mar 19 2007 --> Janine Neumann spent 11 years looking for the horse that she loved > and lost. Just two weeks ago, on a cold Missouri morning, "Dee" > stepped from a trailer and back into the loving arms and heart of a > woman who never gave up searching for

her.>>>> Dee was her nickname for “Risky Decision,†the two year-old > granddaughter of "Seattle Slew," who was separated from Neumann on > a fateful day in 1996. It was an accidental separation and after > the long years of being away she is finally home. It is a story > that is nothing short of a miracle, sprinkled with the fairy-tale > magic of “long ago and far away.†It is the “happily ever > after†part that is just now being written.>> Janine Neumann was the first person to ever lay hands on the > Illinois-bred weanling. She brought her home to Missouri, halter- > trained her and eventually trained her to ride.>> “I trained her as a pleasure horse, not as a race horse,†says > Neumann. “But she was magnificent.â€>> Given Dee’s bloodlines, Neumann decided to pay her fees for her to > start her racing career.

Dee was going to race. A few entries into > her start at racing, something happened that would ultimately take > her away from Neumann: she flipped in the gate and injured her back > leg. Although she received treatment and time to heal, things just > weren’t the same.>> When Neumann’s trainer suggested that they should put Dee in a > claiming race so she could win, it seemed like a good idea. The > plan backfired. They didn’t see what would happen next coming. > Someone stepped up and claimed the filly and horse was taken away > from Neumann.>> “We didn’t think she would be claimed. Presumably it happened > because of her bloodlines,†says Neumann.>> Neumann immediately tried to get her filly back, but the purchaser > wouldn’t budge. Despite her best efforts to trail the horse, she > lost track of her. Neumann emailed the Jockey Club every

month, but > privacy issues prevented disclosure of the whereabouts of the > horse. Neumann searched every Thoroughbred rescue organization she > could find looking for the filly to no avail. Nearly 11 years > later, she was still looking. Last fall, when she checked for the > horse with the Jockey Club, Risky Decision was no longer in their > records. Neumann was heartbroken. Perhaps her horse was dead.>> What Neumann had no way of knowing was this: In February of 2006, > Habitat for Horses, based in Texas and the largest equine rescue of > its kind, received a call from the Sheriff’s office in Anderson > County, Texas. The local animal control office had received > complaints about a starved, neglected horse. The horse was seized, > Habitat for Horses was awarded custody and “Velvet†began her > long road to recovery. No one could have imagined that hundreds of

> miles away, someone was looking for this sad, skinny horse - > someone who loved her dearly - someone who had never stopped > looking for her.>> Jerry Finch, president of Habitat for Horses talks plainly about > what the group does.>> “Velvet was severely neglected, probably near death. She didn’t > deserve that. None of the horses that come to us do. We are a group > of individuals who choose to stand beside them - to offer our help > and strength in a world in which they have no say.â€>> With anywhere from 325 to 350 horses in their care, it is clear > that the group, who operates entirely on donated funds and > volunteers, is dedicated to that mission.>> Finally time and chance fell together for Neumann and her now-grown > filly, but the catalyst was a sad one: in 2006, a horrible accident > on I-44 in Missouri. A truckload of

horses bound for the > slaughterhouse in DeKalb, Illinois overturned. The misery of their > plight and the tragedy received national attention. It prompted > Neumann to search for horse rescues to support. That’s when she > found “Habitat for Horses.â€>> “In January of 2007, I was on the organization's Web site, and I > ran across a picture of a horse they called 'Velvet.' It looked > like Dee - I just knew. I e-mailed Habitat for Horses and told the > group I thought 'Velvet' was my horse.â€>> Neumann asked Habitat to check the mare for a scar on her back leg. > She did. They photographed it and sent the picture to Neumann.>> “I knew from the moment I saw the pictures on her leg - but > really, I knew even before that. The scar really did it. It’s an L- > shape on the back of her back pastern. It’s very distinctive,†> says Neumann. The

news was amazing: “Velvet†was “Dee.â€>> Neumann began the adoption process. In the interim she learned that > Dee had been seized by law enforcement, just skin and bones. Two > foster homes later, Deewas back to a healthy weight. She was out of > harm’s way. She was, once again, magnificent.>> On February 27, 2007, “Velvet†aka “Risky Decision†came home.>> The shipping van arrived at the barn at a quarter ‘til five in the > morning. In the dark, when the ramp dropped down on the trailer for > unloading, the now 16.2 hh, 1250 pound bay mare seemed frightened. > Then her eyes fell on Janine Neumann.>> “Her eyes met me. She never let them leave me while they unloaded > her. I put her in the stall and before she drank water, ate hay or > did anything, she came to me and just rested her head and cheek > against my chest. Just the look in

her eyes,†Neumann says in a > faraway voice.>> After all Velvet/Dee has been through, she has adapted amazingly > well. Neumann says she is a little standoffish with people she > doesn’t know.>> When Neumann is asked just why she never gave up, she answers quickly.>> “Because she is my girl and I never could forget her. I did > everything with her. We were bonded. All horses have big beautiful > brown eyes, but she looks into your soul.â€>> Finally, the big bay mare is getting the best of everything she > needs. Neumann says that for the rest of Dee’s life, they will be > together.>> “Habitat for Horses allowed me to be reunited with my girl. They > literally saved her life. I thank the group for what it does every > single day. It’s a miracle that I found her.â€>> Today “Risky Decision†is doing just fine.

