Second Chance Ranch

Adopted 2008

GentleStone, aka Ben, came into my life in October of 2008. I was searching the web with my mom and came upon the Second Chance Ranch site. Ben, as they say in the movies, had me at hello. The first time I saw his picture, I knew he was the one for me. I filled out the paperwork and waited till I could come out to see him.

Katie and I made arrangements for me and my mom to come out. I had horses all my life and Ben was all I could ever imagine in a horse, he had the kindest eyes, that to this day I swear you can see right into his soul if you take the time.  Katie had one of her helpers ride Ben for me, so I could see him go under saddle. I then rode him and was totally in love.

 We then took most of the afternoon looking at lot of other horses at the ranch. Talking to them, seeing them ridden, walking them around, hearing the stories on them. I returned every weekend for quite a while to see and bond with Ben. I took him for walks, bathed him, hung out brushing him, let him eat grass. My family came out with me and every horse friend I had also came out to see him and the Second Chance Ranch. Katie met me at my vet with Ben for his pre-purchase exam. He passed and even the vet commented on how nice of a horse he is, and told me to let her know if it did not work out.

Ben’s new home is in Shelton, and he loves it. The barn I have him at has lot of activity yet is laid back enough he doesn’t feel any pressure. Since, we had the worst winter I can remember, we have spent a lot of time walking around the farm (in 2 feet of snow) and just getting to know each other. His feet were sore from having the racing shoes on forever then taken off.

Katie found these wonderful boots for him before he came to live with me. He loves his boots. We can go anywhere. I started riding him on Mother’s Day. I had started out slow and worked him in the round pen, then up to the lounge line and finally riding him. We have gone on many trail rides and even took him to the beach with a riding group we belong to. He has taken it all in stride, and I think the fact that I took it so slow with him and let him bond with me, because as I said earlier, he had me at hello!

Katie has been very supportive and helpful in every aspect of Ben’s transition to living with me. I am glad she saw the connection between Ben and I and let us start to develop the bond that I hope will last a lifetime. I have a 6 year old daughter that comes to the barn with me every day, and she rides on Ben (with me leading him) and he takes the cutest baby steps when she is up on him. He is the tallest horse at our barn, so she feels very very special on him. She has started lessons and has to clean Ben’s stall and help out with feeding and watering him to get these lessons. (No, she is not riding Ben, YET, but I fear in a few years I will have to go see Katie for another horse for her).

 I thank God and Katie every day for bringing Ben into my life. He truly is my horsey soul mate.