Life with rescue horses is always an adventure. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we welcomed Jesse and Al-Capony into our family. These two wonderful horses came to us from Drifter’s Hearts of Hope, a horse rescue that has given countless horses a second chance at life. Over the past year, our lives have been enriched in ways we never imagined, and I want to share some of our experiences, the joys, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Meeting Jesse and Al-Capony
Bringing home a rescue horse is always a bit of an adventure. Jesse, the kindest and first Quarter Horse I have owned, is a kind and gentle boy. He has a few issues, like a lameness that comes and goes. But he is a wonderful boy.
And then there is Al-Capony, our mischievous and endearing pony. What a character. This pony will steal your heart. He likes to make sure Jesse knows that he’s the boss. And when they are turned out together, Pony, as I typically call him, makes sure that Jesse knows who is in charge.
Al-Capony has a larger-than-life personality and is very animated in the way he presents himself. It’s pretty funny!
These photos were taken the other day when I was working with Jesse. And when I was moving the photos from my phone to my computer, I came across some pictures of when I found them, and then brought them home.
Finding a Horse Rescue
I had heard of Drifter’s Hearts of Hope from a friend. And I wanted a horse that I could ride and work with. Drifter’s was close to me, so I set up an appointment to go meet my potential next horse.
I ended up trying out a horse named Irish. He is so gorgeous. But in the end, he was a little too much horse for me. And we weren’t really a good match. They had talked to me about a horse named ‘Tex’ (Now Jesse). A registered Quarter horse who was retired from being a dude ranch horse for guests.
He seemed like a good horse, but I was worried about his lameness issues. But after I rode him a few times, I knew he was the horse for me.
But at Drfiter’s, they won’t adopt out unless there are 2 horses living together or if a horse is boarded. They don’t want horses to be alone. After all, they are herd animals. So they need a buddy. Enter in ‘Hero’, or Al-Capony as he is now named.
I have never owned a pony. But it seemed the way to go because ponies are small and don’t require as much as a second horse would. So the decision was made to get both Tex, and Hero, and bring them home.
Life with Rescue Horses
I still remember exactly how I felt the morning of going to get the horses. This was so exciting to me! I have not been this excited about anything in such a long time! I literally felt like I could jump out of my skin. It seemed like time was going so slowly! I just wanted to get them home. My sweet friend Lynda, and her husband had kindly offered to help me bring them home.
Life with Rescue Horses
What an exciting day that was! Lynda, her husband, my husband, and I hung out with the horses for hours. I could not believe they were home, and they were mine!
I gave them a day or two to settle in and get used to their new home. And then the rain came. Holy cow, the pens were a muddy mess. It had not rained like that EVER since I had lived in my house. So we got to work adding squeegee rocks to their pens. Which reminds me, I need to get another load of rock. It doesn’t last forever. And Jesse’s pen didn’t get fully completed because 2 tons of rock doesn’t go as far as you think.
Training and Building Trust
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with rescue horses is building trust and watching them blossom. Jesse was a bit wary at first, but with patience and consistent work, he began to show his true potential.
It was pretty funny putting him in English tack for the first time.
He was like, what the heck is this? !? I don’t think he had ever had a noseband over his nose before this. And that did take some time for him to get used too. But guess what, he did. And he got used to the English tack, too. So I got to work with him, being diligent and working with him every day.
He was relaxed and getting better and better with every session. I participated in a riding challenge with Jesse that was put on by Ride for Success. This is the best thing I could have done to help both of us, I think. Ride for Success has a challenge beginning August 1, 2024. I think I want to give it a go again because the Avid Rider Challenge I did was a LOT of fun!
I also want to challenge myself and my horse in an online dressage show in the coming months. It’s been a journey of small steps and big leaps, and doing a ‘show’ with Jesse is a big goal for me.
Life with Rescue Horses
Al-Capony has been an absolute delight. His playful nature keeps us all entertained, and he’s become a favorite among our family and neighbors. They always stop to take a look at the little mischievous pony.
Whether he’s trying to sneak an extra treat or devising creative ways to escape his pen, Al-Capony’s antics never fail to bring a smile to our faces.
The Joy of Rescuing Horses
One of the most profound lessons we’ve learned this past year is the incredible capacity for love and resilience these horses possess. Jesse and Al-Capony have not only adapted to their new home, but they’ve also thrived. They remind us daily of the importance of giving second chances and the transformative power of kindness and care.
Even in the middle of winter.
Consider A Rescue Horse
I can’t express enough how grateful I am for Jesse and Al-Capony. Their presence has brought so much joy and fulfillment into my life. If you’re considering adding a horse to your family, I highly encourage you to explore the option of a rescue.
Organizations like Drifter’s Hearts of Hope do amazing work in rehabilitating and rehoming horses in need. By choosing to adopt, you’re not only giving a horse a second chance, but you’re also opening your heart to an incredibly rewarding experience.
Looking Forward
As I look forward to getting Jesse ready for an upcoming dressage show and more adventures with my two beloved horses, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
This past year has been a beautiful journey of growth, learning, and love. Jesse and Al-Capony have become more than just pets; they are cherished members of our family, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope our story inspires you to consider the joy and fulfillment that comes with rescuing a horse.
Until next time, happy riding!
Horses Speak Without Words: How to Interpret Their Body Language
I enjoyed reading this< Lisa. Glad your new horses are working out well for you!
I loved reading this story about your horse and pony! I have a 12 year old quarter horse mare name Honey. When I found out I was pregnant, we decided it was time to move Honey home! Honey and I are very close and she did very well by herself getting all the attention, but I still wanted to find a companion for her. We thought about goats but I ended up rescuing a 16 year old welsh pony gelding named Stan from the local shelter. Hes a total love bug. I can’t wait to see how he progresses and adapts to his new life with us! I can already tell he’s very mischievous. He needs some training. He does not like when I take Honey out of her pen and has a total panick attack and tries to escape! Any tips would be appreciated! How does your pony do with separation and vise vera?
Thank you!
-Julia
That is so great that brought Stan home! I love the names we come up with for our ponies? SO much fun! I can relate to how Stan does not like it when Honey gets to go out and he doesn’t. Al-Capony is the same. Our pony will work himself into a tizzy if his buddy is out, and Al is locked up. He has figured out how to open the gate of his pen too, so that he doesn’t miss out on anything. I solved that problem with a carabiner.
But what I have found is that I take turns with them. For example, in the morning when I feed them, Jesse gets his breakfast bucket first, and in the evening, Al-Capony gets his first. The same goes for any grooming, they have to take turns. Is this the best solution? Who knows. But it does seem to keep some of the pony antics in check.
The biggest problem I have with the pony is he likes to make sure Jesse knows that the pony is the boss. Al-Capony acts as if he were a stallion. So I’m not sure if he was gelded late, or that’s just a pony thing. But I do have to yell at him a lot to leave Jesse alone. And if all else fails, I go out to the pasture, very calmly with his halter and lead rope and I put him back in his pen – making sure the carabiner is in place. This usually does the trick for a day or two.
And Jesse being a very mellow horse just deals with it, until he has had enough and then he lets the pony know that he is MUCH bigger than the wee little one is. I have turned them out separately as well, but they seem to settle into their routine and do best when they are out together.
But you have got my brain wondering what else is there to do, and I will have to dig a little deeper into it! I wish you the best with your family and your pony! Congratulations on the new human addition to your family as well.