And as hard as the > last 11 years have been, the rest of the story is easy. It goes > like this: “the big gorgeous bay mare, once again magnificent, > lived happily ever after.â€>> Habitat for Horses (HfH) is a not-for-profit equine protection > agency committed to the prevention, rescue and rehabilitation of > neglected and abused horses. The largest organization of its kind > in North America, HfH operates a rehabilitation ranch in Hitchcock, > Texas, as well as a growing network of foster homes throughout > Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The > organization has taken a leadership role in horse protection issues > and has been instrumental in developing and promoting legislation > to eliminate the slaughter of American horses.>> Contact: Valerie Kennedy, Director of Public Relations, Habitat for > Horses,> 1.866.434.5737, ext. 8

or vkennedy>>>> Jerry Finch>> http://www.habitatforhorses.org/>>http://horses.generitek.comA man of kindness, to his beast is kind.But, brutal actions, show a brutal mind:Remember, He who made thee, made the brute,Who gave thee speach and reason, formed him mute;He can't complain, but God's omnicient eyeBeholds thy cruelty - He hears his cry!He was designed thy servant; not thy drudge,But know - That his Creator is thy judge.Unknown author from The Ladies' Equestrian Guide, 1857.

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[Guest guest]

I can appreciate this story in terms of two beings reconnecting

after many miles and many years, but did occur to anyone else that

this horse would've never been injured or taken away in the first

place had Neumann not tried to race her? That's the part that keeps

me from seeing this story as truly beautiful. I mean, I don't doubt

Neumann loved the horse, but she also put her in many dangerous

situations.

 

Which brings me to horse riding in general. I've never ridden a

horse consistently over a period of time (a few times in my life

total, maybe), so I'm puzzled by this " connection " that I hear

riders speak of. However, I just can't imagine looking at horse's

soul through its big brown eyes (as Neumann says), then proceed to

mount it and ride it. I mean, isn't it possible to feel " one " with a

horse from the ground, on your own two feet? I just don't believe

humans have the right to saddle a horse and ride it.

 

I'm just striking up a different viewpoint than others may have on

this story, I hope my tone isn't taken as argumentative.

 

 

 

 

, Christine Bradley

<chaag62 wrote:

>

> This is beautiful!!

>

> elgianne <elgianne wrote: elgianne <elgianne

> Fwd: The story of one " unwanted " horse. You will not

believe this one.

> Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:35:30 -0400

>

>

> This is a story worth reading. It's amazing and I had to share it

> with you all.

>

> Marjorie

>

>

>

>

> >

> >

> > Habitat for Horses Rescues Horse Missing For 11 Years

> >

> >

> > FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

> > HITCHCOCK, TX / PR FREE / Mar 19 2007 --

> > Janine Neumann spent 11 years looking for the horse that she

loved

> > and lost. Just two weeks ago, on a cold Missouri morning, " Dee "

> > stepped from a trailer and back into the loving arms and heart

of a

> > woman who never gave up searching for her.

> >

> >

> >

> > Dee was her nickname for “Risky Decision,†the two year-old

> > granddaughter of " Seattle Slew, " who was separated from Neumann

on

> > a fateful day in 1996. It was an accidental separation and after

> > the long years of being away she is finally home. It is a story

> > that is nothing short of a miracle, sprinkled with the fairy-

tale

> > magic of “long ago and far away.†It is the “happily ever

> > after†part that is just now being written.

> >

> > Janine Neumann was the first person to ever lay hands on the

> > Illinois-bred weanling. She brought her home to Missouri, halter-

 

> > trained her and eventually trained her to ride.

> >

> > “I trained her as a pleasure horse, not as a race horse,â€

says

> > Neumann. “But she was magnificent.â€

> >

> > Given Dee’s bloodlines, Neumann decided to pay her fees for

her to

> > start her racing career. Dee was going to race. A few entries

into

> > her start at racing, something happened that would ultimately

take

> > her away from Neumann: she flipped in the gate and injured her

back

> > leg. Although she received treatment and time to heal, things

just

> > weren’t the same.

> >

> > When Neumann’s trainer suggested that they should put Dee in a

> > claiming race so she could win, it seemed like a good idea. The

> > plan backfired. They didn’t see what would happen next coming.

> > Someone stepped up and claimed the filly and horse was taken

away

> > from Neumann.

> >

> > “We didn’t think she would be claimed. Presumably it

happened

> > because of her bloodlines,†says Neumann.

