She didn’t stand a chance. Her owner considered her…and all the others as only a commodity. He didn’t care that she ended up starving with many other beautifully bred horses, neglected beyond comprehension. We rescued her and her 12 sisters only hours from the truck that was to take them to slaughter bypassing the auction due to their emaciated and skeletal condition. Once rescued and returned to good flesh, we were forced to move the “sisters” out to pasture where we have spent the last few years bringing our girls in for assessment, training and preparation for their second chances. Shasta finally got her chance, and boy were we ever impressed. Her outstanding breeding definitely showed in her lovely temperament, intelligence, and conformation which resembles more sport horse than race horse. Her stride is large, but refined…..her gait smooth and comfortable. Perhaps most impressive and obvious was her willing nature and desire to please. She progressed under saddle quickly and without drama or incident. Somewhere in her short window at the ranch as Shasta’s bud opened and bloomed, so did her relationship with Shona, who had come to us to find her “forever horse”. On Friday, after a sleepless few weeks filled with anticipation, excitement and preparation, Shona took Shasta home. Shasta’s new chapter is beginning, already she is valued and treasured. Her sister Piper, adopted last year knows what it feels like….and now another sister will be brought in from pasture and given the gift of a second chance. For the moment though, we are celebrating Shasta…..and Shona, Congratulations!!!