We are all too well aware of how relational horses are……having had the multiple humble and stirring experiences of watching the Irish sisters emotionally reunite after several years of separation, having observed with a swell of emotion, the attachment and deep friendship displayed between stable mates, and witnessing two “stranger” horses enthusiastically greet one another, only to learn later that they had known one another years prior on the track. During rounds, we comment on, and discuss regularly the bonds that the horses have for one another….the trappings of surrogate families…the deep and meaningful friendships that they develop and cling to. While we doubt that there is a scientific study that would substantiate our strongly held belief that these relationships are even more present in the abused, the beaten, the abandoned….the rescued, it is our experience that this is true. The healing that we tenderly facilitate during our horses transformations from shattered to “safely home” is woven with love and the rebuilding of life through interaction, touch, and the intimacy of both human and equine relationship. In the celebration of a forever home, there is an often unavoidable loss that is suffered by the stable mate or neighbor that is left behind. When Louise learned that her new little adoptee, Thunder Pants had his very own BFF, a special little donkey named Bruce, she delighted us (and them) in adopting Bruce as well. Sunday afternoon with their new family and friends along for the ride, the two little buddies loaded into the trailer….together…and headed home.