> >

> > Neumann immediately tried to get her filly back, but the

purchaser

> > wouldn’t budge. Despite her best efforts to trail the horse,

she

> > lost track of her. Neumann emailed the Jockey Club every month,

but

> > privacy issues prevented disclosure of the whereabouts of the

> > horse. Neumann searched every Thoroughbred rescue organization

she

> > could find looking for the filly to no avail. Nearly 11 years

> > later, she was still looking. Last fall, when she checked for

the

> > horse with the Jockey Club, Risky Decision was no longer in

their

> > records. Neumann was heartbroken. Perhaps her horse was dead.

> >

> > What Neumann had no way of knowing was this: In February of

2006,

> > Habitat for Horses, based in Texas and the largest equine rescue

of

> > its kind, received a call from the Sheriff’s office in

Anderson

> > County, Texas. The local animal control office had received

> > complaints about a starved, neglected horse. The horse was

seized,

> > Habitat for Horses was awarded custody and “Velvet†began

her

> > long road to recovery. No one could have imagined that hundreds

of

> > miles away, someone was looking for this sad, skinny horse -

> > someone who loved her dearly - someone who had never stopped

> > looking for her.

> >

> > Jerry Finch, president of Habitat for Horses talks plainly about

> > what the group does.

> >

> > “Velvet was severely neglected, probably near death. She

didn’t

> > deserve that. None of the horses that come to us do. We are a

group

> > of individuals who choose to stand beside them - to offer our

help

> > and strength in a world in which they have no say.â€

> >

> > With anywhere from 325 to 350 horses in their care, it is clear

> > that the group, who operates entirely on donated funds and

> > volunteers, is dedicated to that mission.

> >

> > Finally time and chance fell together for Neumann and her now-

grown

> > filly, but the catalyst was a sad one: in 2006, a horrible

accident

> > on I-44 in Missouri. A truckload of horses bound for the

> > slaughterhouse in DeKalb, Illinois overturned. The misery of

their

> > plight and the tragedy received national attention. It prompted

> > Neumann to search for horse rescues to support. That’s when

she

> > found “Habitat for Horses.â€

> >

> > “In January of 2007, I was on the organization's Web site, and

I

> > ran across a picture of a horse they called 'Velvet.' It looked

> > like Dee - I just knew. I e-mailed Habitat for Horses and told

the

> > group I thought 'Velvet' was my horse.â€

> >

> > Neumann asked Habitat to check the mare for a scar on her back

leg.

> > She did. They photographed it and sent the picture to Neumann.

> >

> > “I knew from the moment I saw the pictures on her leg - but

> > really, I knew even before that. The scar really did it. It’s

an L-

> > shape on the back of her back pastern. It’s very

distinctive,â€

> > says Neumann. The news was amazing: “Velvet†was “Dee.â€

> >

> > Neumann began the adoption process. In the interim she learned

that

> > Dee had been seized by law enforcement, just skin and bones. Two

> > foster homes later, Deewas back to a healthy weight. She was out

of

> > harm’s way. She was, once again, magnificent.

> >

> > On February 27, 2007, “Velvet†aka “Risky Decision†came

home.

> >

> > The shipping van arrived at the barn at a quarter ‘til five in

the

> > morning. In the dark, when the ramp dropped down on the trailer

for

> > unloading, the now 16.2 hh, 1250 pound bay mare seemed

frightened.

> > Then her eyes fell on Janine Neumann.

> >

> > “Her eyes met me. She never let them leave me while they

unloaded

> > her. I put her in the stall and before she drank water, ate hay

or

> > did anything, she came to me and just rested her head and cheek

> > against my chest. Just the look in her eyes,†Neumann says in

a

> > faraway voice.

> >

> > After all Velvet/Dee has been through, she has adapted amazingly

> > well. Neumann says she is a little standoffish with people she

> > doesn’t know.

> >

> > When Neumann is asked just why she never gave up, she answers

quickly.

> >

> > “Because she is my girl and I never could forget her. I did

> > everything with her. We were bonded. All horses have big

beautiful

> > brown eyes, but she looks into your soul.â€

> >

> > Finally, the big bay mare is getting the best of everything she

> > needs. Neumann says that for the rest of Dee’s life, they will

be

> > together.

> >

> > “Habitat for Horses allowed me to be reunited with my girl.

They

> > literally saved her life. I thank the group for what it does

every

> > single day. It’s a miracle that I found her.â€

> >

> > Today “Risky Decision†is doing just fine. And as hard as

the

> > last 11 years have been, the rest of the story is easy. It goes

> > like this: “the big gorgeous bay mare, once again magnificent,

> > lived happily ever after.â€

> >

> > Habitat for Horses (HfH) is a not-for-profit equine protection

> > agency committed to the prevention, rescue and rehabilitation of

> > neglected and abused horses. The largest organization of its

kind

> > in North America, HfH operates a rehabilitation ranch in

Hitchcock,

> > Texas, as well as a growing network of foster homes throughout

> > Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The

> > organization has taken a leadership role in horse protection

issues

> > and has been instrumental in developing and promoting

legislation

> > to eliminate the slaughter of American horses.

