Debonair, dashing and a benevolent elder gentleman are some of the affectionate ways ‘WillPower’ is described by those who know and love him at Red Bucket.
WillPower’s owner had owned him for a great number of years. When he was down to his last 1⁄2 bag of feed, they decided to put him down instead of continuing to care for this 30-year-old horse. Fortunately, Red Bucket heard about WillPower through a friend, and we were lucky to have him re-routed to the Ranch before he could be euthanized.
When he stepped off of the trailer for the first time, it became obvious to everyone present that WillPower had a shimmer of hope in his beautiful eyes and a kind spirit ready to begin a new lease on life. He was a big, brown and white fuzzball! WillPower seemed so gentle and had lots of life left in him. Sometimes when horses are old, with no teeth, they are ready for retirement…what Willpower showed was that he was ready to help out…and in December he became a mentor to little Petey.
According to Red Bucket team member Linda Rose, “WillPower is the kindest, most benevolent ‘Senior Statesman’ you will ever meet. If he were a human, he would be that charming, impeccably dressed old gentleman who walks in the park every day, tipping his hat politely to passers-by.” Team member Andrea Velarde says of Willpower, “He is such a sweet old man! I am so glad Red Bucket was able to work their magic to keep him here at the Ranch! Over the last few months he has gone from a Woolly Mammoth to the sleek and dashing gentleman he is today.” Andrea says, “I remember going into his stall after he had been groomed…the entire front of it was covered in a fur blanket…you couldn’t even see the shavings!”
Bob Brimer became WillPower’s Guardian. Sandy, Bob’s wife says, “At first Bob and I did not know what to expect. Here was this very large and very hairy older gelding with the sweetest face ever. Thankfully with a ton of currying and brushing he finally shed his winter coat and underneath it all was a very handsome guy!” Sandy continues, “Not long after WillPower came to Red Bucket it was decided that our baby boy donkey Petey should be weaned and that they both could possibly be put together. They certainly did! Willpower dotes on Petey. Bob has seen Willpower hug Petey with his neck and Petey takes WillPower’s fly mask off! One very early morning Bob went to check on them and Petey was asleep in the shavings with WillPower standing watch over him…his watchful protector.
Another Red Bucket team member, Pete Gold says, “I have groomed WillPower, fed him and played with him. He is fun to work with and wants to know everything that is going on when you are with him.” Pete also says that WillPower doesn’t always realize how big he is, so you have to keep an eye on him…he is a Great Horse!”
WillPower has quite the fan club at Red Bucket and according to all of the team members he is kind, gentle, bright-eyed and loving. Andrea says, “It’s wonderful to see him and his little sidekick Petey visiting with their neighbors and enjoying a carefree life at the Ranch the Horses Own!”
“It is such an honor to be able to give this precious old boy the respectful, loving retirement he has earned and so greatly deserves,” says Linda Rose. “And at Red Bucket, ‘retirement’ doesn’t mean feeling bored and useless! WillPower is a treasured mentor to his little charge, Petey, and he takes his duties very seriously! He is fiercely protective, tirelessly patient, and completely devoted to little Petey. Our geriatric residents are treasured and valued for the service they provide to our newly weaned youngsters. They are teachers, mentors, guardians and disciplinarians…but for little Petey, WillPower is simply ‘Pop-Pop’.”
He has endeared himself to us in every way. What an amazing, gentlemanly horse WillPower truly is…such an inspiration to everyone who is lucky enough to meet him!
Story by Johanna Downs