How do you define the word LOVE? The answer became quite clear for a pair of hearts and souls that are now bonded together forever and share what some may call two hearts that almost beat as one. Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time and an instant connection can blossom into something unbelievable, almost like magic! When a strong bond consists of trust, friendship, and teamwork, no goal is unattainable. Those simple building blocks can help to create a beautiful and everlasting love, which can last a lifetime.
Willow is a big bodied and beautiful Irish Thoroughbred horse bred to live her life on the racetrack. Thankfully, she began her new life at Red Bucket with her siblings Finbar, Sampson and Kingston. All of them were in the same boat, an owner who no longer wanted to care for them.
When Shona heard about Red Bucket Equine Rescue, she was curious, not sure if it would be the place she would find that one in a million horse she was seeking. She was given a list of potential horses to look at as prospects, but stopped short when she viewed Willow for the very first time. “I saw Willow and she had the ideal body type and style of my dream horse,” Shona explained. “She was in her stall, looking so kind and relaxed! My initial reaction to her was an instant connection of love!”
When Red Bucket turned Willow out in the arena for Shona to watch, Willow was elated! She ran, jumped and kicked up her heals! She looked both sound and extremely athletic. There was an instant bond between them, and Shona knew that she had to have this special horse!
Willow had come to Red Bucket from the pasture and needed some time to acclimate to the cross-‐ties and being under saddle. But Shona and Willow worked through those first few weeks persistently. Willow consistently proved to be a sound minded, reasonable and kind mare.
Shona mentioned that Willow’s trainer is also very patient. They began their riding partnership in the round pen, eventually graduating to the big arena. Willow was a very hot and springy horse for about three weeks, focusing on the walk and trot. After about a month, she began to do a controlled canter.
Willow and Shona started jumping in June. Willow has never balked at a jump and goes wherever Shona points her. Her training in recent weeks has been learning show jumping and she does great at the 2-‐3 ft. high jumps. Shona believes they will be ready as a team soon to take on a local show! Willow always tries her best and is just so kind and quiet.
Willow is such a lovely minded horse. She tries to do anything she is asked to do with a willing heart and attitude. Shona says, “I could put a child on her and she would be great.” Shona calls Willow her friend, and when on the ground, Willow follows her around like a puppy dog. It is always heart-‐warming for Red Bucket to hear these wonderful success stories of friendship and glory. We love to hear the stories of hope, love and faith that are wonderful reminders of how an adoption can be the best thing to happen to a horse and a new owner. Congratulations to Shona and her lovely horse Willow on many beautiful moments yet to be lived!
Written by: Johanna Downs