> >

> > Contact: Valerie Kennedy, Director of Public Relations, Habitat

for

> > Horses,

> > 1.866.434.5737, ext. 8 or vkennedy

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Jerry Finch

> >

> > http://www.habitatforhorses.org/

> >

> >

> 

>

> http://horses.generitek.com

>

> A man of kindness, to his beast is kind.

> But, brutal actions, show a brutal mind:

> Remember, He who made thee, made the brute,

> Who gave thee speach and reason, formed him mute;

> He can't complain, but God's omnicient eye

> Beholds thy cruelty - He hears his cry!

> He was designed thy servant; not thy drudge,

> But know - That his Creator is thy judge.

>

> Unknown author from The Ladies' Equestrian Guide, 1857.

>

 

> Never miss an email again!

> Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it

out.

>

[Guest guest]

I totally agree with Julia. I was so disappointed when her " owner "

decided to race her. Racing is a cruel industry that almost always

leaves the horse going to slaughter when they quit winning, or are

killed for insurance money. If that owner truly " loved " that horse,

she wouldn't have tried to make $$ off her. She did so because she

was from Seattle Slew's line. It's not like she didn't know how

racing horses are trained, kept and abused. Especially with a

previously injured back leg!!!! Anyone involved with horses knows

once an injury occurs, it will never heal to the point of working

them, especially racing!!!!!! It will always end up worse at some

point.

 

I am a former equestrian and showed for years in jumping and

dressage, but now I would never ride a horse again. Especially those

poor trail horses for " rent " . There was no cruelty involved in the

type of riding I did, unlike the harshness of Western " cowboy "

training, but I don't think it should be done, period. And stabling

is very cruel. No animal deserves to live in a box.

 

I had a pastured horse when I was a kid on our farm. Yes, farm

and I really could see the soul in his eyes, along with the others.

Horses' eyes are extrememly expressive. He was my bud; no training,

no showing, no saddle, just bareback riding in the country. We had

fun and I loved him dearly.

 

I hope she's not stalled, and I kind of wish she would have stayed at

the Habitat for Horses, but it's better than the slaughterhouse.

 

(And, this is not meant to be argumentative in the least).

 

 

-- In , " Julia McCloud "

<monkey60613 wrote:

>

> I can appreciate this story in terms of two beings reconnecting

> after many miles and many years, but did occur to anyone else that

> this horse would've never been injured or taken away in the first

> place had Neumann not tried to race her? That's the part that

keeps

> me from seeing this story as truly beautiful. I mean, I don't

doubt

> Neumann loved the horse, but she also put her in many dangerous

> situations.

>

> Which brings me to horse riding in general. I've never ridden a

> horse consistently over a period of time (a few times in my life

> total, maybe), so I'm puzzled by this " connection " that I hear

> riders speak of. However, I just can't imagine looking at horse's

> soul through its big brown eyes (as Neumann says), then proceed to

> mount it and ride it. I mean, isn't it possible to feel " one " with

a

> horse from the ground, on your own two feet? I just don't believe

> humans have the right to saddle a horse and ride it.

>

> I'm just striking up a different viewpoint than others may have on

> this story, I hope my tone isn't taken as argumentative.

>

>

>

>

> , Christine Bradley

> <chaag62@> wrote:

> >

> > This is beautiful!!

> >

> > elgianne <elgianne@> wrote: elgianne <elgianne@>

> > Fwd: The story of one " unwanted " horse. You will not

> believe this one.

> > Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:35:30 -0400

> >

> >

> > This is a story worth reading. It's amazing and I had to share it

> > with you all.

> >

> > Marjorie

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Habitat for Horses Rescues Horse Missing For 11 Years

> > >

> > >

> > > FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

> > > HITCHCOCK, TX / PR FREE / Mar 19 2007 --

> > > Janine Neumann spent 11 years looking for the horse that she

> loved

> > > and lost. Just two weeks ago, on a cold Missouri morning, " Dee "

> > > stepped from a trailer and back into the loving arms and heart

> of a

> > > woman who never gave up searching for her.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Dee was her nickname for “Risky Decision,†the two year-old

> > > granddaughter of " Seattle Slew, " who was separated from Neumann

> on

> > > a fateful day in 1996. It was an accidental separation and

after

> > > the long years of being away she is finally home. It is a story

> > > that is nothing short of a miracle, sprinkled with the fairy-

> tale

> > > magic of “long ago and far away.†It is the “happily ever

> > > after†part that is just now being written.

> > >

> > > Janine Neumann was the first person to ever lay hands on the

> > > Illinois-bred weanling. She brought her home to Missouri,

halter-

>

> > > trained her and eventually trained her to ride.

