We are struggling to find the words to adequately express our sorrow, loss, and profound grief in losing what is truly one of the best horses that we have ever been privileged to know, love, and serve. Shavers came to us 5 years ago. His family was going to euthanize him…and instead of putting down a healthy horse, the vet, our friend and mentor Dr. Jenn Winnick, offered another solution…rescue. Shavers arrived and quickly embraced a life of l…ove and dignity, and in turn our Red Bucket family embraced him with a collective and unconditional love. Shavers was the first horse that most of our volunteers learned to groom and lead. He was so gentle and kind that even when it caused him pain, he would hold his hooves up patiently and allow the novice handler to pick them….and then with great care and an abundance of caution, he would carefully place his foot down, careful to avoid stepping on a foot. Shavers has left an indelible and lasting mark on our lives; we are forever changed by having known and loved him. While those of us who loved him think that he was perfect…and he was…he also had a mind of his own. In the spirit of full disclosure to our many friends in Huntington Beach: On Midway delivery days, Shavers would sparkle, puff up and drop his shoulder, launching himself and his handler into every bale of hay in the barn aisle, leaving every bale missing the corners. There wasn’t enough brute strength to prevent the carnage nor restraint to muffle the exasperated laughing that weakened us in handling one very determined little horse. Shavers knew that we would not discipline him, and was perfectly aware that our half-hearted and feeble corrections were just another way of loving him. Shavers lived knowing that we loved him. This morning, Shavers died peacefully in our arms knowing that he was loved, wanted, and that he belonged….to all of us.