It was a wonderful day - a day we've been looking forward to for many
months. Magic, an Arabian stallion that had been abused before
coming to Beauty's Haven, tasted "freedom" for the first time in a LONG
time!
After arriving at Beauty's Haven, he lived in a pen made from round pen panels
attached to a run-in stall and overhang. I worked with him daily
and as time went by, as he progressed in learning to trust, he'd be
rewarded with another panel being added, making his area larger and
larger. It got to the point where there were no more round pen
panels to add!
By this time he'd approach me when I entered into
his area, he'd let me groom him back as far as his withers. He'd
follow me like a shadow. I'd ask him to "go home" and he'd go into
the stall in his run-in. He started accepting treats from others,
even without me being in his pen with him.
One of the FOB's, Bernel Kress, visited our rescue and
learned that we'd had plans to move Magic to a one acre paddock with an
attached run-in as soon as we could after modifying the fence posts,
raising them 12" and installing electric tape.
Bernel put plans in motion to hold a Magic work/play
day at the rescue in order for Magic's new paddock to be prepared and
the reward at the end of the day would be to watch him be turned out
into his new paddock.
A fundraiser started only a few days before the work
day and enough funds were raised for the materials needed for Magic's
paddock and even some extra to put in our Hay Fund!
On Sept 29th, many gathered at the rescue to make
Magic's Day possible. We worked hard pulling weeds, modifying
fencing, installing electrical wire, cleaning cobwebs from stalls, and
doing other chores.
We got to see friends and meet new ones. It was
truly a blessed day and we can't thank everyone enough for their
support.
We had a great lunch, courtesy of Bernel and
her husband. Blodwyn cooked the chicken and ribs which were very
tasty!
Mitch and Kevin worked in the hot sun modifying the
fencing while many others pulled peanut weeds that were taking over the
grass in Magic's new paddock. Ruthie, Bonnie, Barbara, Beth, Lisa,
Susan, Sylvia, Bernel, Blodwyn, and Jenny probably had nightmares about
peanut weeds after this!
Folks helped out where needed - it was a
great example of how much can be accomplished by people working together
for a great cause.
We were all exhausted, but excited, when the paddock
was finished and it was time to move him. Magic was very hesitant when I first opened up the
gate from his pen into his new paddock. He slowly inched his way
into his new digs and walked around, nibbled at the grass and then
started doing the Arabian strut!
He was BEAUTIFUL! After
taking some time to explore his new paddock and learning how to use his legs he started running and jumping around.
We could sense Barbaro and Nick there, running along side of him.
Magic has endured much in his life but he holds
nothing against humans. There isn't a mean bone in his body.
He is afraid but wants to trust. He wants to share
feelings and love - it was obvious. I don't know how long it will
take Magic to trust others enough to let them handle him, but it will
take as long as it takes. We're very proud of the progress he has
made.
There were lots of teary eyes that witnessed what the
feeling of freedom looks like - and the appreciation he showed when he
stopped running for a minute, looked at all of us humans standing along
the fence line watching him, as if to say "Thank You."
A
beautiful stallion running like the wind. Words cannot describe
the way he looked, the way he moved. It was a heart warming
experience. Humans had treated him so badly yet he, like so many
other horses that have been abused and/or neglected, chose to forgive
and is well on his way to learning to trust again.
Since he has been in his new paddock a new Magic is
coming about. He approaches the fence when a human stops by to say
hello instead of turning and walking the other way. He takes
treats from others and is just simply more more at ease.
Our first rescue was an Arabian mare named Beauty.
Her background was similar to Magic's. She is the reason our
rescue got started and she will be with me always. She is my
"heart horse" and we share a wonderful relationship.
Arabians have their own way of communicating, IMO.
They are very loving and intelligent. Sometimes I believe that
they think and reason like humans. They do understand emotions.
On Magic's Day, Beauty's Haven was truly Magic's Kingdom and
we were all in awe of his glory.
Here are most of the wonderful people that helped make
Magic's day a huge success. Thank you to
everyone that helped to make the day possible and a success. |