> > >

> > > “I trained her as a pleasure horse, not as a race horse,â€

> says

> > > Neumann. “But she was magnificent.â€

> > >

> > > Given Dee’s bloodlines, Neumann decided to pay her fees for

> her to

> > > start her racing career. Dee was going to race. A few entries

> into

> > > her start at racing, something happened that would ultimately

> take

> > > her away from Neumann: she flipped in the gate and injured her

> back

> > > leg. Although she received treatment and time to heal, things

> just

> > > weren’t the same.

> > >

> > > When Neumann’s trainer suggested that they should put Dee in

a

> > > claiming race so she could win, it seemed like a good idea. The

> > > plan backfired. They didn’t see what would happen next

coming.

> > > Someone stepped up and claimed the filly and horse was taken

> away

> > > from Neumann.

> > >

> > > “We didn’t think she would be claimed. Presumably it

> happened

> > > because of her bloodlines,†says Neumann.

> > >

> > > Neumann immediately tried to get her filly back, but the

> purchaser

> > > wouldn’t budge. Despite her best efforts to trail the horse,

> she

> > > lost track of her. Neumann emailed the Jockey Club every month,

> but

> > > privacy issues prevented disclosure of the whereabouts of the

> > > horse. Neumann searched every Thoroughbred rescue organization

> she

> > > could find looking for the filly to no avail. Nearly 11 years

> > > later, she was still looking. Last fall, when she checked for

> the

> > > horse with the Jockey Club, Risky Decision was no longer in

> their

> > > records. Neumann was heartbroken. Perhaps her horse was dead.

> > >

> > > What Neumann had no way of knowing was this: In February of

> 2006,

> > > Habitat for Horses, based in Texas and the largest equine

rescue

> of

> > > its kind, received a call from the Sheriff’s office in

> Anderson

> > > County, Texas. The local animal control office had received

> > > complaints about a starved, neglected horse. The horse was

> seized,

> > > Habitat for Horses was awarded custody and “Velvet†began

> her

> > > long road to recovery. No one could have imagined that hundreds

> of

> > > miles away, someone was looking for this sad, skinny horse -

> > > someone who loved her dearly - someone who had never stopped

> > > looking for her.

> > >

> > > Jerry Finch, president of Habitat for Horses talks plainly

about

> > > what the group does.

> > >

> > > “Velvet was severely neglected, probably near death. She

> didn’t

> > > deserve that. None of the horses that come to us do. We are a

> group

> > > of individuals who choose to stand beside them - to offer our

> help

> > > and strength in a world in which they have no say.â€

> > >

> > > With anywhere from 325 to 350 horses in their care, it is clear

> > > that the group, who operates entirely on donated funds and

> > > volunteers, is dedicated to that mission.

> > >

> > > Finally time and chance fell together for Neumann and her now-

> grown

> > > filly, but the catalyst was a sad one: in 2006, a horrible

> accident

> > > on I-44 in Missouri. A truckload of horses bound for the

> > > slaughterhouse in DeKalb, Illinois overturned. The misery of

> their

> > > plight and the tragedy received national attention. It prompted

> > > Neumann to search for horse rescues to support. That’s when

> she

> > > found “Habitat for Horses.â€

> > >

> > > “In January of 2007, I was on the organization's Web site,

and

> I

> > > ran across a picture of a horse they called 'Velvet.' It looked

> > > like Dee - I just knew. I e-mailed Habitat for Horses and told

> the

> > > group I thought 'Velvet' was my horse.â€

> > >

> > > Neumann asked Habitat to check the mare for a scar on her back

> leg.

> > > She did. They photographed it and sent the picture to Neumann.

> > >

> > > “I knew from the moment I saw the pictures on her leg - but

> > > really, I knew even before that. The scar really did it. It’s

> an L-

> > > shape on the back of her back pastern. It’s very

> distinctive,â€

> > > says Neumann. The news was amazing: “Velvet†was “Dee.â€

> > >

> > > Neumann began the adoption process. In the interim she learned

> that

> > > Dee had been seized by law enforcement, just skin and bones.

Two

> > > foster homes later, Deewas back to a healthy weight. She was

out

> of

> > > harm’s way. She was, once again, magnificent.

> > >

> > > On February 27, 2007, “Velvet†aka “Risky Decisionâ€

came

> home.

> > >

> > > The shipping van arrived at the barn at a quarter ‘til five

in

> the

> > > morning. In the dark, when the ramp dropped down on the trailer

> for

> > > unloading, the now 16.2 hh, 1250 pound bay mare seemed

> frightened.

> > > Then her eyes fell on Janine Neumann.

> > >

> > > “Her eyes met me. She never let them leave me while they

> unloaded

> > > her. I put her in the stall and before she drank water, ate hay

> or

> > > did anything, she came to me and just rested her head and cheek

> > > against my chest. Just the look in her eyes,†Neumann says in

> a

> > > faraway voice.

> > >

> > > After all Velvet/Dee has been through, she has adapted

amazingly

> > > well. Neumann says she is a little standoffish with people she

> > > doesn’t know.

> > >

> > > When Neumann is asked just why she never gave up, she answers

> quickly.

> > >

> > > “Because she is my girl and I never could forget her. I did

> > > everything with her. We were bonded. All horses have big

> beautiful

> > > brown eyes, but she looks into your soul.â€

> > >

> > > Finally, the big bay mare is getting the best of everything she

> > > needs. Neumann says that for the rest of Dee’s life, they

will

> be

> > > together.

> > >

> > > “Habitat for Horses allowed me to be reunited with my girl.

> They

> > > literally saved her life. I thank the group for what it does

> every

> > > single day. It’s a miracle that I found her.â€

> > >

> > > Today “Risky Decision†is doing just fine. And as hard as

> the

> > > last 11 years have been, the rest of the story is easy. It goes

> > > like this: “the big gorgeous bay mare, once again

magnificent,

> > > lived happily ever after.â€

> > >

> > > Habitat for Horses (HfH) is a not-for-profit equine protection

> > > agency committed to the prevention, rescue and rehabilitation

of

> > > neglected and abused horses. The largest organization of its

> kind

> > > in North America, HfH operates a rehabilitation ranch in

> Hitchcock,

> > > Texas, as well as a growing network of foster homes throughout

> > > Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The

> > > organization has taken a leadership role in horse protection

> issues

> > > and has been instrumental in developing and promoting

> legislation

> > > to eliminate the slaughter of American horses.

> > >

> > > Contact: Valerie Kennedy, Director of Public Relations, Habitat

> for

> > > Horses,

> > > 1.866.434.5737, ext. 8 or vkennedy@

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Jerry Finch

> > >

> > > http://www.habitatforhorses.org/

> > >

> > >

> > 

> >

> > http://horses.generitek.com

> >

> > A man of kindness, to his beast is kind.

> > But, brutal actions, show a brutal mind:

> > Remember, He who made thee, made the brute,

> > Who gave thee speach and reason, formed him mute;

> > He can't complain, but God's omnicient eye

> > Beholds thy cruelty - He hears his cry!

> > He was designed thy servant; not thy drudge,

> > But know - That his Creator is thy judge.

> >

> > Unknown author from The Ladies' Equestrian Guide, 1857.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Never miss an email again!

> > Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it

> out.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think all these comments, from the first post to the last, demonstrate that

intelligent people's thinking evolves. Few of us started out as vegetarians

and animal advocates. But, we adopted a plant-based diet and a compassionate

lifestyle in time.

 

Many counsel that we do our best work and have our best outcomes when we

streadfastly and clearly state facts, eschew personal attacks, and by these

means, persuade those who are not yet enlightened to join us and show mercy to

other sentients. In this way, will we help evolve the thinking of individuals

and the society, as well.

 

Thanks especially to Christine for posting the original story of the " unwanted "

horse, as she allowed us to discuss and learn from it. Margaret

 

, " shannonmorgan36 "

<shannonmorgan36 wrote:

>

> I totally agree with Julia. I was so disappointed when her " owner "

> decided to race her. Racing is a cruel industry that almost always

> leaves the horse going to slaughter when they quit winning, or are

> killed for insurance money. If that owner truly " loved " that horse,

> she wouldn't have tried to make $$ off her. She did so because she

> was from Seattle Slew's line. It's not like she didn't know how

> racing horses are trained, kept and abused. Especially with a

> previously injured back leg!!!! Anyone involved with horses knows

> once an injury occurs, it will never heal to the point of working

> them, especially racing!!!!!! It will always end up worse at some

> point.

>

> I am a former equestrian and showed for years in jumping and

> dressage, but now I would never ride a horse again. Especially those

> poor trail horses for " rent " . There was no cruelty involved in the

> type of riding I did, unlike the harshness of Western " cowboy "

> training, but I don't think it should be done, period. And stabling

> is very cruel. No animal deserves to live in a box.

>

> I had a pastured horse when I was a kid on our farm. Yes, farm

> and I really could see the soul in his eyes, along with the others.

> Horses' eyes are extrememly expressive. He was my bud; no training,

> no showing, no saddle, just bareback riding in the country. We had

> fun and I loved him dearly.

>

> I hope she's not stalled, and I kind of wish she would have stayed at

> the Habitat for Horses, but it's better than the slaughterhouse.

>

> (And, this is not meant to be argumentative in the least).

>

>

> -- In , " Julia McCloud "

> <monkey60613@> wrote:

> >

> > I can appreciate this story in terms of two beings reconnecting

> > after many miles and many years, but did occur to anyone else that

> > this horse would've never been injured or taken away in the first

> > place had Neumann not tried to race her? That's the part that

> keeps

> > me from seeing this story as truly beautiful. I mean, I don't

> doubt

> > Neumann loved the horse, but she also put her in many dangerous

> > situations.

> >

> > Which brings me to horse riding in general. I've never ridden a

> > horse consistently over a period of time (a few times in my life

> > total, maybe), so I'm puzzled by this " connection " that I hear

> > riders speak of. However, I just can't imagine looking at horse's

> > soul through its big brown eyes (as Neumann says), then proceed to

> > mount it and ride it. I mean, isn't it possible to feel " one " with

> a

> > horse from the ground, on your own two feet? I just don't believe

> > humans have the right to saddle a horse and ride it.

> >

> > I'm just striking up a different viewpoint than others may have on

> > this story, I hope my tone isn't taken as argumentative.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > , Christine Bradley

> > <chaag62@> wrote:

> > >

> > > This is beautiful!!

> > >

> > > elgianne <elgianne@> wrote: elgianne <elgianne@>

> > > Fwd: The story of one " unwanted " horse. You will not

> > believe this one.

> > > Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:35:30 -0400

> > >

> > >

> > > This is a story worth reading. It's amazing and I had to share it

> > > with you all.

> > >

> > > Marjorie

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Habitat for Horses Rescues Horse Missing For 11 Years

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

> > > > HITCHCOCK, TX / PR FREE / Mar 19 2007 --

> > > > Janine Neumann spent 11 years looking for the horse that she

> > loved

> > > > and lost. Just two weeks ago, on a cold Missouri morning, " Dee "

> > > > stepped from a trailer and back into the loving arms and heart

> > of a

> > > > woman who never gave up searching for her.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Dee was her nickname for “Risky Decision,� the two year-old

> > > > granddaughter of " Seattle Slew, " who was separated from Neumann

> > on

> > > > a fateful day in 1996. It was an accidental separation and

> after

> > > > the long years of being away she is finally home. It is a story

> > > > that is nothing short of a miracle, sprinkled with the fairy-

> > tale

> > > > magic of “long ago and far away.� It is the “happily ever

> > > > after� part that is just now being written.

> > > >

> > > > Janine Neumann was the first person to ever lay hands on the

> > > > Illinois-bred weanling. She brought her home to Missouri,

> halter-

> >

> > > > trained her and eventually trained her to ride.

> > > >

> > > > “I trained her as a pleasure horse, not as a race horse,�

> > says

> > > > Neumann. “But she was magnificent.�

> > > >

> > > > Given Dee’s bloodlines, Neumann decided to pay her fees for

> > her to

> > > > start her racing career. Dee was going to race. A few entries

> > into

> > > > her start at racing, something happened that would ultimately

> > take

> > > > her away from Neumann: she flipped in the gate and injured her

> > back

> > > > leg. Although she received treatment and time to heal, things

> > just

> > > > weren’t the same.

> > > >

> > > > When Neumann’s trainer suggested that they should put Dee in

> a

> > > > claiming race so she could win, it seemed like a good idea. The

> > > > plan backfired. They didn’t see what would happen next

> coming.

> > > > Someone stepped up and claimed the filly and horse was taken

> > away

> > > > from Neumann.

> > > >

> > > > “We didn’t think she would be claimed. Presumably it

> > happened

> > > > because of her bloodlines,� says Neumann.

> > > >

> > > > Neumann immediately tried to get her filly back, but the

> > purchaser

> > > > wouldn’t budge. Despite her best efforts to trail the horse,

> > she

> > > > lost track of her. Neumann emailed the Jockey Club every month,

> > but

> > > > privacy issues prevented disclosure of the whereabouts of the

> > > > horse. Neumann searched every Thoroughbred rescue organization

> > she

> > > > could find looking for the filly to no avail. Nearly 11 years

> > > > later, she was still looking. Last fall, when she checked for

> > the

> > > > horse with the Jockey Club, Risky Decision was no longer in

> > their

> > > > records. Neumann was heartbroken. Perhaps her horse was dead.

> > > >

> > > > What Neumann had no way of knowing was this: In February of

> > 2006,

> > > > Habitat for Horses, based in Texas and the largest equine

> rescue

> > of

> > > > its kind, received a call from the Sheriff’s office in

> > Anderson

> > > > County, Texas. The local animal control office had received

> > > > complaints about a starved, neglected horse. The horse was

> > seized,

> > > > Habitat for Horses was awarded custody and “Velvet� began

> > her

> > > > long road to recovery. No one could have imagined that hundreds

> > of

> > > > miles away, someone was looking for this sad, skinny horse -

> > > > someone who loved her dearly - someone who had never stopped

> > > > looking for her.

> > > >

> > > > Jerry Finch, president of Habitat for Horses talks plainly

> about

> > > > what the group does.

> > > >

> > > > “Velvet was severely neglected, probably near death. She

> > didn’t

> > > > deserve that. None of the horses that come to us do. We are a

> > group

> > > > of individuals who choose to stand beside them - to offer our

> > help

> > > > and strength in a world in which they have no say.�

> > > >

> > > > With anywhere from 325 to 350 horses in their care, it is clear

> > > > that the group, who operates entirely on donated funds and

> > > > volunteers, is dedicated to that mission.

> > > >

> > > > Finally time and chance fell together for Neumann and her now-

> > grown

> > > > filly, but the catalyst was a sad one: in 2006, a horrible

> > accident

> > > > on I-44 in Missouri. A truckload of horses bound for the

> > > > slaughterhouse in DeKalb, Illinois overturned. The misery of

> > their

> > > > plight and the tragedy received national attention. It prompted

> > > > Neumann to search for horse rescues to support. That’s when

> > she

> > > > found “Habitat for Horses.�

> > > >

> > > > “In January of 2007, I was on the organization's Web site,

> and

> > I

> > > > ran across a picture of a horse they called 'Velvet.' It looked

> > > > like Dee - I just knew. I e-mailed Habitat for Horses and told

> > the

> > > > group I thought 'Velvet' was my horse.�

> > > >

> > > > Neumann asked Habitat to check the mare for a scar on her back

> > leg.

> > > > She did. They photographed it and sent the picture to Neumann.

> > > >

> > > > “I knew from the moment I saw the pictures on her leg - but

> > > > really, I knew even before that. The scar really did it. It’s

> > an L-

> > > > shape on the back of her back pastern. It’s very

> > distinctive,�

> > > > says Neumann. The news was amazing: “Velvet� was “Dee.�

> > > >

> > > > Neumann began the adoption process. In the interim she learned

> > that

> > > > Dee had been seized by law enforcement, just skin and bones.

> Two

> > > > foster homes later, Deewas back to a healthy weight. She was

> out

> > of

> > > > harm’s way. She was, once again, magnificent.

> > > >

> > > > On February 27, 2007, “Velvet� aka “Risky Decision�

> came

> > home.

> > > >

> > > > The shipping van arrived at the barn at a quarter ‘til five

> in

> > the

> > > > morning. In the dark, when the ramp dropped down on the trailer

> > for

> > > > unloading, the now 16.2 hh, 1250 pound bay mare seemed

> > frightened.

> > > > Then her eyes fell on Janine Neumann.

> > > >

> > > > “Her eyes met me. She never let them leave me while they

> > unloaded

> > > > her. I put her in the stall and before she drank water, ate hay

> > or

> > > > did anything, she came to me and just rested her head and cheek

> > > > against my chest. Just the look in her eyes,� Neumann says in

> > a

> > > > faraway voice.

> > > >

> > > > After all Velvet/Dee has been through, she has adapted

> amazingly

> > > > well. Neumann says she is a little standoffish with people she

> > > > doesn’t know.

> > > >

> > > > When Neumann is asked just why she never gave up, she answers

> > quickly.

> > > >

> > > > “Because she is my girl and I never could forget her. I did

> > > > everything with her. We were bonded. All horses have big

> > beautiful

> > > > brown eyes, but she looks into your soul.�

> > > >

> > > > Finally, the big bay mare is getting the best of everything she

> > > > needs. Neumann says that for the rest of Dee’s life, they

> will

> > be

> > > > together.

> > > >

> > > > “Habitat for Horses allowed me to be reunited with my girl.

> > They

> > > > literally saved her life. I thank the group for what it does

> > every

> > > > single day. It’s a miracle that I found her.�

> > > >

> > > > Today “Risky Decision� is doing just fine. And as hard as

> > the

> > > > last 11 years have been, the rest of the story is easy. It goes

> > > > like this: “the big gorgeous bay mare, once again

> magnificent,

> > > > lived happily ever after.�

> > > >

> > > > Habitat for Horses (HfH) is a not-for-profit equine protection

> > > > agency committed to the prevention, rescue and rehabilitation

> of

> > > > neglected and abused horses. The largest organization of its

> > kind

> > > > in North America, HfH operates a rehabilitation ranch in

> > Hitchcock,

> > > > Texas, as well as a growing network of foster homes throughout

> > > > Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The

> > > > organization has taken a leadership role in horse protection

> > issues

> > > > and has been instrumental in developing and promoting

> > legislation

> > > > to eliminate the slaughter of American horses.

> > > >

> > > > Contact: Valerie Kennedy, Director of Public Relations, Habitat

> > for

> > > > Horses,

> > > > 1.866.434.5737, ext. 8 or vkennedy@

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Jerry Finch

> > > >

> > > > http://www.habitatforhorses.org/

> > > >

> > > >

> > > 

> > >

> > > http://horses.generitek.com

> > >

> > > A man of kindness, to his beast is kind.

> > > But, brutal actions, show a brutal mind:

> > > Remember, He who made thee, made the brute,

> > > Who gave thee speach and reason, formed him mute;

> > > He can't complain, but God's omnicient eye

> > > Beholds thy cruelty - He hears his cry!

> > > He was designed thy servant; not thy drudge,

> > > But know - That his Creator is thy judge.

> > >

> > > Unknown author from The Ladies' Equestrian Guide, 1857.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Never miss an email again!

> > > Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it

> > out.

> > >

> >

>